KARLAMAGNUS SAGA OK KAPPA HANS
STORY OF CHARLEMAGNE AND HIS KNIGHTS
13th Century Old Norse Anthology of Chansons De Geste
Modern Danish Summary by C.R. Unger 1860
Modern English Summary by Nol Drek 2024
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 1 – THE STORY OF BASIN THE THIEF AND THE EARLY YEARS OF CHARLEMAGNE
(1)
Pepin the Short was king of France, he was married to Bertha Bigfoot and
they had three children together, a son named Charles, an older daughter
named Gilem, and a younger daughter named Belisent. At the death of King
Pepin, his son Charles is thirty-two years old. Several of his father's
knights now plot against his life, but God, who had destined him for an
excellent lot in the world, sends an angel to reveal his impending
danger to him. He now flees with his advisors to a faithful knight named
Thierry in Ardennes, who also sends for Charles' sisters to place them
under his protection. Thierry also fetches two other maidens, Adein the
daughter of Duke Huidelon, and Beatrix the daughter of Earl Otton. At
night, an angel of God appears to Charles again and tells him to fetch
the thief Basin in order to set out to steal together with him, as he
thereby would be enabled to save his life and win his kingdom. Basin
comes and Charles advises Thierry and his wise couselor Naimon to take
care of his sisters while he himself is gone. Duke Naimon is a son of
Duke Huidelon.
(2)
Charles and Basin now set off followed by Naimon and Thierry. On the
way, Naimon instructs Basin not to call Charles by his proper name but
to call him "Magnus" to avoid the attention of his enemies. They now
separate and Charles and Basin go through the middle of Ardennes and
come to the city of Tongres where Earl Ranfroi has his castle. At night
they ride there. Magnus stays behind with the horses while Basin goes
into the earl's hall and steals a chest of gold, silver, and good
clothes. He brings all this out to his comrade Magnus and wants them to
leave. Magnus protests against this as he hopes to learn how to steal,
and Basin offers to go back with him to give him some instruction in the
art of thieving. Having hidden their horses, they went into the hall.
Charles hides behind the bed-hangings in Earl Ranfroi's bedchamber.
Basin goes to the stable to steal the earl's horse. The horse makes so
much noise that earl Ranfroi wakes up. The earl orders his horseman to
look in the stable but he discovers nothing as Basin has laid down on a
beam above the horse out of sight. Everyone in the house falls asleep
again, except for Ranfroi and his wife. Charles, still hiding in the
bedchamber, overhears a conversation between Ranfroi and his wife, in
which he reveals to her a conspiracy against Charles' life. He and his
eleven co-conspirators had twelve double-edged knives made of the
hardest steel with which they plan to attack and kill Charles and all
his men in the city of Aachen, where he will be staying during Yule on
the occasion of his coronation. After the deed is completed, Ranfroi
will allow himself to be anointed king in Tongres. The earl's wife
admonishes him to desist from this intention but to no avail. However,
she gets to know the names of all the co-conspirators: Heudri brother of
Ranfroi, Annzeals of Hoenborg, Isenbard of Trier, Segbert of Salzburg,
Tankemar of Venso and his brother Tamer, Ingelrafn of Rodenborg, Roger
of Orléans, Folkvard of Pierrepont, Rezer of Irikun, and Vadalin of
Brittany. Ranfroi himself will be emperor in Rome and his brother Heudri
will be a duke. The plan is that everyone, each with his knife hidden in
his sleeve, should force his way into Charles' bedchamber and so fall on
him all at once. When his wife bursts out in lamentation over their evil
intentions and this death so unworthy of Charles, the earl is roused and
beats her in the face until it bleeds. She bends over the bed so as not
to bleed on the bed-clothes and Charles collects the blood in his right
glove. When everyone has gone back to sleep, Basin descends from the
beam and comes to the earl's bed, takes his sword, and calls Magnus to
come with him. Basin now tries again to put saddle and bit on the horse
but the horse snorts and is restless again. But when Magnus puts the
saddle on the horse, it stands still like a wall. Charles now mounts the
horse.
(3)
Then they went to their own horses and tied all the goods on Basin's
horse. Magnus rides on the earl's horse, but Basin rides on the one
Charles had used. They go to the house of a poor man and here the angel
of God appears again to Magnus in his sleep and orders him to go to
comfort his mother and his sisters and also informs him that his mother,
Queen Bertha, is pregnant and will give birth to a daughter, conceived
before the death of Pepin, who will be called Adaliz. He immediately
wakes up and rides with Basin to Poitiers. He is well received by his
mother and introduces Basin to her as his best friend. In the course of
the conversation, Basin calls him Magnus and his mother expresses her
surprise at this. He tells her that the name is because of his enemies
who want to betray him. When asked how he discovered this, he replies
that it happened by the mercy of God, for his angel commanded him to
steal together with Basin the Thief. In her dismay, she asks if he is a
Christian. He replies that he is baptized but not confirmed. When she
hears this, she immediately sends messengers to Trier to summon
Archbishop Rozer. The queen announces that she has picked him to confirm
her son Charles and change his name. The archbishop puts on his robes
and then asks if he should be called Charles. The queen says that this
is his baptismal name, but that he and Basin have changed his name and
he is now called Magnus. The archbishop then declares that he should now
be called Karlamagnus (Charlemagne) and confirms him with this name.
(4)
Charlemagne consults with Archbishop Rozer and Queen Bertha and tells
them the whole story and the archbishop writes a letter in which the
names of the conspirators are recorded: Ranfroi and Heudri, Annzeals and
Isenbard, Segbert, Tankemar and Tamer, Ingelrafn and Roger, Folkvard,
Rezer, and Vadalin. Charlemagne seals the letter with Naimon's ring, and
the letter is delivered to Naimon and Thierry by the queen's messenger
Jadunet. Naimon reads the letter and is surprised that these men want to
betray the king's son.
(5)
Naimon and Thierry now ride to Poitiers and consult together with
Charles, Archbishop Rozer, and the queen about what arrangements should
be made for Charles to rule after his father. The archbishop advises him
to send a message to Duke Huidelon of Bavaria, Naimon's father, and to
Earl Otton, and offers to go to Prumensborg after them. The duke and the
earl were worried that Charles, his sisters, and their daughters were
all in danger, and they rejoiced to hear from Charles. They all hastened
back to Poitiers, where they were received most heartily.
(6)
Charles now informs them that his baptism had been confirmed and that
his name is now Charlemagne and recommends Basin to their friendship.
Prompted by Naimon, the archbishop now reads the letter and names all
the traitors. Everyone is astonished at this and Charles must now again
tell the way in which he discovered their plot while stealing with
Basin. He explains to his friends the plan that has been laid to kill
him with twelve knives at his coronation in Aachen, and that Ranfroi
plans to make himself king of France. As evidence, he has with him the
blood in his glove and the horse that he took from Ranfroi. Basin now
advises that all the chiefs in Charles's kingdom should be called
together. This advice is found to be good. Archbishop Rozer is to be
sent to Rome to summon Pope Milon and the lords of Rome to come to
Aachen on Pentecost with people and weapons as for a seven-year war.
Charlemagne sends Basin to summon Geddon of Brittany, Hoël of Nantes,
Richard the Old of Normandy, Raimbaud the Frisian, Herfe of Cologne,
Raimond of Toulouse, Girard the Old of Roussillon, Engelier of Gascony,
Ivoire and Ivon, Beuvon the Beardless, and many other lords, including
Ranfroi, Heudri, and the rest of the twelve traitors.
(7)
Charlemagne now has the archbishop write a letter naming all these men
so that Pope Milon will come with archbishops, bishops, and all the men
of Rome. If the Pope helps him, then Charlemagne will give gifts to
impoverished churches and will appoint men of the Pope's choosing to
lead the church of France. The archbishop prepares the letters to those
who were to be summoned and sets the time for the second day of
Pentecost. Jadunet is sent to Cologne by Queen Bertha with a letter to
Archbishop Frere and his brother Duke Herfe, who are requested to rush
to Poitiers with two thousand men as soon as possible. Archbishop Frere
and Duke Herfe decide to set off with three thousand men instead of two.
The duke takes forty landed nobles with him, each of whom has a hawk or
a falcon, and several hunting dogs. The duke brings fifteen hundred
knights with their servants, ten bowmen, all his hunters with their
dogs, and jongleurs to entertain the troops. The archbishop brings two
bishops, five abbots, fifteen clerics, and fifteen hundred knights and
all their servants. Archbishop Rozer is sent to Rome, Basin to Brittany,
and Girard of Numaia to Saxony and Flanders with the king's letters.
(8)
Duke Herfe and Archbishop Frere and their retinue present themselves to
Charlemagne and Queen Bertha the morning after their arrival at Poitiers
and are received with goodwill by them. Archbishop Frere, Duke Herfe,
Hatun, Huidelon, Naimon, Thierry, Bishop Viljhalm of Mystur, Bishop
Valter of Nasten, and all of their followers went into the hall with
Charlemagne and Queen Bertha, and they swore fealty to Charlemagne. Then
Queen Bertha takes her son Charlemagne into a private room and tells him
that in the half of a month since the death of King Pepin she has not
been well, and she does not know what the reason could be. Charlemagne
comforts her with the revelation that an angel of God came to him and
told him that she will have a daughter whose name will be Adaliz. They
share this news with their followers and they all express their joy and
enthusiasm at this information.
(9)
Charles now tells the new arrivals his difficulties. Bishop Valter asks
how he knows about the traitors and Charlemagne tells him that he
overheard Ranfroi's plans himself, while he and Basin were hidden in his
bedchamber, that he has the blood of Ranfroi's wife in his glove to
prove it, and that Thierry has the horse he took from Duke Ranfroi in
his custody. Duke Herfe advises him to summon his army and Charlemagne
says that he has already done so, sending Archbishop Rozer to Rome,
Basin to Brittany, and Girard to Saxony and Flanders. When Archbishop
Frere asks how he could trust Basin the Thief, Naimon replies that Basin
is an experienced and capable man to whom Charles owes the discovery of
the treason.
(10)
Duke Herfe advises Charlemagne to fortify Aachen. Charles asks his
mother Bertha to accompany him and the court prepares to set off on the
third day. Thierry gives Charlemagne's horse to his brother Rodbert who
takes care of it and hides it away. Earl Hatun and Huidelon summon their
men and each of them brings three hundred knights. Charlemagne enters
Ardensborg where he is reunited with his sisters and he entrusts his
sister Gilem to safeguard the glove with the blood. In the morning,
after hearing mass, Charles sends Naimon and Thierry ahead of him to
Aachen to arrange everything for his reception.
(11)
Charlemagne now arrives in Aachen with ten thousand knights. After
hunting around in the area, he has three hundred craftsmen brought in.
He now has all the pear trees that are found cut down and uses the
timber to build a large hall near the water, a church in the forest, a
large castle, and army quarters for his powerful men. The church is
built and consecrated by Archbishop Frere. Then the archbishop blesses
the place where the hall is to stand and he also blesses the wood and
the water.
(12)
A multitude of workers are now gathered in Aachen and there is so much
stone and timber that everyone has enough to work with. The church is
built of marble and the roof is covered with brass, silver, and lead,
and gilding is placed in many places. The hall seems somewhat limited in
terms of space, so Charles prays to God to let it grow so that he can
have enough room for all of his men, and this prayer is fulfilled. He
has the workers build twelve magnificent inns and he orders them to make
cold and hot baths in a lovely grassy valley. He pays the workers well
for their fine work.
(13)
When Ranfroi and his brother Heudri hear about the construction Charles
is doing in Aachen, they go there out of curiosity with one hundred men.
They ride to Charlemagne's pavilion, he greets them, and they pledge to
be his vassals. He then invites them to attend his coronation on the day
of Pentecost and they return home.
(14)
Meanwhile, the time comes for Queen Bertha to give birth to her daughter
whom the archbishop christens with the name Adaliz.
(15)
Archbishop Rozer now arrives in Rome and hands over his letters to the
Pope and reports to him how things stand with Charlemagne. The Pope is
to come and he also sends messages and letters to his subjects that they
should meet in Aachen at Pentecost. The Pope sends six thousand knights,
bishops, abbots, cardinals, and archbishops to Aachen ahead of him. Then
Archbishop Rozer prepared to depart after receiving the Pope's blessing.
(16)
Basin arrives in Brittany on his errand and delivers the letter from the
king and queen to Geddon of Brittany. Geddon prepares to bring seven
earls, the archbishop, twelve bishops, and fifteen thousand knights.
Basin then travels to lord Godfrei in France, where the chieftains
prepare to join Charlemagne, all except Varner of Pierrepont, Rezer of
Irikun, and Vadalin of Brittany.
(17)
Girard of Numaia comes to Flanders and finds Baldvin in Arrazborg and
gives him the letter from Charlemagne and the queen, asking him to come
to the coronation. Baldvin agrees to come with three bishops, ten
abbots, and fifty thousand knights. Baldvin is married to King Pepin's
sister, Charlemagne is his wife's nephew, and he has two sons named
Arnulf and Baldvin. Baldvin sends letters to several other knights to
appear in Aachen at the same time. Then Girard goes with his letters to
Saxony, returns home to Numaia, and journeys to Aachen with twenty
thousand knights. In total, four hundred thousand knights are gathered
in Aachen.
(18)
A man, Eim of Galicia, also goes to Aachen to witness the coronation and
meets Raimbaud the Frisian on his way. These engage in a joust with each
other, then swear brotherhood and go together to Aachen, where they
enjoy a hospitable reception. Charlemagne sends them to Naimon and
Thierry and they find good lodgings for them.
(19)
Pope Milon arrives in Aachen with the men of Vaskunia and all the men of
Rome. Geddon of Brittany, Baldvin Serens with the Flemings and Saxons,
and Richard the Old of Normandy arrive in Aachen and they have their
quarters directed by Naimon. Ranfroi, Heudri, and the rest of the twelve
conspirators arrive with one hundred thousand knights, planning to
betray the king.
(20)
Sufficient provisions are now brought to the camp. Charlemagne has a
large eagle placed on his hall as a sign that Valland is supreme in the
empire. Each lord is lodged in one of the twelve inns that Charlemagne
built for them, Queen Bertha, Duke Herfe of Cologne, Huidelon of
Bavaria, Hatun of Alemannia, Baldvin Serens, King Dreia of Poitiers,
Geddon of Brittany, Geofrey of Anjou, Richard the Old of Normandy,
Archbishop Rozer, Pope Milon, and Charlemagne himself in the great hall
with Naimon, Thierry, Raimbaud the Frisian, Eim of Galicia, and Girard
of Numaia. Charlemagne has a pile of iron and steel melted together in
the yard to be used to test the swords on. He then gives orders to his
men to guard the hall and not to allow any access without his
permission. Now he brings to him Pope Milon and the highest chiefs who
are received with kindness by Charles and Queen Bertha.
(21)
Charlemagne informs them about the murder plan against him and how it
was discovered. Geofrey of Anjou says that Naimon should lead each of
the traitors by the hand into a private room and take away their knives.
Charles next lets all the people know that the coronation is scheduled
for the following morning and let peace be established between all men.
He orders that whoever steals or commits other evil shall be hanged or
lose his head, however noble he may be. They all swore oaths to keep the
peace.
