The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland is the oldest major work of French literature. It is a form of epic poem called a "song of deeds." The Song of Roland is about the death of Roland, one of Charlemagne's generals, and his troops. It was written in the twelfth century AD and is set in AD 778. Because The Song of Roland was written around the time of the First Crusade, many claim it was used as propaganda to recruit people to fight the Moslems. However, others say that the horrifying way in which it depicts war would not motivate anyone to go to battle.

## External links[edit]

* Free online translation