Sections LXXXIX-CIV
Archbishop Turpin absolves the Franks; battle begins with single champions striking down pagan leaders.
11 argumentative units
- 01Archbishop Turpin's sermon motivating the Franks
Turpin calls the Franks to battle, reminding them they fight for their King Charles and Christendom, and promises divine absolution and martyrdom in paradise for those who die in this sacred cause.
- 02The Franks receive absolution and arm for battle
The Franks dismount, receive the Archbishop's blessing and absolution, then remount and prepare themselves for combat according to knightly custom.
- 03Roland and Oliver speak of Ganelon's betrayal
Roland addresses Oliver, naming Ganelon's treachery as the cause of their predicament and vowing that King Marsilius will pay the price for attempting to buy their lives cheaply.
- 04Roland rides forward in noble bearing
Roland advances toward the Spanish pass on his steed Veillantif, armed and bearing his white banner, presenting himself as the worthy leader and warrant for the Franks to follow.
- 05Roland exhorts the Franks to noble combat
Roland courteously addresses the barons, urging them to maintain their pace and promising that the martyrdom of battle will bring noble and fair reward surpassing any Frankish king's previous victories.
- 06Oliver rejects sounding the horn for reinforcement
Oliver declares that sounding the olifant is pointless since Charlemagne cannot return to aid them, and instead urges the Franks to fight with steady resolve and strike strong blows.
- 07The Franks rally and advance toward the pagans
The Franks cry out 'Monjoie,' the rallying cry of Charles, spur their horses forward with pride, and advance to strike the Sarrazins, who stand unafraid.
- 08Marsilius's nephew Aelroth taunts the Franks
Aelroth rides before the pagan host and insults the Franks, accusing Charlemagne of abandoning them and predicting the loss of France's fame and Charles's power.
- 09Roland kills Aelroth with a mighty spear thrust
Roland, enraged by Aelroth's taunts, spurs his horse and strikes him with overwhelming force, cleaving through armor and body, then hurls the corpse from his spear and replies with a defiant counter-claim.
- 10Duke Falfarun vows to seize France's honor
Falfarun, Marsilius's brother and lord of their lands, seeing his nephew dead, charges forward and declares the pagans will take the glory of France.
- 11Oliver kills Falfarun and silences his threats
Oliver, angered by Falfarun's boast, spurs his horse and strikes the pagan down with a mighty blow, then declares he has silenced the miscreant's threats and urges the Franks onward with a cry of 'Monjoie.'