(22)
The next morning, Charlemagne is knighted by King Dreia of Poitiers, who
dresses him in armor and girds him with his sword. When he had then
mounted a large Arabian horse, everyone thought that he looked splendid
on his horse, and they thanked God that such a small man as King Pepin
should have had such a large son as Charlemagne. After this, King Dreia
dubbed one hundred other young men as knights. Geofrey of Anjou is
chosen to guard Charlemagne's battle standard. Queen Bertha makes Naimon
a Duke. The Pope Milon consecrates the crown of France and the royal
robes and escorts Charlemagne into the church with Richard of Normandy
and Hugi of Paris beside him.
Pope Milon leads the coronation ceremony and says, "I bid you all in the
name of God, the Holy Ghost, and the Virgin Mary, to obey Charlemagne as
the rightful emperor of the world."
The Pope blesses everyone and absolves them of all their sins. When the
mass is over, Charlemagne goes to table, has a festive meal, sets guards
to watch the hall, and then goes to rest.
(23)
Charlemagne's men are ready to capture each conspirator as they come
forward one by one, planning to stab Charles with their concealed
knives. Ranfroi and Heudri are captured by Naimon and Macaire, Isenbard
and Annzeals are captured by Thierry and Basin, Segbert and Tankemar are
captured by Raimbaud and Eim, Tamer and Ingelrafn are captured by
Huidelon and Hatun, Rezer of Irikun and Folkvard are captured by Duke
Herfe and Girard, and Roger of Orléans and Vadalin are captured by
Baldvin and Vinant. The double-edged knives are taken from the sleeves
of the traitors. Ranfroi must finally confess when the glove with the
blood and his horse are brought forward as evidence. They are now all
thrown into prison together with their people.
(24)
The next day, Charlemagne attends a mass which is led by Giles of
Provence. Charlemagne consults with his chief lords about the fate of
the traitors and sentences them to be hanged. However, because of
Ranfroi's wife, they are punished with beheading instead of hanging.
Naimon advises him to put the traitors' men under guard.
(25)
Charlemagne now calls Basin and gives him Tungr, Ranfroi's widow to be
his wife, and Ranfroi's lands and title. He gives Trier to Archbishop
Rozer and the Pope himself thanks him for his gifts to the church. He
gives Naimon Würzburg, Salzburg, and twenty thousand knights. Naimon is
joined by his father Huidelon, Earl Hatun of Alemannia, Raimbaud the
Frisian, Eim of Galicia, Earl Basin, Dreia, and three hundred knights.
Charlemagne agrees to build three castles for Naimon between the Meuse
River and the Ardennes Forest. The castle will be named after Naimon and
will be called Namrus. The traitors' subjects are set free as innocent
in the conspiracy and swear allegiance to the king.
(26)
Raimbaud of Frisia gets the king's sister Belisent in marriage and is
granted the properties that the traitors Tangemar and Tamer held. The
Pope entrusts Charlemagne with several clerics, among these are Giles
who was a legate in Rome and Turpin, brother of Earl Hatun, who becomes
the king's chancellor. The King establishes a monastery and nunnery and
equips both abundantly. He now names twenty men whom he wants to stay
with him, Beuvon the Beardless, Ivoire and Ivon, Engelier of Gascony,
Bérenger, Haton, Gérin and Gérer, Sanson, Anséis, Gautier of Terins,
Akard of Mesines, Hoël of Nantes, Geofrey of Orléans, Hatun of
Kampaneis, Ganelon of Kastelandum, Arnald of Bilanda, Beirard of
Pedvers, Odun of Marke, and Vaker of Kornelia. These twenty men form his
personal guard, for they are all good warriors. He chooses Huidelon,
Naimon, Hatun, Raimbaud the Frisian, Turpin, and Giles as his advisors.
He has a total of seven hundred knights and servants with him daily. He
makes Rodbert, brother of Thierry, his stable master.
(27)
He then orders all the lords to keep peace in his kingdom and informs
the Pope that in a year he will be in Rome to be consecrated as emperor.
He thanks everyone for their presence and gives them leave to return
home. The Pope blesses them all and instructs them to obey Charlemagne,
and then they all go home to their own lands. Charlemagne stay behind to
oversee the building of his church. Naimon went to his lands to
strengthen his castle, Eim of Galicia went to Irikun with his army, and
Duke Hugi of Paris left with Eim to return to his land.
(28)
Varner of Pierrepont, brother of one of the traitors, rises up against
the king. He seizes Pierrepont, Orléans, Brittany, and Irikun, and plans
to rule all these cities without submitting to the king.
(29)
Eim of Galicia, who was given the lordship over Irikun, sends men to
Varner with a request to submit to the king. Varner is angry and he
sends Eim a letter in which he declares Charlemagne's coronation as
unjust and calls him a thief and wants to prove this in a duel against
Eim or Raimbaud of Frisia. Raimbaud is given permission from Charlemagne
to meet Varner in a duel. Raimbaud, Eim, and Turpin ride to Duke Naimon
and tell him about the duel. Naimon decides to accompany them with seven
thousand knights to secure them against treachery. They go to Irikun
where they stay during the night.
(30)
In the morning, Naimon sends Girard of Numaia and some messengers to
Varner with an invitation to pay tribute to the king in Aachen,
otherwise he will lose his life. Varner is angry and threatens to stab
the eyes out of any others who are sent to him with a similar message.
However, he declares himself willing to fight a duel against Raimbaud to
prove his claim that the king is a thief. They will meet on Tuesday.
Girard of Numaia returns to the others with this reply.
(31)
Raimbaud gets up early Tuesday morning, goes to confession, and receives
the sacrament. Turpin asks him to fight for Charlemagne and then leads
the mass. Raimbaud rides to a wood that is four miles from Irikun, where
he puts on his armor with the help of Turpin, Naimon, Eim, and Girard.
He mounts a white horse, all his weapons are white, and likewise he
himself. Naimon rides into the woods nearby and hides from view.
(32)
Varner also goes to confession. His horse and weapons are black. He
rides against Raimbaud and mockingly declares that he will reconcile
with the king on the condition that he get to keep his lands, plus the
lands he has siezed in Pierrepont, Orléans, and Brittany.
Raimbaud says, "You speak foolishly. You called the king a thief and
asked for this duel. I am Charleamgne's champion and we will fight,
unless you go to Aachen, submit to him, and beg him for forgiveness."
Varner answers with scorn and the fight begins. In the first pass,
Varner knocks Raimbaud from his horse. Raimbaud pierces Varner's thigh
with his spear, draws his sword, knocks him from his horse, and then
stabs him through the heart, killing him. Girard carried away his
shield, spear, and horse while Naimon took Varner's dead body to
Charlemagne in Aachen, who thanked God for this outcome. Charles gives
Varner's widow to Eim in marriage and bestows Varner's possessions on
him, including the lands of Irikun, Pierrepont, and Galicia. The wedding
takes place in Aachen. King Charlemagne then goes to Orléans to receive
tribute. He sends Naimon to seize Amiens and to have the inhabitants
swear an oath of fealty to the king.
(33)
When the king returns to Aachen, Queen Bertha is ill and she dies eight
days later. Naimon returned home and he and the king were saddened by
her death. She is brought to Ariesborg and buried in the church floor
next to the grave of King Pepin. Raimbaud now goes to Frisia with his
wife, Belisent.
(34)
Beuvon the Beardless of Vienne now comes to the king with his son Girard
who is knighted. Beuvon then sets off at the king's request with Otton
of Spolia on the way to Rome to prepare for his coronation. On the way
home Beuvon falls ill and dies. The king instructs Vinant of Lamburg to
take care of his sister Adaliz's education, and his other sister Gilem
is entrusted to Macaire.
(35)
Charlemagne now goes to Saint Peter's church in Rome and is crowned
there. The Pope places the crown on Charlemagne's head. King Hatun of
Spolia and Kind Dreia of Poitiers attend him. The Duke of Brittany and
the Duke of Bavaria walk beside him and lead him to sit in the chair of
Saint Peter the apostle. When the ceremony is completed, word comes that
Beuvon of Vienne is dead and likewise the archbishop of Reims and the
bishop of Miliens. He now gives Vienne to Beuvon's son Girard and gives
him Ermengerd, daughter of Varner of Muntasaragia, in marriage. Girard
now goes with his wife to Vienne.
(36)
The king now gives his chaplain Turpin the archbishop's chair in Reims
and his scribe Rikard the bishop's chair in Miliens. The king now comes
back to Aachen and has impermissible intercourse with his sister Gilem.
Later he confesses to the abbot Giles about all his sins, except this
one. While Giles is singing mass, the angel Gabriel comes and puts a
note on the paten which says that the king slept with his sister, in
seven months his sister will give birth to the king's son who will be
named Roland, and that his sister should be given in marriage to Milo of
Anglante. Giles takes the note and steps forward to the king and reads
it to him. The king kneels down and confesses and later does what the
letter commands, marrying his sister to Milo and making him duke of
Britanny. Seven months later the boy is born and at his baptism he is
named Roland. An abbot takes care of his upbringing and provides him
with four nurses.
When Roland is seven years old, he is brought to Charlemagne. The king
sees that he is tall and handsome and asks him, "Do you know me?"
Roland answers, "I know you, sir. You are my maternal uncle."
Charlemagne laughs and appoints Dreia and Girard of Numaia to be his
guardians.
Naimon requests that Roland be brought to his residence often, saying,
"I am his tutor."
(37)
The king now sets out for Orléans, and Roland follows him along with his
two guardians. The king also sends for his brother-in-law Milo and his
sister Gilem. They come to court and see Roland who they both long for,
as he is their only child. Roland is now brought in by his guardians,
wearing a coat of fine buckskin, a shirt of the best canvas, and with
cordovan leather shoes decorated with figures of lions. Dreia and Girard
lead Roland, followed by forty sons of distinguished men who are
Roland's companions. Roland sits for a feast with Charlemagne, Gilem,
and Milo. Milo and Gilem ask for and are granted permission to take
Roland home to Britanny, together with forty young men, sons of the most
powerful men in France. When Milo came home to Anglante with Gilem and
Roland, there was a great celebration and Roland was given great honor.
Charlemagne returns to Aachen.
(38)
Girard of Vienne now rebels against the king and commits all imaginable
violations. The king summons him if he wants to keep the kingdom and his
life.
When this message came to Girard, he answered, "My father held Vienne,
and he inherited it from his brother Gundeblif, who won it from the
pagans. It never came into the king's possession and he will not have it
now. My family has ruled it for thirty years."
The king bitterly gathers seven thousand men and besieges Vienne, so
that no one can come in or out of the city. Charlemagne keeps the peace
among his army and forbids anyone to engage in battle without his
permission. Duke Milo now makes his son Roland a knight, as well as the
forty young men who follow him. Roland is so small that he has to hang
the sword around his neck. The king sends him off with his forty knights
and advises them to seek quarters and advice from Naimon. They arrive at
Vienne at noon.
(39)
A knight comes out of the city. Roland arms himself and rides to meet
him. After a conversation, it turns out that the knight is Bernard of
Averna, a cousin of Girard. It comes to a fight between them, which ends
with Bernard being overcome and having to ask for mercy. They now both
ride to the tent where Naimon comes and makes Roland aware that
Charlemagne has forbidden anyone to engage in battle without his bidding
and that the violation of this command would cost his life. Naimon
nevertheless procures him forgiveness from the king, who sentences
Roland to have his nails cut off. After Naimon cuts off Roland's nails,
the king forgives him. Bernard submits to Charlemagne, who pardons him,
makes him earl of Averna, and orders him to join Roland's band of
knights.
(40)
Vienne is now besieged for seven years. Roland organizes a knight's
game, he erects a tree on which he hangs a shield and against this he
lets his men ride with lances. Roland has ten thousand French knights
under his command around the walls of Vienne. Girard and his nephew
Oliver ride out of Vienne with ten thousand knights, they disturb this
game, and a battle ensues in which Oliver captures a man named Lambert
and Roland kills Girard's standard-bearer. When the king arrives with
the rest of the army, Girard and his men retreat into the city, pursued
by Charlemagne. Nineteen of Charlemagne's knights and eleven of Girard's
knights were killed. Oliver carried his prisoner Lambert into the city.
Both sides bury their dead. Charlemagne is upset that Lambert has been
taken.
(41)
The following morning, Girard sends Oliver and Lambert to Charlemagne to
ask for mercy and convey Girard's acknowledgment of his wrong against
the king and his willingness to be a vassal of the king. Charlemagne
declares Girard a traitor. Oliver is angry and will refute this
accusation in a duel with whoever is willing to fight him. Roland takes
up the gauntlet and the fight will take place under Vienne's walls.
Naimon and Lambert agree to disapprove of this duel. Lambert prepares to
go to Vienne to negotiate a settlement beween Charlemagne and Girard.
(42)
Oliver and Lambert go back to Girard. Oliver tells Girard that he has
been declared a traitor and about the planned duel against Roland to
defend him from this accusation.
Girard does not like the prospect of a duel, saying, "If Roland is
slain, his uncle Charlemagne will not like it. But if Oliver is slain, I
will never again be happy."
Girard wants to marry Oliver's sister Aude to Roland and thereby
reconcile them together. Aude is the daughter of Renier of Calabria.
Lambert sets out now to the king and puts forward this proposal, which
is also accepted. Naimon suggests that Charlemagne go to the battlefield
and take the lances of the two combatants before the duel begins. The
following morning, when the two fighters meet armed in the square,
Charlemagne goes between them and disarms them. They now swear to each
other brotherhood and Roland promises to marry Aude if God grants that
he lives long enough to do so. Aude agrees to marry Roland, and Girard
and Oliver give their approval.
(43)
The King and Duke Girard make peace with each other. A little later,
Malakin of Ivin comes and asks Charlemagne to release his brother
Abraham from the prison where he had languished for fourteen years and
offers as a ransom three excellent swords made by the blacksmith Wayland
in England and for which he had paid King Faber seven hundred gold
Byzantines. The king asks Duke Girard to release Abraham from prison,
which he willingly grants. Charlemagne gives Abraham to Malakin in
exchange for the three swords. The king hands over the swords to his
treasurer Difa. Each now goes home to his own land, the king goes to
Aachen.
(44)
Arrived home, Charlemagne calls on Naimon to bring him the three swords
given to him by Malakin. He tests these swords on a great mass of steel
in front of his hall. The first sword makes only a small indentation in
the steel.
"This is a good sword," says the king, "and it shall be called Cortain."
Then he cuts with the second one, it penetrated a handbreadth or more,
and he calls it Almacia. Next, he cuts he with the third, which cuts off
more than half a foot of the mass of steel. This sword he calls
Durendal, and he loves it and keeps it with him.
(45)
The king receives a letter from the Pope in which he complains about the
injustices to which the Romans are exposed by the Longobards and the
Britons. The king summons the warring parties to him in Moniardal and
orders them to settle their dispute with the Pope's help.
The next night as the king rests in his bed, the angel Gabriel reveals
to him that in the sword Durendal are glorious relics: a tooth of the
Apostle Peter, some of the hair of Mary Magdalene, and the blood of
Bishop Blasius. Gabriel bids him give the sword to Roland, who will use
it well.
Charlemagne gives the sword to Roland as instructed, saying, "Good
nephew, best of men, take the sword Durendal and use it in the memory
that God gave his apostles a place in Paradise."
