Sections LXXXIX-CIV

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.

The Franks dismount, receive the Archbishop's blessing and absolution, then remount and prepare themselves for combat according to knightly custom.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'