The Song Of Roland (Part 1)

For seven years, Charlemagne has made war in Spain against the ____________.

He has conquered the entire country, except for the stronghold of ____________, which is held by the pagan King Marsile.

Seeing that defeat is inevitable, ,_____________ in repose in his garden, calls an assembly of 20,000 men to ask their advice.

Only the lord _____________ speaks up, and he offers a plan of treachery. Marsile should sue for peace, offering to be Charlemagne's tribute-giving vassal and to be baptized as a Christian in Charlemagne's capital, Aix. To guarantee good behavior, they will offer their own sons as hostages.

Charlemagne will leave Spain, to await _________ in Aix. But neither the promised treasure nor _________ will arrive. Although the French king will then kill the hostages, the military threat will be over. The Saracens unanimously approve of this plan, and _________ sends "ten of his most treacherous men" (l. 69) to act as emissaries.

Charles, having just conquered the city of _________, is resting in a garden, surrounded by some of his vassals. Marsile's emissaries, led by Blancandrin, approach bearing olive branches and a gift of ten white mules

__________ gives Charles Marsile's offer. Charles considers carefully: although he does not exactly trust Marsile, he has been in Spain for seven years and is an old man. He calls his vassals to discuss the proposal. Roland, one of Charlemagne's twelve peers and the most beloved of Charlemagne's vassals, urges the king to refuse the offer. Marsile has proved treacherous in the past; he sued for peace on a previous occasion, but when Charlemagne sent two trusted emissaries Marsile had them beheaded.

___________, Roland's stepfather, speaks next. He brutally criticizes Roland's advice, characterizing it as foolhardy and uncaring about the Christians who will die if the war continues.

A wise duke named __________ speaks next, in more measured tones: since Marsile is in effect already defeated, and is now begging for mercy, it would be sinful to proceed. Charles asks whom they shall send as the emissary. Duke ___________ immediately volunteers, but Charlemagne cannot spare him. He needs the trusted councilor by his side.

Roland volunteers, but his friend ________, another one of the twelve peers, voices disapproval, because Roland is far too hotheaded for the job. ________ volunteers. Charlemagne again vetoes these proposals, saying he cannot spare any of the twelve peers. The warrior-archbishop Turpin volunteers next, and is likewise shot down.

Roland nominates Ganelon, who is furious, and believes that Roland wants him to do. He threatens Roland, but Roland coldly dismisses the threat and says that he only sought a wise emissary. He offers to go in Ganelon's place, which makes Ganelon angrier. Ganelon accepts the task, certain that he will die. He tells Charlemagne that he hates Roland, and he also hates Oliver and the rest of the twelve peers because they love Roland. Charlemagne rebukes him, insists on him going, and invests authority in him by giving him his ___________ . But Ganelon drops the glove, which the rest of the Franks take as an evil premonition.

Blessed by Charlemagne, Ganelon departs with staff and letter in tow. During the journey, he talks to ______________, and the two villains plot Roland's death. Ganelon and __________ go before Marsile, who is seated outdoors and surrounded by opulence. The meeting gets off to a rocky start, as Ganelon tells Marsile that if he does not comply with Charles demands, he will be captured and executed. Marsile is furious, and moves to strike Ganelon, but he is restrained. Ganelon holds his ground, impressing the Saracens.

Marsile reads Charlemagne's letter aloud. Charlemagne bids him to remember _____________, the executed Frankish emissaries, and says that if he wishes to redeem his life, he should send his uncle the caliph. Marsile's son demands the right to kill Ganelon for his insolence; Ganelon brandishes his sword, ready to fight. But Marsile goes into private council in his garden, where Blancandrin tells him that Ganelon is willing to help them. They summon Ganelon into the garden, and begin to plot Roland's death.

Roland's sword __________.

_____________ offers penatance.

Marsile's nephew, _____________, insults the Franks, and an angry Roland immediately dispatches him for it.