The following morning, the Pope returns to Rome. Roland and Oliver go
with two hundred thousand men to the city of Nobilis to besiege King
Ful, who was prepared to defend the city for twenty years.
(46)
As soon as the king has returned to Aachen, he hears from Saxony that
King Widukind has taken and burned Mutersborg and mutilated the bishop.
He goes with an army to Saxony but is stopped by the Rhine where there
is neither bridge, nor boat, nor ford. He collects material for a bridge
but the work is slow going. Charlemagne thinks that if Roland was there,
then the bridge would soon be finished and King Widukind killed.
(47)
Charlemagne sends for Roland and Oliver and asks them to oversee the
building of the bridge. They have stone cut and brought to the river and
after half a year the bridge is built. They construct lodgings and
defensive trenches near the bridge. King Widukind lays siege to
Trémoigne. Roland, Oliver, and Beuvon the Beardless take Vesklara with
three hundred thousand knights and capture Saevine the commander of the
city. Charlemagne sends Roland and Oliver to the city of Trémoigne. When
Roland blows his horn, God performs a miracle and the walls fall down.
King Widukind is killed and Saxony is freed. Beuvon the Beardless is put
in charge of the land of Saxony. Charlemagne sends Girard home to Numaia
to prepare a feast for Pentecost, while he returns to Aachen.
(48)
One day, as the king stands by a window and looks out on the Rhine, he
catches sight of a swan swimming around with a silken cord around its
neck, pulling a boat. An armed knight stands in the boat with a letter
around his neck. The swan disappears when the knight reaches land.
Naimon takes him to the king. The knight does not speak or understand
the language, but he gives the letter to the king. The letter says that
his name is Girard Swan and he has come to serve the king. Roland speaks
with interest about the newly arrived knight. Girard Swan soon learns
the language and proves to be a good knight and wise man. The king
marries him to his sister Adaliz and makes him Duke of Ardennes.
(49)
Charlemagne summons Duke Huidelon of Bavaria to come to Aachen. The king
holds council with Huidelon, Roland, Oliver, Girard Swan, Duke Herfe of
Cologne, Archbishop Frere, Archbishop Turpin, Bishop Rozer of Trivers,
Eim of Galicia, Earl Hatun, King Dreia of Poitiers, Duke Hugi of Paris,
and Earl Baldvin of Flanders.
Charlemagne says to them, "I am king of France and emperor of Rome, by
the grace of God. I intend to marry Adein, daughter of Huidelon and
sister of Naimon."
The council agrees, and King Charlemagne marries Adein. After two years
of marriage, they have a son Lødver after whose birth the king promises
to visit the holy sepulchre in Jerusalem. He prepares to depart,
bringing with him his father-in-law Duke Huidelon, Hatun, Naimon,
Archbishop Turpin, Girard of Numaia, his chaplain Giles, his serving
men, and three hundred knights. He sets out, leaving Beuvon the
Beardless and Girard Swan to rule Saxony, Oliver to rule the kingdom in
Valland, and Roland to rule the empire in Rome.
(50)
The king returns from Jerusalem by way of Constantinople and supports
the Greek king there against his enemies. Charlemagne, Naimon, and their
army capture the leaders of the pagans, including King Miran. King
Charlemagne loses many men, among them his father-in-law Duke Huidelon.
The pagan King Miran is forced to pay annually to the Greek king fifteen
hundred marks of gold, ten mules, and seven camels. The Greek king
offers to be Charlemagne's vassal, which he refuses, but instead asks
for some relics. He receives, among other things, a piece of cloth with
which our Lord wiped the sweat from his brow, the spearhead with which
our Lord's side was pierced, and the spear of Saint Mercurius. He now
goes home to France and leaves the piece of cloth in Compiegne, a piece
of the True Cross in the cathedral of Orléans, and other relics in other
cities, but he keeps the spearhead for himself and places it inside the
hilt of his sword. Therefore, he calls his sword Joyeuse and all the
knights adopt the battle-cry "Montjoie".
(51)
Some time after King Charlemagne returns to Aachen, the angel Gabriel
appears to him one night and bids him go to Spain with an army.
Following this command, the king orders his men to be prepared for a
long stay in the foreign country and therefore to take their wives and
children with them. They are given two years to arm themselves. In the
third year, one million men are ready, and they prepare to take many
cartloads of crops with them to plant in Spain, since they will be away
for such a long time. The army sets out and they come to the river
Gironde where they find neither a ford nor a boat to put across with.
The king prays to God and immediately a white hind appears wading across
the river as a guide and the whole army follows after. The king sends
Roland and Oliver ahead of them to besiege Nobilis.
(52)
King Ful meets Roland and Oliver with many men. King Charlemagne has
given an order to spare King Ful, but he is nevertheless killed by
Oliver and Roland. Many pagans are killed in the battle and the city of
Nobilis is taken. Roland and Oliver wash the battlefield so that
Charlemagne will not see the blood. After the capture of the city, the
king comes and asks for Ful. Roland says that he has been killed.
Charlemagne becomes angry because he had ordered him to bring King Ful
to him alive, and he hits Roland in the nose with his glove so that he
bleeds.
(53)
The next day they go to the city Montjardin and, as they lay siege to
it, the King of Córdoba advances against them with a large army. King
Charlemagne orders his men to cut the spear shafts in half and place
them in the ground. Immediately, branches and leaves grow on them by a
miracle and where before there was bare land now stands a forest. The
king flees to his city of Córdoba and Charlemagne captures Montjardin.
Then Charlemagne goes to Córdoba, destroys the city, captures it, and
kills the king. Then he goes to the city of Zaragoza in the middle of
Spain. Marsilius, the king of this city, offers to submit and adopt
Christianity if he can keep his kingdom. Charlemagne accepts this offer
and sends Basan and his brother Basilius on this occasion to Marsilius.
Marsilius, who had only thought of deception, has both brothers killed
to the great sorrow of Charlemagne.
(54)
News now comes of Duke Milo's death. Charlemagne informs the widow, his
sister Gilem, and marries her to Ganelon and gives him the earldom of
Corbuillo. They have a son Baldwin, and Ganelon loves Roland as his own
son and they swear brotherhood to each other. Later, when the priests
discover that Ganelon and Gilem are too closely related to each other,
they are divorced, and Charlemagne marries his sister with Duke Efrard
with whom she has two sons Adalraad and Efrard. Ganelon marries Duke
Efrard's sister Geluviz.
(55)
Next, messengers come to Charlemagne who report robbery and theft in
France. The king sends Roland home to fix this problem. Immediately
after the city of Trémoigne had been taken and Widukind had been killed,
Charlemagne had sent a letter to Denmark and threatened King Godfrey to
take his kingdom from him and send him as hostages his son Ogier and his
butler Erber. Godfrey could not refuse, and so he sent Ogier and Erber
to Charlemagne as hostages. Charlemagne and the queen agreed to take
good care of them.
(56)
When Roland leaves, the king orders him to greet the queen and bring
back Ogier the Dane with him, as well as the swords Cortain and Almacia.
Ganelon also asks Roland to visit his home, Kastalandum, and bring his
wife Geluviz a greeting. Roland now goes to Aachen and restores the land
to peace. He greets the queen and takes with him Ogier the Dane and the
swords. Then he travels to Kastalandum where he is received in the best
way by Geluviz. She says she will send a beautiful girl to his
bedchamber at night.
Roland says, "I do not ask you for this, for I am sworn to Aude,
Oliver's sister. If it is God's will that I return home safely from
Spain, then I will marry her."
Geluviz ignores his objection, and says that she will send the girl to
him. When the young girl leaves him in the morning it turns out that it
has been Geluviz herself. Roland is horrified and he returns to Spain to
meet with Naimon and tell him what has passed between him and Geluviz.
Naimon asks him to keep it secret, but Roland has promised to tell
Ganelon all the misdeeds that have happened in his home, and so he tells
him. After this confession, Ganelon assures Roland that he bears no ill
will towards him, as the fault was hers, but he bears a grudge against
him forever after that.
(57)
Naimon and Ganelon go to Charlemagne and announce the arrival of Roland
and Ogier. The king now hears that everything is calm in France. At the
table, where he has Roland on one side and Ganelon on the other, the
king asks if he should make Ogier a knight. Roland approves of this but
Ganelon says that it would be better to hang him. The king asks in his
amazement the reason for this opinion. Ganelon says that Ogier is the
queen's lover. After the meal, the king calls Naimon to him and tells
him Ganelon's statement. Naimon asks him not to believe it and advises
him to ask Roland how Ganelon's wife gave him shelter. Roland tells the
king what happened and he now realizes that Ganelon is speaking out of
hatred for Roland.
(58)
The king now arms Ogier as a knight and ties the sword Cortain around
him. A gray horse is now brought forward. When the king sees this horse,
he wants it for himself and he calls it Tencendor. A red horse is now
brought forward that King Ful had owned and he gives it to Roland. A
third horse is then led forward, brown in color and named Broiefort,
which is given to Ogier. Archbishop Turpin now demands a weapon with
which to fight against the pagans. The king arms him, gives him the
sword Almacia, and a black horse which had belonged to the king of
Córdoba is led forward for him. He then rides in full armor before the
king and greets him. He is greeted with cheers by the French, who are
happy that the priest is such a powerful man. With the king's
permission, Roland knights Teorfa, brother of Geoffrey of Mundegio, and
gives him his horse Kastalein and dubs nineteen other knights.
(59)
One day when Charlemagne was sitting in his palace surrounded by his
knights, he announces to them that he will select twelve of his men to
be chiefs and champions against the pagans, just as God had selected
twelve apostles to preach his word throughout the world. The Twelve
Peers are: Roland, Oliver, Archbishop Turpin, Gérer, Gérin, Bérenger,
Otton, Sanson, Engelier, Ivon, Ivoire, and Gautier. Charlemagne tells
the Twelve Peers that they should stand by each other in every danger
and regard each other as blood brothers. They readily accept. Here is
the end of the first part of the saga of King Charlemagne.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 2 – THE STORY OF LADY OLIF AND HER SON LANDRÉS
(1)
The saga that begins here is not, like other similar tales, composed
simply for fun, but it is said to carry truth. Lord Bjarne Erlingssøn
found it written in English when he stayed in Scotland in the winter
after King Alexander's death. The kingship after him went to Margrete,
daughter of King Erik Magnusson of Norway, a granddaughter of Alexander.
Lord Bjarne was sent west to secure and confirm the kingdom for the
maiden. In order for the book to be more understandable and interesting,
Bjarne had it translated from English to Norwegian. Here you can see an
example of how God's justice always punishes evil in the end, even if
one endures evil for a while at the devil's instigation. The story is
mainly about how a distinguished and steadfast lady is tempted by the
worst villain, although many events are mentioned afterwards.
A mighty king and duke, named Hugon, rules the valley of Munon. He lacks
nothing except only a wife for his complete happiness. At the same time,
King Pepin reigns in France and has a daughter Olif, who is endowed with
many excellent qualities and has enjoyed a careful education. King Hugon
asks for Olif's hand in marriage and her father, King Pepin, gives his
consent. Hugon rides home and all the preparations are made for the
wedding.
(2)
The wedding is now held with great pomp and gaiety. The bride greets
everyone with courtesy and is blessed by everyone, and after the bridal
feast, all the guests go home well satisfied. After a little time, the
queen gives birth to a son who is baptized and called Landres.
(3)
King Hugon now goes out hunting one day, and is accompanied by all his
men, including the queen's bodyguard Engelbert. His steward, the traitor
Milun, stays behind to serve the queen.
(4)
The evil Milun, who had long cherished an impermissible affection for
the queen, now takes the opportunity and confesses his love to her, but
is sternly rejected by her and threatened with the gallows. He then goes
home to his lodgings in disgrace. He now takes out an expensive goblet,
into which he pours a sleeping potion, and returns with this to the
queen, pretending that the whole thing has only been a joke of his, to
put her virtue to the test. He is then immediately forgiven, and asks
the queen to drink from this cup with him as confirmation of their
reconciliation. He puts the goblet to his lips and pretends to drink,
the queen, on the other hand, drinks it out, and then falls into a
death-like sleep. Milun now removes her clothes and carries her to her
chamber and lays her there naked in her bed, but she is protected by God
and he gets nothing from her. Then he goes out into the city, where he
meets a black man who is poor and hungry. He invites him home with him
and gives him the best food to eat. He gives him the sleeping potion,
pretending to drink as he had done before with lady Olif. As soon as the
man has fallen into a deep sleep, he strips him naked and carries him
into the queen's bedchamber, where he lays him on the bed beside her,
and puts their arms around each other's necks.
(5)
King Hugon now comes home and is surprised that Queen Olif does not meet
him according to custom. The king now sits down at the table, and after
the meal he asks if the queen is drunk, if she has a headache, or if she
is playing with Landres, since she has not come from her chamber to
greet him. Milun replies that she has a new bridegroom who keeps her
busy, and to convince the king of the truth of his statement, he leads
him to her chamber, where she rests in a deep sleep by the black man's
side. Milun assures the king that he has been aware of this relationship
for a long time, but has been waiting for an opportunity to convince
him, as he has been afraid of not being believed when he did not have
the evidence at hand. The king orders Milun to take the queen's hands
from the black man's neck, whereupon he cuts off his head. Every drop of
his blood became a burning candle. The king is astonished at this, and
thinks he has killed a holy man. Milun assures him he is no holy man,
but rather Olif is a great witch who can make stones fly and feathers
sink. Milun then asks him to cut off her head also, which request the
king refuses.
(6)
The queen now wakes up in horror, seeing the dead man in her bed and the
king standing with his sword drawn over him. She asserts her innocence
and offers to prove this by God's judgment as was the law of the land.
She offers to sit naked in a heated copper cauldron or to allow herself
to be launched into the air by a catapult to crash down on sharp sword
and spear points. When neither of these offers are accepted, she asks to
be rowed in a boat so far out to sea that no land can be seen, to be
thrown out of the boat, and to prove her innocence by returning safely
to land without a boat. Milun tells the king that she can fly through
the air without wings by her wizardry, and that all this therefore could
not testify to her innocence. Now the queen's bodyguard, the knight
Engelbert of Dynhart, gets angry and goes up and hits Milun under the
eye so hard that he falls forward into the fire. Engelbert declares
Milun to be a liar and offers to fight him without any armor, just
carrying a wooden club and riding a mule, Milun, on the other hand, was
supposed to be fully armed and on horseback. The king allows this fight
to judge the queen's guilt or innocence.
(7)
Engelbert and Milun now arm themselves. At the first impact, Milun is
knocked from his horse to the ground. He gets up, goes to the king, and
makes him believe that all this is happening by the queen's sorcery. The
king now banishes Engelbert from his sight. The king now calls together
his best men and bids them decide the manner in which the queen will be
put to death, for he believes what the cursed Milun has told him. They
propose that she die by fire, beheading, or being drawn asunder.
Finally, Milun advises him to build a stone house which is large enough
that she can stand and sit in it and to place her inside it. Now one of
the king's knights, Arneis, stands up and makes him aware that the queen
is a daughter of King Pepin and Queen Bertha and is the sister of
Charlemagne, and that he could expose himself to his revenge. He
therefore advises him to send for her father and relatives, and let them
participate in the judgment. King Hugon follows this council and sends
messengers with a letter to King Pepin.
