Who Roland is
Roland serves his uncle Charlemagne, the emperor of the Franks, during the war in Spain. He distrusts King Marsile's offer of peace and urges the Franks to take Saragossa instead.
When the army begins its journey home, Roland accepts command of the rear guard. He refuses Charlemagne's offer of half the army and takes twenty thousand men.
What Roland wants
Roland values glory and his lord's honour, believing that a knight must not show fear. When Oliver urges him to sound his horn, he sees the request as a threat to his family's honour. He would rather fight with Durendal than call the emperor back to help.
Roland and the others in the story
Oliver is Roland's closest friend, and both men are brave and loyal to Charlemagne. Their disagreement concerns what loyalty demands, personal courage or careful protection of the men they command.
Ganelon is Roland's stepfather, whom Roland proposes as the emperor's envoy to Marsile. Ganelon treats the nomination as an attempt to have him killed, and his anger grows into plans for revenge.
Questions
Who is Roland in The Song of Roland?
Roland is a bold Frankish knight, Charlemagne's nephew, and commander of the rear guard.
Why does Roland refuse to blow his horn?
He believes calling for help would disgrace his family and France. Oliver sees the danger differently and urges him to summon Charlemagne.
What is Roland's sword called?
His sword is Durendal, which holds relics in its golden hilt.