(8)
King Pepin and his retinue now arrive, they are sumptuously entertained,
and the first meal they enjoyed, by Milun's arts, had the effect of
making everyone forget their friendship with Queen Olif. After the meal,
the queen is brought in wearing a thin, wretched dress and bare feet and
with her hair uncovered. Milun then drags the black man's body in,
throws it at the queen's feet and calls her a whore. King Hugon now
tells King Pepin that he found this black man resting with her and asks
for his judgment. In her despair, she sits down at her father's feet,
but he kicks her so that she falls over and breaks two ribs. Milun now
goes up and hits Landres with a stick over the eye, so that he has had a
permanent scar ever since. Hugon calls for her manner of death to be
determined, and everyone becomes silent.
(9)
Finally, her brother Charles, who later became Emperor Charlemagne,
stands up, he approves Milun's proposal to put her in a stone house,
where for seven years she must live on coarse bread and a vat of bad
water, and if she is still alive after seven years, he will hold her
innocent and falsely accused. Milun adds that the house must be filled
with worms and toads and poisonous creepers. All vote for this judgment
and, after kissing her son Landres and calling on God's help, the queen
is taken to the stone house, where she is walled in with coarse bread
and a bowl of brackish water and left to die.
(10)
Now that some time has passed, Milun, after consultation with several of
King Hugon's men, demands that he marry in order to provide the kingdom
with a legitimate heir, otherwise they would depose him from the throne.
The king declares his willingness to do this after Milun has assured him
that Olif is long dead. King Hugon is now persuaded by Milun to marry
his daughter, Aglavia, and holds a wedding with her. She makes an
unpleasant impression on everyone who talks to her, and everyone is
happier the sooner he can leave the wedding and go home.
(11)
The king and queen have a son, who is called Malalandres, who already
reveals his abnormality early on. Landres, on the other hand, wins
everyone's affection. Jealous of this, Milun asks the king how long he
will keep this black man's son with him, and by his persuasions he gets
the king to banish Landres from his sight. Landres now resorts to his
foster mother, a wise old woman named Siliven, who lives close to his
father's castle. She welcomes him well and gives him shelter with her.
He stays with her for seven years. One day she tells him that the
following day there will be games at the castle, and encourages him to
go and try his skill. Landres declares his willingness to do so.
(12)
When the day comes, Landres makes himself ready, says goodbye to his
foster mother, and receives from her at parting a slap on the ear, with
the admonition that he must not receive such an ear slap unavenged from
any man or woman, except from his father and mother. Landres now rides
off and comes to the walls of his father's castle, where he takes part
in the games, and three times he succeeds in seizing the big ball from
the midst of a close cluster of other boys. Malalandres now meets him
and gives him a strong slap on the ear. Landres remembers his foster
mother's words and deals Malalandres such a huge blow that his cheekbone
splits and most of his teeth fall out. Landres tells his brother that
his one blow was stronger than three of his brother's slaps.
(13)
Landres is now called before the king, who orders that he be seized and
thrown into the dungeon, but no one dares lay a hand on him. He now goes
to his foster mother, takes leave of her, as he does not want to expose
her to his father's wrath by prolonging his stay there, and sets off
with his bow and arrows. He is a skilled archer, but has no fire to
roast his game with, and calls on God to satisfy his hunger. He then
catches sight of four dwarves who are sitting and eating. He sneaks up
on them and overhears from their conversation that they have an
enchanted tablecloth and jar which can magically provide all the food
and drink they desire. He jumps out from behind a tree and takes the
tablecloth and jar from the dwarves who flee into their holes in terror.
(14)
He now supplies himself with food and drink, and uses the tablecloth and
the jar well. As he intends to leave this place, two dwarves come out of
their dwelling, call him by name, and ask him to return these things now
that he has satisfied his hunger. Landres refuses. One dwarf tells the
other that he has two more tablecloths and two more jars, and that
Landres can keep this one, as he will soon meet his unhappy mother Olif,
who is locked up. Landres now hears for the first time that his mother
is in prison, and asks God to show him the way to her. He wanders about
in the forest until he comes to a dark place, where he finds the small
stone house in which his mother is confined. He cannot find any door on
the house, but he sees a bird sitting in a small window, singing so
beautifully that it is a pleasure to hear. He draws his bow and shoots a
blunt arrow at the bird, but hits his mother in the chest, who wails. A
conversation now unfolds between mother and son, during which they
recognize each other. Landres finally succeeds in prying enough stones
loose from the wall to make a hole so that he can enter, but he stops in
horror at all the worms and toads that lie around his mother. Lady Olif
reassures him, and tells him that she owes these reptiles her life,
since, by lying around her, they have kept the cold away from her. Now
that his mother has strengthened herself with food and drink, which the
tablecloth and the jar provide them, she asks Landres to go to his
foster mother, in order to get advice from her on how he should go about
freeing his mother from the false accusation, which has weighed on her
for so long. He comes to Siliven, who thinks that Olif is dead. Landres
convinces her that Olif is still alive and Siliven promises to give him
the best advice she can.
(15)
Following her advice, he must go to his maternal uncle Charlemagne,
since Pepin is now dead, and tell him how things now stand. She gets him
a good horse, good clothes, and weapons. On the road he meets a pilgrim
who is sitting and eating. The pilgrim invites him to dismount from his
horse and partake of his meal. As soon as Landres dismounted and is
about to sit down, the pilgrim disappears, and with him Landres' horse
and all his weapons and clothes, so that he sits there as naked as when
he was born. He now has no other choice but to return to his foster
mother. The latter consoles him with the fact that this misfortune,
which has now befallen him, was brought upon him by his stepmother, who
had disguised herself as a pilgrim. She again provides him with weapons
and clothes, an excellent sword, Mimung, and an excellent horse,
Kleming. He now comes on the road to a plain where there is a small
church by a water. An old man comes out of the church and asks him to
get off the horse and go to the church. Landres rides towards the
church, and suddenly comes out into a rough and deep stream, from which
he is only saved by the swiftness of his horse. When he comes ashore
again, the church and the old man have disappeared. He now rides on and
meets a band of knights, one of these, an old man in black armor,
challenges him to a duel. When Landres rides against him, he transforms
into a large snake, and Landres again owes his salvation to his horse,
as it tramples the snake under its hooves. The snake is a new disguise
that his stepmother Aglavia had taken on, and since her sorceries are
unsuccessful this time, she sneaks home and informs her husband Milun
and Malalandres of Landres' journey to Charlemagne. She urges them to
watch for him and, when he comes back, to strike him from behind and
kill him.
(16)
Landres now comes to King Charlemagne. All rejoice that Lady Olif is
alive and thank God for that. His maternal uncle Charlemagne bids him go
the following morning to his father King Hugon, and announce the
emperor's imminent arrival there. Landres now leaves and goes home to
the town. Here he meets Milun and Malalandres on the street, the first
grabs his horse by the bit and pretends to talk to him, while the second
comes up behind him with a sharp sword. Here he again owes his salvation
to the horse, because the latter kicks up with its hind legs and kicks
Malalandres in the head, so that his skull breaks and his brains fall
out. Milun now lets go of the bit and takes flight. Landres rides on,
meets his stepmother, cuts her head off, and says that she will never
betray him again.
(17)
Emperor Charlemagne arrives with his entourage and is received with all
courtesy by Hugon. When they enter the hall, they find Milun sitting on
a chair on the floor, and as soon as he catches sight of Landres, he
begs for mercy. Landres promises to spare him that day if he will
confess his guilt in front of everyone and clear Lady Olif of the
accusation made against her. Milun then makes a sincere confession and
Charlemagne asks his assembled men what the punishment should be for
this traitor. At Landres' suggestion, he is locked up in the same house
that he himself had arranged for Lady Olif. No sooner has he entered
there than the worms seize him and eat the flesh of him right to the
bones. That was the end of Milun.
(18)
When Lady Olif comes home, the king meets her with all his men. She
decides to enter a convent to prove her gratitude to God. Not long after
that, King Hugon dies and Landres takes the kingdom after him and reigns
well and for a long time. The saga ends with a blessing for the author
and for those who listen to the tale.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 3 - THE STORY OF OGIER THE DANE
(1)
There has long been enmity between King Charlemagne and Godfrey, Ogier
the Dane's father, which, however, is finally settled so that Godfrey
sends his son as a hostage for the fulfillment of the peace terms.
Godfrey gladly agrees to do this, because he has no love for his son as
a result of the influence of Ogier's stepmother. As soon as Ogier is
gone away, his father kills and hangs Charlemagne's men.
(2)
Exasperated by this, Charlemagne calls Ogier and his guard Gilimer to
him, and declares that he must lose his hands, feet, and all his limbs.
Ogier asks for mercy, and pleads that his father and stepmother Belisent
have little love for him. The king's noblemen interceded for him and
begged Charlemagne for mercy, all to no avail.
(3)
At this moment two messengers arrive from Rome with the message that the
King Ammiral of Babylon has attacked Rome and desecrated churches and
chapels. The king hands Ogier over to his earls Salomon and Renier,
tells them to go to Rome, and to hang Ogier on the highest mountain on
the way.
(4)
Charlemagne summons people from all parts of his kingdom, no one must be
left behind, neither young nor old. King Elon of Bavaria who rules
Nantes comes with Earl Simon and twenty thousand men. With this army he
sets out from Paris and takes quarters on the first night at the town of
Losena on this side of Mount Mundiu.
(5)
The king is horrified by the steepness of the mountain, its ice and
snow, and calls on God for help to get over. God hears his prayer. A
white deer comes running up the mountain and shows them the way. They
follow the white deer for six days, cross the mountains without losing
any men or animals, and do not take a night's shelter until they reach
the other side of the mountains.
(6)
The king pitches his tents and treats himself and his people to wine. He
then calls Ogier and promises to spare him until they get home to Paris.
Everyone rejoices that Ogier's life will be spared. Now a young man,
Alori from Biterna, comes with sad news from Rome, that King Ammiral and
his son Danemont have occupied the country and taken hostages all over
Apulia. The king is saddened by his words, orders his men to arm
themselves and take the road to Lombardy.
(7)
The French do not stop until they reach the city of Sutri, where
Charlemagne meets Pope Milon, who complains about the pagans'
destruction of his country. Charlemagne promises him revenge. He summons
his greatest lords, Salomon, Renier, Duke Fremund, Duke Naimon, Jofrey
of Bordeaux, Richier of Le Mans, and Guarin the Valiant, and places
himself at the head of his men. Duke Naimon asks to take Ogier with him,
which is granted when he guarantees that he will not run away. Ogier
expresses his joy and gratitude in prayer to God, and promises that as
long as he has a hair on his head and his horse lives, no one in the
army formation will advance ahead of him. They now set off for a large
part of the day without encountering pagans.
(8)
Danemont, son of the chief king of Babylon, rides from Rome with twenty
thousand knights, having seized part of the kingdom of Charlemagne and
having taken women and children captive. The people call on God and pray
that Charlemagne may come to their rescue. A scout informs the king that
the pagans are ready to do battle with him. Duke Naimon declares that it
is now necessary to strike hard and to cover their arms in blood up to
the shoulders, and to show the enemies unshakable courage. Alori gets to
carry the banner, but to the great detriment of the French, as there is
no bigger coward in all the king's land.
(9)
Now the pagans have their eyes on Charlemagne's army, and Danemont
encourages everyone to fight as best they can. Banners of all colors can
be seen, and the French would be victorious if it were not for Alori's
cowardice.
(10)
They ride against each other and blows are exchanged on both sides.
Alori has the battle standard in his hand, he is suddenly seized with
fear, this also infects his cousin Gernublus from Lombardy, and they
both fled with one hundred men who followed them. When Danemont sees
this, he encourages his men, and they now go to capture Naimon, Beuvon,
and Samson, the highest chieftains, and many others of Charlemagne's
men. A knight Salomon now rides to the king, regrets the unfortunate
choice of Alori as standard-bearer, and attributes the misfortune to his
account. The king surely encourages his people to come forward into
battle, but they are overpowered one after the other, until at last the
King finds himself alone among a thousand pagans. He invokes God's help,
draws his sword, and defends himself against the pagans like a wild boar
in the forest against dogs that attack most fiercely. However, a group
of Frenchmen come to his rescue, get him a horse, and save him.
(11)
Meanwhile, Ogier has a thousand squires with him and he climbs a hill
and sees the battle from there. He discovers Alori's flight and calls on
his comrades to follow him and to prevent Alori and his hundred
Longobards from riding away with their armor and horses, and then to
ride to the king's aid. They now ride towards Alori, who says that
Charlemagne is a prisoner and that they therefore were forced to flee.
Ogier declares him a liar, knocks him off his horse, and seizes his
sword and armor. His comrades separate the others from their armor and
horses, and Ogier dubs them as knights with the swords of the refugees.
Where there is a lack of shields, they peel the bark off trees and use
it. Ogier now takes the king's standard and rides to the battlefield as
leader of these new knights.
(12)
Charlemagne is in distress in the battle, he laments Alori's flight and
declares him a traitor. However, the pagans are retreating to Rome with
Duke Naimon, Earl Edelon, and Duke Sanson as their captives, whom they
are leading tied on pack horses. They are taken by surprise by Ogier,
who creates a great commotion among the pagans, and during this Ogier
cuts down a pagan king Falsiron, to whom the prisoners were entrusted,
frees the captives, and then many hundreds of the pagan men are cut
down. He now goes to the king with his men. Charlemagne sees them coming
and tells Salomon that it is Alori who comes with his men to the rescue,
and that he has been blamed unjustly.
(13)
The king now learns that it is Ogier who has taken the standard from
Alori and freed the captured knights. He drives the pagans away, pursues
them all the way to Mount Mundiu, and Ogier stays close to him all the
time. The king presents Ogier with a horse, makes him the most
distinguished squire in his hall, and declares him the permanent
standard-bearer for his army. A pagan chieftain, Sadone, now addresses
Ogier, and is surprised that the same standard bearer, who fled in the
morning, has now suddenly become so brave. Ogier informs him that he is
a completely different man from the cowardly Alori, who had carried the
banner in the morning. Sadone challenges him to a duel with the brave
knight Caraheut. Ogier announces that he will meet him at the place
where duels usually take place in that country.
(14)
After the battle, Charlemagne takes lodging in the city of Sutri. Here
now arrives Charlot, the king's son, with a multitude of young men. He
has recently been knighted by Thierry of Ardennes, and is received with
joy, as the king needs reinforcements because of the great loss he has
suffered. Prince Charlot says that he and his men will attack the pagans
at Rome.
(15)
Charlemagne now moves his camp so close to Rome that he sees what is
going on. The following night, Charlot orders his men to arm themselves.
A man asks if Ogier should join them, Charlot replies that he himself
and his men would carry the prize in this fight. A scout becomes aware
of them and hurries with information to Caraheut, who arms seven
thousand pagan men to meet them. Charlemagne knows nothing about this
undertaking of Charlot.
(16)
This same night that Charlot sets off, Charlemagne has a dream. He seems
to be hunting in a forest with Charlot, Duke Naimon, and Ogier, who have
killed a large animal. Suddenly, three lions rush in on them and
overwhelm Charlot and Naimon, but Ogier bravely tackles them, kills two
of the lions and chases the third one far away. As the king wakes up,
all the candles in his tent are extinguished. The pages rush to his bed.
The king asks where Charlot is, and learns that he is marching to battle
against the pagans.
(17)
The pagans now come upon the Christians before they expect it and a
fierce battle ensues. The Christians are seven hundred, while there are
twenty thousand pagans. Caraheut calls out to Ogier, who is not present.
Another Frenchman, the wise Duke Hernals of Gironde, takes up the
challenge and they fight for a long time, with equal success, until
their men separate them at the height of the battle. A wounded man
rushes to Charlemagne and tells of the Frenchmen's miserable position.
At the king's request, Ogier arms himself, sets off with seven hundred
knights, attacks a group of pagan guards on the side of a hill, and
kills them all.
(18)
Charlot now wishes he had Ogier's help and at the same time he catches
sight of his banner and the French army. The pagans are now put to
flight. Ogier rides towards Caraheut and asks him for his name. He names
himself and summons Ogier to a duel in Rome. If he wins, he will get
Caraheut's lover, the lovely Gloriande, King Ammiral's daughter. Ogier
now rides across the Tiber River and meets Charlemagne, who has a staff
in his hand with which he wants to hit Charlot on the head, but is
prevented from doing so by two dukes, and Charlot escapes with shame and
harsh words.
(19)
Caraheut suggests to King Ammiral that he send an intrepid man to
Charlemagne to threaten him to go back to his own kingdom. Caraheut
offers to undertake this task himself because he has confidence that
Charlemagne will not mistreat a messenger. He arms himself and puts on
magnificent clothes, mounts a mule, and rides off. He now calls on
Charlemagne to let King Ammiral keep Rome in peace, as this is his
inheritance to which Charlemagne has no right, and if Charlemagne does
not agree, then he should expect to fight hard battles. Caraheut does,
however, offer another way out, that he will fight a duel with Ogier and
if Ogier wins the battle, Ammiral must leave Rome permanently. Ogier is
willing to do this, but Charlot raises objections and wants to fight
with Caraheut himself and, in the end, he forbids Ogier to fight without
his permission. Charlot, however, gives in when he is given the prospect
of a duel with Sadone. King Charlemagne objects to this because Charlot
is still a child in age and not yet grown enough for the battle, but at
last he gives in. Caraheut now comes back and reports to Ammiral the
outcome of his mission.
(20)
Charlot and Ogier arm themselves. Ogier mounts his horse and grabs his
spear and his banner that is named Gafers. They ride to the Tiber where
they board a boat and row over to the island where the duel is to take
place. All four warriors have now arrived. However, a deceitful plan has
been laid on the part of the pagans, although this was done without the
knowledge of Caraheut and Sadone, and against their will.
(21)
Danemont, the son of King Ammiral, fears for his sister Gloriande and is
worried that calamity will befall the pagans if they lose such warriors
as Caraheut and Sadone. He arranges to have armed men hidden in a forest
on the island, and these would then overpower Charlot and Ogier if the
latter emerged victorious in the duel. Ogier and Caraheut are not aware
of the treachery of Danemont and his knights.
(22)
Before the battle begins, Caraheut draws Ogier's attention to the beauty
of Gloriande, who is present at the duel, and offers to give her to him,
and the lands of Persia and Choruskana and everything that belongs to
them, if he will enter Ammiral's service. Ogier replies that he has been
sent here by Charlemagne to recapture his inherited lands and that for
Gloriande's sake he must offer him a sharp duel. Ogier and Caraheut cut
skillfully at each other for so long that finally they both must
dismount from their horses and rest.
(23)
King Sadone now rides towards Charlot on his horse Bruant, and
immediately declares that he will be vanquished and adds that it is his
father's folly to expose the heir of France to certain destruction in
this way. Charlot replies that Sadone states his own heart's desire but
the truth is that Ogier will win Gloriande before evening and he himself
will overcome Sadone despite his bragging words. Sadone declares him to
be a scoundrel who believes that Ogier and Charlot should win over
Caraheut and him. Caraheut has defeated thirty kings in duels and if it
is difficult then Sadone will help him. Charlot thinks Sadone will be in
need of help himself and if Charlot does not knock the shield from his
hand before evening, then he will give him one hundred marks of silver.
(24)
Ogier and Caraheut continue their fight on foot and Caraheut avoids a
devastating blow by bending down out of the way. After a long exchange
of words, Caraheut cleaves Ogier's shield and explains to him that it is
useless to continue fighting as his sword is of such a nature that its
wounds are incurable. He invites him to surrender and receive half of
the kingdom he had offered him shortly before, and in addition he shall
receive Gloriande with a large dowry. Ogier replies that it would be
shameful for him to betray Charlemagne and that Gloriande's father
committed a folly when he entrusted her to him, who cannot help her
much. Ogier advises him to guard himself because he will not give him
peace for Gloriande's sake. Ogier strikes Caraheut with a blow that
wounds him in the shoulder. The spies who are waiting in the forest
swear by Mahomet that Caraheut was defeated. The battlefield is
illuminated by the precious stones that are cut from their shields and
helmets.
(25)
Charlot and Sadone continue to fight and Charlot chops the left side of
Sadone's face from the eye down to the chin bone. Charlot says to him
that he has made his men's work easier because now they don't have to
shave his beard on the left side and he will look terrible when he
presents himself to King Ammiral. Sadone tells him to wait until the
battle is over before he boasts of victory.
(26)
The fight between Caraheut and Ogier is now at its fiercest. Caraheut
acknowledges that Ogier is the bravest man he has fought, and asks him
to postpone the battle until the following day, for which he will earn
Ammiral's recognition. Ogier refuses this, unless he will declare
himself defeated, surrender his weapons, and follow him to Charlemagne.
To this, Caraheut answers no and wants to start the fight again, as he
feels faster than a deer and fiercer than a lion. They now cut loose at
each other again, and both receive so many wounds that they are almost
unfit to fight. At this moment, Danemont the son of King Ammiral comes
out of his hiding place in the forest with thirty knights and attacks
Ogier and Charlot. Caraheut and Sadone both lay down their weapons and
refuse to participate in this fight because it is happening against
their will.
(27)
Charlot and Ogier defend themselves valiantly until most of the thirty
have fallen. The best knight among the pagans, Morlant, attacks Ogier
and is about to overpower him when Charlot comes to the rescue and cuts
off Morlant's head. However, forty pagan men ride forward again and
continue the fight. Charlot now rides his horse out into the Tiber at
Ogier's request, where he is taken into a boat by Charlemagne's people
and taken across the river.
(28)
Ogier must now finally, after having killed half of his opponents,
succumb to the superior force and be taken prisoner. It is said of
Danemont that he did not dare to approach Ogier as long as he had his
weapons in his hand.
(29)
Charlot now comes to his father and reports that Ogier is defeated and
is the prisoner of the pagans. Charlemagne complains about this. Charlot
consoles him, and offers Duke Naimon, Tere of Utrent, Earl Edelon, and
himself with selected brave men to go to tear him out of the hands of
the pagans.
The French express their misgivings about this undertaking, as Ogier is
surrounded by many thousands of pagans, and think that one must proceed
very carefully. Duke Naimon and many wise men after him admit the danger
of this, as many hundreds would be sacrificed before they catch Ogier,
but they nevertheless recommend the bold act, since Ogier would have
acted in the same way under similar circumstances.
(30)
The pagans now bring Ogier to Rome and take away his armor. Ogier sits
under an olive tree, and all the pagan peoples, Turks, Torkobus, and
Frisians, admire him. They lead him in front of King Ammiral and demand
revenge on him for all their relatives whom he has killed. Ammiral
replies that he will not let him go for all the gold in the world, but
he shall be put to death and have his limbs torn asunder. Caraheut now
comes to King Ammiral and complains about Danemont's betrayal and asks
the king to leave Ogier in peace to go home to King Charlemagne. When
Ammiral refuses this request Caraheut declares that he will not receive
any assistance from him or the thousands of knights he has under his
command unless he grants Ogier his freedom. The king cares little for
his threats.
(31)
Caraheut now rides bitterly to his tent and orders his men to arm
themselves in order to free Ogier by force. Rodoan, King of Egypt, begs
him not to hasten, but to tame his anger until the following morning,
and see if perhaps King Ammiral will have changed his mind. But if he
still refuses to pardon Ogier, then Caraheut can terminate his
friendship and do what he thinks fit and all his men will support him.
(32)
Ogier is the prisoner of King Ammiral and many pagans admire him for his
experience. The king's daughter Gloriande comes and speaks kind and
encouraging words to him, then she asks her father to set him free.
Danemont her brother scolds her for this and says that he whould chop
her up into small pieces with his sword if he dared to do so before the
king. The king's daughter addresses Danemont again and accuses him of
boasting and cowardice, wasting the lives of many men, and that despite
how strong he was, he did not dare to go up to Ogier as long as he had a
weapon in his hand. The king orders two shield-bearers to guard Ogier at
the cost of their lives. Gloriande tells the guards not to mistreat
Ogier in any way, and they promise her they will do as she says.
(33)
Caraheut now comes early in the morning to King Ammiral, reminds him of
the services he has done him in wars and duels, and asks him to let
Ogier go away in peace. The king replies that he will not be freed until
Paris and Orléans are captured. Caraheut explains to him the uselessness
of harboring such proud thoughts and that the French already regard him
as conquered and repeats his request regarding Ogier. King Ammiral now
replies that he wants to hang him early the next morning. He then orders
his men to raise the gallows. Caraheut now hurries off to the French
camp where people are surprised to see him and look forward to taking
revenge for Ogier against him. He does not get off his horse until he
arrives at Charlemagne's tent, where he announces that he has come
forward voluntarily, to dispel the suspicion of having any part in the
fraudulent plot against Ogier, and that he will submit to the same
punishment that Ogier receives. Charlemagne welcomes him and assigns him
an honorable seat.
(34)
The pagans, however, have become distraught over Caraheut's departure.
More than twenty thousand knights go to King Ammiral and demand justice
and fairness from him and that he should let Ogier go to Charlemagne. A
king named Galatien advises against this and asks him not to let Ogier
go, as he will always cause harm to his men. But King Sadone, who had
fought with Charlot, argues against him, adding that King Ammiral has
too much love for Galatien, who has recently killed three of his highest
chiefs and laid the plan for the murder of Constant the brave. Galatien
himself held the basin, when he was draining blood, which caused his
death. Caraheut, on the other hand, is such a noble man that he would
suffer death rather than betray someone. Sadone steps forward and knocks
three teeth out of Galatien's mouth. Two kings and four dukes get
between them and prevent further fighting. Two kings, Rodoan and old
Geosner, and all the best chiefs now come before King Ammiral and ask
him to call Caraheut back and set Ogier free. Ammiral replies that even
if they all betray him, within a month he will have gathered an army as
large as theirs, and he will then overcome Charlemagne and subjugate all
his kingdom.
(35)
Caraheut is now well-regarded in Charlemagne's court. Every day, he
urges Charlemagne to fight with the pagans. Duke Naimon and Earl Edelon
believe that Caraheut is right. The king himself agrees and is so
impressed by Caraheut that he urges him to believe in God and give up
paganism. Caraheut replies that he would rather let himself be
dismembered limb by limb than give up his god Mahomet. Charlot now arms
himself and his people and marches towards Rome with forty champions and
is accompanied by Caraheut. They halt at a small forest. The king sends
one hundred knights after them for additional reinforcements. The pagans
ride to meet them and a battle ensues in which there is a great loss of
life. The pagans are finally put to flight and flee to a castle on the
outskirts of Rome. From here, Gloriande sees Charlot pursuing Danemont.
She addresses Charlot, tells him that Caraheut was her fiancé but that
she has now broken up with him and that this is his own fault. She also
asks him to tell Caraheut that Ogier is in her care and is well. She
advises him to flee, as twenty thousand pagans will arrive soon. Charlot
retreats over the river Tiber with his people, which he can do without
shame after having won a battle. Danemont rides to Rome, tells his
father King Ammiral what has happened, and blames Caraheut for this
defeat.
(36)
King Ammiral now receives information that a large army is coming to the
rescue, composed of people called Robiani and Barbari. King Feridan of
Cordes and King Svef of Mongandium have landed in the city of Bera in
Apulia, and they have countless fast-sailing ships and galleys, they are
rough and fearless, and they are so feared that King Charlemagne will
not dare to oppose their coming. Danemont stands up and says that this
hope is unfounded. He knows Charlemagne from experience, he has fought
three great battles against him, and in each of them lost twenty
thousand men, and he will not indulge in the fourth. It is therefore his
advice that his father return to his lands and spill no more blood.
Ammiral replies that he who is such a coward cannot be his son and, when
he has conquered France and Charlemagne's other lands, Danemont shall
not get so much as a penny of it.
Danemont now refutes the accusation of cowardice. It is half a month's
journey from Rome to Mount Mundiu, just as far from there as it is to
Paris, and then it is a long way to Saint Martin's Castle, and the
Bretons are men capable of arms. He further adds that if he was now
still in Northland at Andres or some other good place, he would promise
never to come to Rome or to Antioch, nor to Apulia or Constantinople. He
is no coward. He has tried the French and knows that no men in the world
are greater heroes than they are.
During this speech, the men whose arrival has been announced appear.
King Ammiral goes out of town to meet them and thank them for coming.
Their first question is where they can find the white-bearded
Charlemagne. Ammiral replies that he is near Rome and is waiting for
battle. They consider this to be good news, because there is nothing
they desire more than to fight with the old man, and he will find that
he has never had a harder fight if he holds his ground against them.
(37)
Ammiral's army has now grown significantly. King Brunamont has arrived
with twenty thousand warriors. He is tall in stature and evil in mind,
black in hair and skin, he eats nothing but raw meat and always drinks
his wine mixed with blood, he has yellow eyes like a cat and sees better
at night than during the day. He is full of magic, conceit, and
falsehood, and if he came here to the North, he would be called a Troll.
He has spent his life in war and his men cannot do without fighting. If
they have no one else to fight with, they fight among themselves. After
having joined Ammiral's camp, Brunamont goes to his tent and arms
himself. His breastplate shines like the most glorious gems. His sword
is a fathom long and once belonged to King Nebuchadnezzar. His horse
Broiefort is the best and has thrown its teeth four times, it swims in
the water with a mounted knight on its back as well as it runs on land.
He swings up on his horse and does not stop until he has crossed the
Tiber.
Meanwhile, three of the French chiefs, Duke Naimon, Earl Edelun, and
Geoffroy of Anjou, have been hunting with falcons and have killed a
whole load of game birds. When they return home, Brunamont meets them
and a fight begins between him and Geoffroy, in which the latter is
thrown to the ground and loses his horse. Naimon and Edelun now pursue
Brunamont, but could not catch up with him and they return to their
tents. However, their retinue of seven hundred young knights who
remained behind in the forest see Brunamont riding off with Geoffroy's
horse, burst after him and take the horse from him, and he barely
escapes with difficulty from there. Brunamont now meets on his way a
young man, whose horse he seizes. Brunamont's horse was possessed by
devils, and therefore the French could not catch up with him.
Brunamont stops first in Rome. Ammiral asks if there is anything new.
Brunamont replies that he has killed two Christian knights and took two
of the best horses in the French army, and will now show him one, as the
other has run away from him. In his joy, Ammiral praises his bravery and
gives him his daughter Gloriande, and promises him France, seeing that
it will be an easy matter for him to win it. Brunamont accepts his glove
as a pledge and thanks him for the gift. Caraheut's servants complain
that their lord Caraheut is ignorant of what is going on here, that his
fiancée is being given to another man, and that the Dane must not be
free, because otherwise he would enforce Caraheut's right against
Brunamont.
(38)
Ogier and the king's daughter are playing chess when a servant comes to
tell them this news. Ogier throws the chessboard away while Gloriande
blushes. Ogier asks Gloriande to get him an audience with the king, so
that he can announce to him and the whole army how unjustified it is for
Brunamont to receive Caraheut's fiancée as a gift. The princess goes to
speak with her father.
(39)
The king greets his daughter kindly and tells her that he has now given
her to the bravest king. The daughter expresses doubt that Caraheut will
take this well, and then asks where this brave king is. Brunamont then
steps forward himself and answers this question, announces a wedding
feast in honor of the god Tervagant, and promises her France and the
vanquished Charlemagne as a wedding gift. The girl declares this a good
gift, if he can afford it, but then tells him that her father has one of
Charlemagne's men as a prisoner who will not give way to him on the
battlefield. Brunamont then asks Ammiral to be allowed to fight with
this man, because of the love he has for her, and promises to bring her
his head. If he does so, the king's daughter agrees to marry him.
Gloriande now asks her father to talk to Ogier, and expresses hope that
he might possibly be moved to accept their faith. The king agrees to
this and sends seven men after Ogier. Ogier is larger in stature than
other men, has a bright and manly face and red-yellow curly hair, is so
strong that his strength never fails him when he fights with other men,
and is quick and skilled in all forms of combat, be it in tournament or
duel. Ogier is healthy and well-dressed because Princess Gloriande has
taken good care of him.
(40)
Ogier now appears before King Ammiral and reproaches him for his
inappropriate conduct towards Caraheut, despite his great merits and the
many kingdoms he has conquered for him. Ogier warns him that whomever he
gives Gloriande to will pay for her dearly and he himself will be her
champion, if no one else is willing. Brunamont offers to fight with him
for Gloriande on the island where duels are held. They both agree on
this. If Ogier wins, Caraheut will keep Gloriande and Ogier will go
free. On the other hand, if Brunamont wins, Caraheut must give up all
claims to her.
(41)
Ogier sends the squire Remund to Caraheut to inform him of the duel and
its cause. Caraheut begs leave of Charlemagne to go to Rome and the king
agrees.
(42)
Caraheut travels to Rome, meets with his relatives and friends, and
complains to them about Ammiral giving his betrothed to another man. His
men tell him that Ogier has agreed to fight a duel against Brunamont and
to defend Gloriande in his place. When he comes to him, Ammiral
reproaches him for having denied Mahomet. Caraheut denies this and
bursts into reproaches against Brunamont that he wants to take his
fiancée away from him, and he therefore curses him. Brunamont replies
that he now has nothing to do with him, as Ogier has taken over the
battle for him. Caraheut sends his messengers to summon Ogier to him,
and they prepare their armor.
(43)
Caraheut now arms Ogier for the duel and gives him his sword Cortain.
Ogier rides to the island where the duel is to take place. Charlemagne
sends a thousand knights into the woods by the battlefield to prevent
treachery on the part of the pagans.
(44)
Brunamont prepares himself, his helmet once belonged to Helenus the
Strong, while his sword belonged to King Nebuchadnezzar, is a fathom
long, and is unstoppable. As soon as he is fully armed and mounted on
his horse Broiefort, the king's daughter Gloriande arrives and asks him
to spare Ogier. He promises for her sake to spare Ogier and bring him
alive to her. The king's daughter replies that if he does that, then
they will have a wedding celebration. Once he has left, Gloriande prays
to God that he may never return.
(45)
Brunamont rides to where the duel is to take place, predicts Ogier's
doom, and offers him mercy for the sake of Gloriande. Ogier refuses to
give up until he has tested his sword in battle. The duel now begins,
and they both shatter their lances. They draw their swords and Brunamont
strikes Ogier on the helmet. Ogier strikes a blow with Cortain which
cuts off Brunamont's brow and lodges in his shield. They exchange words
and fight for a while with varying luck. Then Ogier strikes a great blow
that splits Brunamont's helmet in half, he falls dead to the ground, and
Ogier takes his horse and sword. Ogier ties Brunamont's head to his
saddle straps and brings it to Caraheut and the princess.
(46)
Caraheut now goes to King Ammiral and shows him the head. He advises him
to go home to Babylon and give up the dispute with Charlemagne. Caraheut
vows never to fight against Charlemagne or his men and he also threatens
to join Charlemagne's army against Ammiral. Ammiral is willing to follow
his advice and to let Ogier go free. On parting, Ammiral gives Ogier
four camels loaded with pearls and gemstones. Ammiral returned home to
Babylon and never again waged war against Charlemagne. Ogier receives
magnificent gifts from Gloriande and takes his leave of her. He is
accompanied by Caraheut to Charlemagne, and he meets Pope Milon who
leads him in a solemn procession to the camp.
(47)
Pope Milon endeavors to convert Caraheut to Christianity, but he will
not fail Mahomet and King Ammiral, although he admits that the Christian
religion is lovelier, purer, and has more power than his own faith.
(48)
Meanwhile, a messenger arrives with a letter from Gloriande to Caraheut.
In the letter, Gloriande informs him that King Feridan of Cordes with
his army has attacked and murdered her father King Ammiral at night, and
that she has been taken prisoner and asks him to come to her aid. Ogier
and Charlot promise immediate assistance to Caraheut, and he goes to
report this news to King Charlemagne.
(49)
The king offers to leave with his whole army. Caraheut, however, refuses
this offer and declares himself perfectly satisfied with Ogier's and
Charlot's help. He had a dream in which it seemed to him that he shot
three arrows at Rome, and that all three fell on the highest tower of
the house where King Feridan and his mightiest men lived, and it seemed
to him that fire broke out where the arrows had fallen, and as he awoke
the flame played over all the houses. He interprets this dream to mean
that if he and his two companions go to Rome, then King Feridan and his
men will be destroyed. With the king's consent, all three arm
themselves.
(50)
They now ride off with three squires. On the road, they meet a knight
who tells them that King Ammiral has fallen, the princess has been taken
prisoner by King Feridan of Cordes, and Danemont has been badly wounded.
The knight who brings this news falls from his horse, dead due to
exhaustion. They now ride quickly to reach the place where the battle
is, and with their help Danemont now gains the upper hand over King
Feridan. A man from Damascus, Jaskomin, had been the first to attack
Ammiral. He has boasted that he never yields to anyone. His two sons
Zoilos and Zabulon are strong and deadly men.
(51)
Jaskomin rides against Ogier and breaks his lance on his shield. Ogier
returns the blow and Jaskomin is wounded. Zoilos attacks, but Ogier cuts
off his hand and leg and kills him. Zabulon rides against Caraheut, but
Charlot cuts off his hand with his sword. Jaskomin renews the attack,
but Ogier cuts off his head and the head of his horse with a single
blow. Zabulon flees to King Feridan and recounts the death of his father
and brother.
(52)
Zabulon must now hear the wrath of Feridan's standard-bearer Svef for
his flight. He retaliates with harsh words and is killed by Svef. King
Feridan orders Svef to pay for this killing with some feat, as otherwise
he will deprive him of the banner. Svef assures the king that he will do
so and a violent battle ensues in which there are many deaths but Ogier
has the upper hand.
(53)
Svef now rides towards Danemont, strikes with his sword, splits his helm
down to the teeth, and kills him. Caraheut wants to avenge Danemont for
the sake of his betrothed, Danemont's sister Gloriande. Caraheut
challenges Svef to battle, but he turns and attempts to ride back to
Feridan. Caraheut attacks him and fells the horse under him, and does
not stop until he has killed him also.
(54)
Ogier now slices King Feridan with Cortain and cuts him down the middle
all the way to the saddle. Ogier praises the good sword Cortain. Now
that Feridan has fallen, his entire army flees. Ogier and Caraheut storm
the castle where Gloriande is imprisoned and free her. Then they ride
into the city where King Feridan's army joins with Caraheut. Caraheut
goes with Gloriande to Babylon, where he is made king. Ogier and Charlot
return to Paris, and Ogier was now King Charlemagne's standard-bearer as
long as they both lived, and there are many other tales about Ogier.
This tale ends here.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 4 – THE PSEUDO-TURPIN CHRONICLE AND THE STORY OF ASPREMONT
Prologue
Turpin, Archbishop of Reims, wrote a letter at the instigation of
Leofrandus, deacon of Aix-la-Chapelle, describing the history of the
liberation of Spain from the Saracens by the Emperor Charlemagne and the
founding of the church of Saint James in Galicia. In this letter,
written while he was in Vienne recovering from wounds he had suffered,
Turpin tells of all the events which he witnessed. When the Apostle
James, who had first preached Christianity in Spain, was executed in
Jerusalem, his disciples brought his soulless body to Compostella in
Spain, and supported by his miracles they Christianized the whole
country. A long time later, Spain was conquered by the Saracens and the
Moabites, who almost completely destroyed Christianity. The precious
gems which were the product of miracles performed by Saint James were
hidden deep beneath the earth.
(1)
Charlemagne has conquered Italy and made Anglia, France, Germany,
Burgundy, Lorraine, and many other lands subject to him. After many
wars, Charlemagne wants peace for himself and for his kingdom.
A star in the sky appears to him, leading from Frisia to Germany, Gaul,
Italy, and Aquitaine, and then over Gascony, Balda, and Navarre all the
way west to Spain and Galicia. While he ponders the sight of this
strange star, the apostle James appears to him in dreams and urges him
to free Spain from the pagans so that Compostella can become a
pilgrimage destination, and he promises him his assistance. Saint James
appears to Charlemagne in his dream three times. The emperor now decides
to go to war with the Saracens.
(2)
After arming himself, he marches into Spain towards Pamplona. He
besieges Pamplona in vain for three months, but when he invokes God and
Saint James for help, the walls of the city collapse. The inhabitants
are all converted to Christianity or beheaded. The emperor goes to
Compostella and thrusts his spear into the sea of Perxotium. He then
subjugates the rest of Spain. The city of Lucrina falls, after a three-
month siege, in the same way as Pamplona. The emperor places a curse on
the city, after which a fetid spring appears in its place.
The emperor causes all the pagan idols he finds in Spain to be broken,
except the idol of Salamcadis in the city of Cadiz. It stands on the
beach on the top of an obelisk, and is cast from brass in human form
with a club in his hand. This idol has acquired several supernatural
properties through Mahomet's diabolical arts. It cannot be broken by
men. A Christian who comes near it becomes sick, but a sick Saracen who
worships it is cured. If a bird sits on the idol, it dies immediately.
It is said that the club will fall from the idol's hand on the day when
a king of the Franks is born who will Christianize the whole country,
and that all the Saracens will flee the country when they see the club
fall down.
Those of the inhabitants of Spain who would not allow themselves to
become baptized are either killed or enslaved. Charlemagne builds a
church dedicated to Saint James in Compostella and he gives the church
beautiful ornaments, bells, books, and the finest clothing. He builds
many other churches throughout Spain and gives generously to all these
churches so they have all they need in abundance. After three years in
Spain, the Emperor decides to return home to France.
(3)
Having conquered Spain, the emperor returns to France with a great
amount of gold and silver. He decides to build a Church dedicated to
Saint James in Paris and gives gifts to the Church of Saint Dionysius.
(4)
The night after that, the emperor keeps a vigil in the Church of Saint
Dionysius, praying for the souls of the fallen. When he has fallen
asleep, Saint Dionysius appears to him and comforts him that through the
intercession of Saint James he has obtained indulgences for all those
who have fallen or will fall during Charlemagne's war in Spain. The
emperor builds the Church of Saint James and then goes to his residence
in Aix-la-Chapelle. He builds several churches and monasteries.
(5)
In Africa, King Agolant rules. He is a mighty pagan who has married a
beautiful woman from a great family. Their son is Aumont, who is proud,
arrogant, strong, and a skilled warrior. Twenty other kings owe fealty
to Agolant. The Saracens, Moors, Moabites, Ethopians, Pardos, Africans,
and Persians all obey his scepter. His son Aumont is tall, handsome, and
accomplished. Agolant has granted his son Aumont a royal crown and his
own court, but without a share in the government.
(6)
In youthful arrogance, Aumont has taken into his service men who are as
young and reckless as himself, even such as his father has chased from
his service for various crimes. However, Agolant learns that Charlemagne
has conquered Spain and he summons all his counselors and chiefs to
advise him what to do next. King Ulien, his nephew, encourages him to
lead his army to Spain. Agolant agrees and, before the convened council,
he declares that in order to get his son Aumont a kingdom of his own, he
intends to conquer both Spain and Italy and make Rome his capital. He
will take with him his four most distinguished gods, Makon, Mahomet,
Tervagant, and Jupiter, but first he sends them to Arabia to have them
adorned with gold and precious gems. There is strong acclamation in the
council meeting.
(7)
Agolant sends the Gods to Arabia. He plans to lead his army to Spain as
soon as the gods return home. The ungrateful Aumont does not mind his
father bearing all of the responsibility for the expedition, he even
thinks of using his father's possible defeat to seize the entire
kingdom, as he believes his father is against him.
(8)
Agolant makes a big show of the gods that have returned from Arabia
covered with enough gems, gold, and silver to purchase seven of the
greatest cities. He says that the strength of his enemies will melt away
before the wrathful gaze of the frowning idols and that Charlemagne has
left Spain unprotected. He sounds the trumpets, loads his ships with the
finest provisions, and embarks with the four idols and his army. Aumont
is there, but the actual commanders are King Texphin of Arabia, King
Bacales of Alexandria, King Avit of Bugie, King Ospin of Agapia, King
Fantim of Morocco, King Alfing of Majorca, King Mamonen of Mecca, King
Ibrahim of Seville, and King Almanzor of Córdoba. He sails away from
Africa with the bright sun shining on the dragon-prows of his rich ships
with sails of red and white. He will not return home with the same
display of might with which he departs.
(9)
Agolant arrives in Spain and eradicates Christianity in the country,
replacing it with the pagan worship of idols. Why does Saint James not
better preserve Spain, which the emperor has given into his protection
at his departure? The reasons are as follows. First, the emperor has not
yet completed all the work that me must do in Spain to earn the crown
that awaits him in heaven. Second, fewer people have sacrificed their
lives for Saint James and the House of Christ then the Apostle has
intended. Third, there are too many pagans in the southern region and
their number should therefore be diminished and they should be driven
back to the home of Makon and their other gods. The Apostle Saint James
makes Charlemagne aware of the entry of Agolant into Spain, and the
emperor therefore prepares himself.
(10)
The emperor learns the sad news in Aix-la-Chapelle, and summons all his
vassals with their strength. Before everyone is yet gathered,
Charlemagne announces his intention to invade Spain because he and his
lords have waited long enough. He will hasten to move into Spain and
await reinforcements there. He hopes that his presence will stop the
pagans' tyranny in the country. The leaders of the Franks all vow to
follow Charlemagne and they put their faith in the will of God and in
Saint James to aid them.
(11)
The emperor gathers his army and the leaders of his army are without
equal. First, Archbishop Turpin of Reims, whose special vocation is to
baptize, consecrate churches, and teach. Second, Duke Milo of Anglante,
the emperor's brother-in-law, as commander of the troops. Third, Count
Roland of Ornonia, the emperor's nephew, son of Milo of Anglante and the
lady Bertha, who leads four thousand knights. Fourth, Count Oliver of
Geneva, son of Renier of Genvres, the most valiant and the strongest
swordsman, leading three thousand knights. Fifth, King Arastain of
Brittany, with seven thousand knights. At this time, there was also
another King of Brittany of whom we will not speak. Sixth, Duke Engelier
of Aquitaine, who leads four thousand knights that are skilled at arms
and excellent bowmen. The city of Aquitaine was founded by Augustus and
the surrounding region is named after this city. Seventh, Ogier the
Dane, of whom many stories are told of his deeds, with ten thousand
knights. Eighth, Duke Naimon of Bavaria with five thousand knights.
Ninth, King Gondebaud of Frisia with four thousand knights. Tenth,
Lambert of Berry with twelve thousand knights. Eleventh, Duke Sanson of
Burgundy with two thousand knights. Twelfth, Count Estout of Langres,
son of Odon of Langres, with three thousand knights.
And there were also King Gayfere of Bordeaux, Gérin and Gérer, Salomon
of Brittany the comrade of Estout, Baldwin the brother of Roland, Hoël
of Nantes, Arnald of Bilanda, Constantine the prefect of Rome, Renaut of
Aubespin, Gautier of Terins and his brother William, Duke Garin of
Lorraine, Begon of Belin, Aubri of Burgundy, Bérard of Nobilis, Guinard,
Esturmid, Thierry the Angevin, Ivoire, Bérenger, Haton, and Ganelon, who
would later become a traitor.
In addition to these knights listed above, there were innumerable men on
foot. The leaders who have been named were the most valiant knights of
their time. With these, the emperor moves into Bayonne, where he will
wait for reinforcements.
Next, I will write about the responsibility for taking care of gifts
given by one on their deathbed.
(12)
During the Emperor's stay in Bayonne, a dying knight named Romaricus
gives another knight the task of selling his horse and giving the money
to the poor for the salvation of Romaricus' soul. The knight sells the
horse, but spends the money on himself and does not give it to the poor.
Romaricus appears to the knight in a dream and says that, at his death,
God granted him forgiveness of his sins, but because the money has not
benefited the poor due to the knight's dishonesty, Romaricus has been in
torment until now. God has decided that the knight will take Romaricus'
place and he will rest in Paradise. The knight wakes in horror, and
tells his vision. Then he suddenly disappears as the air is filled with
terrible sounds. After twelve days, his broken body is found on a
mountain, three days' journey from there, thrown down by the unclean
spirits who carried off his soul to eternal torment. From this you can
see how great a sin of greed it is to take possession of the alms that
someone gives to monasteries or to the poor for his soul, as the alms
cannot benefit the giver, and that it is of the utmost importance that
the specific gift of the soul be resolved as soon as possible because
the soul must be tormented until the gift is fulfilled.
(13)
Agolant conquers a strong tower which Aumont will take custody of.
First, however, he sets off with his father, who makes camp on a large
plain by the river Segeda. Here he hears that the emperor is in Bayonne.
In the council of war, King Ulien and Mandaquin the Strong vote to
immediately advance against the Franks. But on Balan's advice, Agolant
decides to send an envoy to the emperor to call on him to submit, and
chooses Balan to do so.
(14)
Balan and his men ride to the court of Charlemagne in Bayonne. Balan
delivers his message, offering the emperor gold and silver if he will
submit to Agolant. If the offer is not accepted, then there is nowhere
in Spain that the emperor would be safe from the power of Agolant.
Charlemagne refuses to submit and wants to meet Agolant in battle. Balan
observes that the Christian faith is stronger than his own. The emperor
gives him some horses at his farewell.
(15)
Balan reports to Agolant the outcome of his mission, expresses his
admiration for the emperor and his warriors, and advises against doing
battle with them. When Agolant hears that his own army is twice as
numerous as the emperor's, he sends Aumont with Balan and the four gods
to the conquered tower.
(16)
The emperor advances into Spain. When he approaches the camp of Agolant,
Charlemagne announces his intention to build a church on the site. The
army pitches their tents and Charleamgne summons Turpin, Roland, and
Duke Milo to advise him what to do next. On the advice of Turpin, he
sends a emissary to Agolant in order to obtain a dialogue. Agolant
agrees to it, but both let their armies prepare themselves as if for
battle.
(17)
In the conversation in which the emperor, to Agolant's surprise, uses
the Arabic language, they try in vain to persuade each other to change
their religion. Agolant then suggests that they should let the battle
decide whose religion is the right one. Here, the emperor agrees on the
condition that they fight in turns, one against one, twenty against
twenty, etc. When finally, one thousand have fought against one
thousand, and the Christians are always victorious, Agolant declares
that the next day he will adopt Christianity.
(18)
Agolant comes to the camp of the Christians on the following day and
meets the emperor at table with his court. Agolant is very surprised
that those present are dressed so differently and asks the emperor for
an explanation. The emperor explains that those with monochromatic
clothes are bishops and priests whose vocation is to teach, give
absolution, and blessing. Those dressed in black are abbots and monks
who pray night and day for the army. Those dressed in white robes are
canons, whose life is like that of the monks, but who hold mass like the
priests. Agolant believes that there cannot be much help in having such
a cast with him, and finally asks who the people are that sit on the
edge of the bare ground without a table or tablecloth, with meager
portions of food and drink, and barely clothed. The emperor explains
that they are God's men and messengers, namely the poor, thirteen of
whom he feeds daily in remembrance of Jesus and his twelve apostles.
Agolant declares, full of reluctance, that it must be a bad faith that
allows one to keep one's own people in splendor and abundance, but
allows God's men and messengers to eat their shameful measure of food on
the bare ground, and that he absolutely does not want to abandon his
faith to adopt such a law. The emperor tries to explain to him that it
is not appropriate to give beggars superfluous delicacies and wine, but
that they must live humbly after the example of Jesus and his disciples.
But Agolant will hear nothing of it and takes his leave, after
challenging the emperor to a general battle. The emperor allows the
poor, following the army, to enjoy better treatment. The Christians
prepare for battle, and the evening before the battle they put their
spears in the ground outside the tents. In the morning, many of these
spears are covered with bark and flowers, and after the shafts are cut
off right at the ground, a whole forest shoots up from the roots, mainly
consisting of ash groves.
(19)
In the ensuing battle, those who carry the flower-clad spears ride in
the lead. They are all destined to win the crown of martyrdom that day.
The most important among them is Duke Milo of Anglante, father of
Roland, who dies in the battle. Charlemagne rides forward into the pagan
army with two thousand of his knights and kills many Saracens with his
sword Joyeuse. The emperor is in great danger in the battle, as his
horse falls under him, but he defends himself valiantly and is unharmed.
When the day clears, the battle ends. The pagans have captured Duke
Naimon of Bavaria and Agolant plans to kill him. Balan, sent by Aumont
to gather intelligence, remembers how well he was treated by the
Christians when he was their prisoner, offers to pay Agolant with gold,
silver, horses, and armor for Naimon's release, and threatens bloodshed
to defend him if necessary. Agolant reluctantly agrees. Balan ransoms
Naimon and sends him to the emperor with a white fast-running horse as a
gift to replace the horse which Charlemagne lost in the battle. Four
marquises from Rome have come to Bayonne with four thousand knights as
reinforcements. Balan returns to Aumont.
(20)
When Agolant hears that the emperor has received reinforcements, he
guards and occupies the strong fortress of Agen. He seeks to lure the
emperor to pay a visit here. Charlemagne promises to come and sets off
with seventy knights. In the vicinity of Agen, he leaves his retinue and
goes to Agolant disguised as a messenger, accompanied by a single
knight. He informs Agolant that the emperor is in the vicinity with
sixty knights, is willing to surrender, and wants to speak with him if
he would come with sixty knights of his own. Having delivered his
message, Charlemagne leaves the city, making careful note of how the
city might best be conquered. He returns to his retinue, without being
recognized by Agolant, and immediately prepares his army. Instead of the
agreed sixty knights, Agolant treacherously sends seven thousand men,
hoping to capture the emperor, but they return without success.
(21)
The emperor takes command of his army and attacks Agen. After a six-
month siege with little success, Charlemagne calls on Saint James to
assist him. The aid of the apostle makes the next attack stronger, and
Agolant is forced to flee the city. He flees the city one night and goes
to the city of Santun by the river Karant. Charlemagne conquers Agen and
has all the Saracens converted to Christianity or killed. The emperor
follows Agolant to Santun, wins a battle outside the city, and surrounds
it except on the river side. Agolant flees again over the river at
night. The French pursue him and kill the king of Agapia, the King of
Bugie, and four thousand pagans. Agolant escapes and rides into
Pamplona, which has now been provided with new walls. There he sends for
reinforcements and awaits the emperor, but is ashamed to ask for help
and does not report the state of affairs to Aumont.
(22)
From Santun, the Emperor sends a request to the Pope to come to Spain
and bring auxiliary troops. He also offers freedom to all the slaves and
criminals of France, in return for joining the emperor's army. The Pope
departs from Italy with the relic of the True Cross and followed by many
troops, and their numbers increase along the way. When he comes near the
emperor, the latter marches to meet him with his troops and accompanies
him to the camp. Now his army has become so large that it completely
covers the earth for two days' journey in length and breadth, and you
can hear the noise of the people and horses for twelve miles. Then the
emperor marches with the whole army towards Pamplona. At the front was
Arnald of Bilanda and his army, followed by Earl Estout and his army,
King Arastain of Brittania, Renaut of Aubespin with his retinue, King
Gondebaud of Frisia with his court, Ogier the Dane, then one ruler after
another, and lastly, Emperor Charlemagne, Constantine the prefect of
Rome, and the main army. Charlemagne arrives in Pamplona and both sides
prepare for battle. The emperor has more troops and better equipment.
The emperor has 133,000 men divided into five divisions, with the first
division led by Arnald of Bilanda. Agolant has 100,000 men divided into
four divisions.
(23)
Charlemagne urges his army to battle for gold, glory, and an eternal
reward from the King of Kings. The Pope blesses the army and absolves
them of their sins. Arnald of Bilanda leads the French army and they
break through the first two divisions of Agolant's army. Many pagans are
killed, the field is covered with their dead bodies, and the rest of
their army flees. Agolant flees the battle and sails back to Africa,
where he takes up residence in the city of Reggio. Now Aumont believes
he can try his hand against the Franks. Two kings, Almanzor and Ibrahim
of Seville, who escaped the battle, have taken refuge in the nearby
mountains with their people. From there they descend at night on the
rampart and kill one thousand of the Christians who, out of greed, had
secretly gone back to plunder the dead. King Almanzor and King Ibrahim
rode away in the night to the city of Córdoba.
(24)
The emperor holds battle with Furra, Lord of Navarre. The night before
the siege, the emperor asks God for a sign as to how many of his army
should fall. In the morning, all those destined to die have a red cross
on their shoulder outside their armor. The emperor keeps all these men
locked up in his chapel during the battle. Furra and four thousand of
the pagans died in the battle, but none of the Christians were killed.
But when Charlemagne opens the door to the chapel, he finds that all the
men barricaded inside are dead. So it is that none may avoid the hour of
their death, chosen by God. Charlemagne then conquers Navarre.
(25)
The kings Ibrahim and Almanzor, who have escaped from the Battle of
Pamplona, gather a large army in Córdoba and summon the emperor to
battle at the city. The emperor accepts the challenge and marches
towards the city. The Saracen foot soldiers have long black beards and
wear horns on their heads so they look like devils, and each one carries
pipes, drums, and bells. In the battle, the horses of the emperor's army
are confused by the loud war music and strange appearance of the
Saracens, so that the whole army is chased to flight without a single
Frank falling. The Saracens pursue them, but when the Franks have taken
up a firm position on a mountain, the Saracens retreat. The next day the
emperor has the horses' heads bound with linen cloth and their ears
filled with wax, and sets forth again towards Córdoba. The Saracens meet
them in battle, and many are killed by the French. The rest flee to
rally around their battle standard, a red banner raised on a wagon
surrounded by eight oxen. Charlemagne rides into the pagan army, on the
white horse given to him by Balan, and cuts down their battle standard.
With the loss of their standard, the pagans suffer defeat and eight
thousand Saracens die, including Ibrahim. Almanzor rides into Córdoba
with two thousand men, but then surrenders and allows himself to be
baptized with his whole army. Almanzor is allowed to hold the city of
Córdoba in fiefdom and he becomes a vassal of Charlemagne.
(26)
As soon as Aumont has received Balan's message, he decides to divide his
army into three divisions. One he leads himself, and with him are the
four Gods. He sends the second division further away under the
leadership of Balan and Trïamodés. He leaves the third division to
defend the tower. The two armies make devastating raids across Spain,
killing Christians and plundering property.
(27)
Aumont conquered many cities and castles by fire and the sword. He
killed the men and cut the breasts off the women who refused to worship
his pagan idols. The emperor, who is occupied in another corner of the
country, receives this news and sends Salomon of Brittany and Droon of
Gascony with thirty thousand men to observe Aumont's movements. They
encamped at Mount Aspremont and posted an outpost of ten thousand men on
the other side of the hill, where they could see Aumont's tower.
(28)
Aumont is just returning from a successful raid on Calabria and comes
across these scouts. Relying on his superior strength, he sends men with
bows and spears to attack them, but they cannot penetrate the shields of
the French. He then sends his knights to attack, but the Christians draw
their swords and couch their lances and many pagans are killed. The
French then ride down the slope of Mount Aspremont and the Saracens
suffer a terrible defeat. Aumont's standard-bearer falls, and he himself
escapes with difficulty into the tower, as his horse is split in two by
a knight's blow, so that Aumont falls inside the gate with the front
part of the horse, while the back half of his horse falls outside the
gate. The Christians kill many pagans and put the rest to flight.
(29)
The victors seize gold, silver, and other rich booty, including the four
magnificently adorned idols of the pagan gods. They erect four tall
poles, tie nooses around the feet of the idols and hoist them up, and
then they let them fall down, so that the nearby pagans should see their
scornful treatment. They spit on them and beat them with sticks and
stones. Then they return to the main camp of the kings Salomon and
Droon, bringing their treasures and the four idols with them. Here it is
determined that the emperor will decide the fate of the gods when he
arrives.
(30)
At this time, Girard, son of King Beuvon, ruled over Burgundy from the
city of Fraite. There was no better duke, for he had more wealth and
wisdom than most kings. He was valiant and strong, but not tall, he was
polite and treated his men well, but he dealt very harshly with his
enemies. He had a wealthy wife and had never lost a battle. The one
hundred year old Duke Girard of Fraite decides to fight for Christianity
in Spain and moves in with fifteen thousand men. Among these are his
four sons, Ernaut, Renier, Milo, and Girardet, the first two of whom are
already knights, and his sister's two sons, Bovon and Claron. In
addition, he is accompanied by a number of young people who have not yet
put on the armor of a knight. He advances towards Aumont's tower, and it
so happens that he encamps in front of it on the very night after
Aumont's battle with the band of scouts.
(31)
Aumont sits in his tower, displeased over the loss of his four idols and
the greater part of his army. He thinks Girard's army is the band of
scouts who defeated him the previous day, and so he decides to take
revenge and prepares to attack. Girard, sensing his intention, decides
to seize the tower and orders his men to lure the pagans away from the
tower when Aumont attacks.
(32)
Aumont attacks with Turkish bows, spears, and swords, hoping to
overwhelm the French. Girard's men defend themselves well from this
attack but slowly give ground to draw them away from the tower. Girard
leads another group of knights to gradually cut Aumont off from the
tower, and then attacks him from behind. The pagans lose the battle and
flee to the city of Hamne. Girard's men, led by his nephews Bovon and
Claron, pursue the fleeing pagans, while Girard prevents the others from
returning to the tower. Aumont himself is thrown from his horse by
Claron and saves himself with difficulty by crossing over the flowing
river. Claron takes Aumont's white horse and returns to the tower, which
Girard has occupied and has killed all the pagans who were found there.
There was no shortage of food or drink and other riches, and everyone
could have as much as they wanted. Now there was great joy in Girard's
army, for the victory they had won over the Africans.
(33)
The surviving knights of Aumont's army gather around him, distraught
over their loss of gold, silver, the four idols, and most of their
companions. Aumont showers them with reproaches for the lost battle, and
sends word to Balan and Trïamodés that they should immediately come with
their army to the rescue. When Balan hears of Aumont's defeat and the
loss of the four gods, Makon, Tervagant, Apolin, and Jupiter, he begins
to lose faith in the idols, and prays to the God of the Christians that
he may be baptized before he dies.
(34)
Balan and Trïamodés prepare to depart, gather many reinforcements, and
unite with Aumont. Aumont admits to the chiefs his recklessness in his
relationship with his father and the council. He organizes his army,
which amounts to seven hundred thousand men. The first division was led
by Balan and four kings. The second division was commanded by Trïamodés,
nephew of Agolant. The third division was led by two kings, Rodoan and
Salatiel. King Cador and Amandras led the fourth division with sixty
thousand men with golden helmets and silver armor. At the head of the
fifth division were King Butran and King Lampal, both strong and well
equipped. The two kings Maargon and Esperrant are entrusted to guard the
main banner with one hundred thousand men. Aumont carries the best sword
Durendal, and the horn Olifant, both of which Roland will take from him
after his death. The commanders of the army being appointed, Aumont
rides forward and separates each division from the others and leads the
army until they come to the valley that lies below the mountain
Aspremont, in a great plain where you can see for a long distance,
because they needed a wide country to spread out in, as there were more
than seven hundred thousand men in the army. Here Aumont erected his
tents.
(35)
Droon and Salomon, learning from the scouts of the approach of the
pagans, find it necessary to send a messenger to Charlemagne to tell him
what is going on and to ask him to hasten his march. Salomon asks
Richier to be the messenger, but he refuses to leave because he would
miss the coming battle. Several other knights also refuse to take on the
errand, as they consider it dishonorable to leave before a battle.
Finally, Archbishop Samson agrees to undertake the task.
(36)
The messenger rides to Charlemagne's tent and asks him to come as
quickly as he can. The emperor prepares his army and rides to unite with
Droon and Samson. They tell the emperor of the victory of the French
knights over Aumont's army in which Aumont was forced to flee and the
French took the four idols of the pagan gods. Seeing the gold, silver,
and precious stones with which the idols are decorated, Charlemagne
decides to give the four gods into the hands of whores and harlots. The
whores tied their garters together, made nooses out of them, and tied
them around the necks of the gods. Then they drag them around over the
rocks and finally into their tents, where they smash them with clubs and
divide among themselves the gold, silver, and precious stones with which
the gods have been adorned. But there are so many people that they only
get half a penny each. The emperor calls his army together and has Fagon
carry his golden battle standard. Charlemagne sets out with Ogier the
Dane, Duke Naimon, a Flemish count, and Bérenger the Briton, riding up
the mountain ridge to investigate the enemy's position.
(37)
Girard, who has seen Aumont's march from the tower, prepares his army.
Girard tells his men that he has never lost a battle in the last eighty
years, those who die in battle will be rewarded in heaven, and those who
survive will receive riches and honor. He arranges his army in three
divisions. His nephews Bovon and Claron lead the first division, his
sons Ernaut and Renier lead the second division, and Girard himself
leads the third division. They arrive below Aspremont, just as
Charlemagne and his retinue have left the army to scout.
(38)
The emperor now gets an overview of the pagans' strength and position,
and he sees Girard's army nearby. Unaware of Girard's arrival, he
mistakes them for enemy scouts and sends Ogier with Duke Naimon, the
Earl of Flanders, and Bérenger the Briton to observe them more closely.
Girard sends his two nephews, Bovon and Claron, and his two eldest sons,
Ernaut and Renier, against them. Claron meets Ogier and the Dane lands
his lance under the shield of Claron, so hard that pieces of his armor
fly across the field, but Claron hits Ogier's shield with his lance and
breaks his shield, and Ogier is thrown from his horse. Then they both
draw their weapons and fight with swords. Bovon strikes a blow on the
helmet of the Earl of Flanders and the sword bounces off the helmet and
lands on his shoulder, wounding him so badly that he withdraws from the
battle. Next, Duke Naimon rides at Renier and Bérenger rides against
Ernaut. Ernaut is knocked from his horse and Bérenger dismounts and
draws his sword. By God's mercy, Ogier thinks to ask his opponent's
name. Upon learning each other's identity, Claron and Ogier throw away
their swords and embrace each other. Duke Naimon and Renier likewise
throw down their swords and walk towards each other holding their hands
up in a sign of peace. When the Emperor and Girard witness this, they
ride forward to meet and recognize each other, and there is a great
celebration on both sides.
(39)
Girard tells Charlemagne that the pagans have assembled an enormous army
and that he has seized control of the tower from Aumont. Girard offers
to place his army under the emperor's command, but the latter asks him
to lead the army himself. However, Fagon the standard bearer has arrived
with the rest of Charlemagne's army, and the emperor arranges them for
battle. There were four thousand in the first column, led by King
Salomon, Geoffroy of Anjou, Anquetin the Norman, and Earl Hugi of
Eleusborg. They had two banners white as snow and would rather die than
flee. In the second division there were seven thousand led by Gondebaud,
king of Frisia. In the third division were fifteen thousand led by Duke
Naimon, Duke Lampart, and Riker, who were all valiant knights with green
shields. The fourth division was led by the virtuous knight Vernes. The
fifth dividsion was led by two kings, one duke, and two earls. The sixth
division was commanded by the old and wise chief Droon, King of Gascony,
and has four thousand troops equipped with the fastest horses. The
seventh division was made up of Saxons, Flemings, and Lotharingi and
with them was Fagon the standard bearer and sixty thousand men. This
last division was to be led by Charlemagne, son of Pepin, and included
great leaders such as Roland, Ogier the Dane, and many of their peers.
Aumont and his father Agolant will soon learn that this expedition was a
mistake.
(40)
The emperor has gathered his troops. He dismounts from his horse and
walks under the shade of a tree. He is dressed in the finest cloth and
wears a silk cloak. His cap is made of snow-white sable fur. His
trousers are purple trimmed with gold. Charlemagne takes off his cloak
and puts on his armor that is bright, white, and of the purest silver.
On top of this, he adorned himself with thick leather armor. The helmet
he placed on his head was such a great treasure, nothing like it can be
found in the armies of the Christians or the pagans. It was made of the
hardest steel that the smith could find, green in color, engraved with
flowers and leaves, and thirteen of the most expensive gems are placed
upon it. The precious stones made it so that any person who wore this
helmet need not fear death while they have it on their head. He girds
his sword Joyeuse, which is long, strong, and engraved with golden
letters. Fully armed, the emperor gets on the white horse given to him
by Balan. Many rich men followed him as he rode forward into the middle
of the army. He was dressed as a soldier and was a great leader of many
thousands. He was courtly in countenance with sharp eyes, broad
shoulders, tall in stature, powerful, and knew well how to carry a
shield. When Girard sees him, he says that he is the emperor of all
Christian men, and likely there will never be another man like him.
(41)
The Emperor Charlemagne speaks to his men, to encourage them to
strengthen both body and soul. He says, "You are all aware that almighty
God sent his only begotten son to the earth and he was born of the
Virgin Mary to help deliver all mankind from sin. He lived here for
thirty-three years and received holy baptism from John the Baptist, and
he commanded all his servants to be baptized and follow the commandments
to be rewarded with eternal bliss, but he threatens those who despise
him with terrible torments of eternal fire. Now it is clear that the two
pagan chiefs, Agolant and Aumont, have come here from Africa to break
down Christian laws, desecrate the holy places, and to drive us away in
exile. We have been sent to protect his honor and glory, and must think
how we should serve him and how much we owe him for suffering mockery
and scorn, wounds and agony, and the pain of the cross. He allowed his
hands and feet to be pierced with great iron spikes, and bled from those
wounds and from the wound in his side, where he was pierced through his
right side with a spear. But the one who held the spear immediately
received clear vision as his bloodied hand touched his eyes that were
blind before. Therefore, let us go forth joyfully against his enemies
and lay down our lives for holy Christianity, and take death from the
arms of the pagans if it is God's will that awaits us. We will then
receive the reward of eternal bliss and we will all rejoice together
before almighty God."
After these words of the emperor, then the Pope rode forward and said,
"My sons, I am your father, appointed by God to take care of your souls.
Therefore, believe that I say the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ chose
twelve apostles to accompany him, the chief of who was Peter the
Apostle, to each of whom God gave so much power to be bound and released
in heaven and on earth. Know without a doubt that I am ready to open up
the gates of heaven to you if you boldly step forward under the
emperor's banner, especially if you repent of your sins and remove all
evil from your hearts. I will absolve you of all your sins by the power
God has granted me through the blessed Apostle Peter, telling you to cut
down the pagans, who spare neither hand nor foot, head nor trunk, making
a true bargain with God himself." The Pope raised his right hand and
blessed the entire army and then rode away at a gallop.
Girard rode to the emperor and offered to ride with his men into the
middle of the pagan camp, attack the main host of the enemy, and to see
what he and his men can accomplish there.
(42)
The front battle line of the pagans is led by Balan and four other
kings. They have vowed to retrieve the idols of their four chief gods,
Mahomet, Makon, Tervagant, and Jupiter. Earl Hugi and his four
companions lead the first division of Charlemagne's army. They ride
against Balan and three of the pagan kings are killed. A general melee
ensues and many men are killed on both sides, but the Franks have the
upper hand and are emboldened by their success. They advanced until they
were threatened by the pagan archers, who fired their Turkish bows
quickly one after another, so that the French were in great danger.
Roland, Ogier the Dane, and their peers ride forward and kill many pagan
archers, forcing the rest of them to flee.
(43)
Girard says to his men, "Strike hard and see if your swords can bite
into the necks of the pagans. You have nothing for fear and are blessed
by God." He leads his men to attack the pagans' right flank. Claron
rides forward on the horse he took from Aumont and kills King Guilimin
of Africa and many other pagan knights. There are many casualties on
both sides.
(44)
As the battle began in the morning, Aumont advanced from the front line
in the middle of the camp, brandishing his sword Durendal and striking
the Christians with both hands with such great force that he cuts
through shields, armor, flesh, and bones. He does great damage to the
emperor's army. He sees Ogier the Dane and rides to confront him. Ogier
and Aumont are both thrown from their horses. Anquetin of Normandy rides
against a rich king named Boïdant and strikes him on the top of his
helmet, so hard that his head is split in two and his teeth are driven
into the ground. Anquetin grabs hold of the horse of his slain foe and
Ogier mounts it quickly.
(45)
The battle is fierce, but it is always the fiercest where Roland rides
with the other peers, expertly slashing flesh away from bone. After the
battle has lasted from dawn to dusk, the battle ceases. For half a mile
the ground is completely covered with corpses of men and horses and with
armor. In the emperor's army, two kings and over forty counts and dukes
are among the fallen.
(46)
The Christians keep watch at night on horseback in full armor on the
rampart so as not to be taken by surprise. None of the knights remove
their helmets and they do not eat, drink, or sleep. Many of the pagans
in Aumont's army flee the field. Balan admonishes Aumont for not
listening to his warnings about the strength of the French army. Balan
advises Aumont to retreat or surrender to Charlemagne, but Aumont
refuses because his army outnumbers theirs.
(47)
At daybreak, Aumont renews the battle and leads twenty thousand pagans
to attack the four thousand French who have been keeping watch on the
rampart. Aumont strikes Anzelin of Varegne dead from his horse and Balan
joins him in the attack. Ogier the Dane arrives with many knights,
captures Butran, who is Aumont's interpreter, and learns that Aumont
intends to carry out the battle himself without asking Agolant for
reinforcements. Ogier seeks out Charlemagne, informs him of the state of
affairs, and advises him to arm all the young men and servants who are
in the camp. The emperor prays to God for assistance and sends Droon and
Andefroi to arm the young men and servants and to prepare them for
battle. Charlemagne gives orders to the camp and moves forward with the
main army towards the battlefield. Roland and many other leaders are
with him. The knight Salomon kills King Bordant and seizes the horn
Olifant, but falls himself to Aumont, who hangs Olifant around his neck.
Anquetin rides forward, but Aumont slays him with a great blow. Learning
of the death of Anquetin, Charlemagne and Roland renew their attacks.
(48)
Early in the morning, Duke Girard summons his nephews, Bovon and Claron,
and other chiefs, and orders them to dismount and lead five thousand men
on foot in order to get through the fallen on the battlefield. While
they are doing this, Duke Girard attacks twenty thousand pagans on
Charlemagne's right side with two thousand horsemen. Despite his old
age, Girard rides at the head of his knights and strikes Macabrés with
his lance, piercing his coat of mail and throwing him dead to the
ground. Aumont realizes that the battle is lost but, because of his
pride, he refuses to send a messenger to his father Agolant to ask for
help. Girard, followed by his nephews Bovon and Claron and other chiefs
on foot, breaks the enemy's line and pushes forward to the main banner,
which is entrusted to the kings Maargon and Esperrant. These fled from
the battle without reporting to Aumont, and returned to Africa. Girard
fights valiantly for such an old man, every pagan he encounters is
killed with a single sword stroke. Girard captures the banner and chases
the fleeing defenders. Many of Duke Girard's men are dead or
unconscious. Girard himself is wounded and blood drips from his nose.
(49)
Charlemagne and Aumont, who are still unaware of what Girard is doing,
stop the battle for a while, while the fight is continued individually
by a few who ride forward in front of the lines. Trïamodés, nephew of
Aumont, kills Duke Milo, brother of Bérenger the Briton, pulling his
lungs out with the entrails on the point of his lance and carrying the
bloody lance held high while he brags about himself. Milo's brother
Bérenger the Briton rides against Trïamodés, pierces him with his lance,
and lays him dead on the ground. Aumont mourns the death of his nephew
Trïamodés with tears and words of lamentation.
(50)
The single combat continues with the knights Richier and Morant riding
forward. Morant kills Macre and Richier kills Gizarid, another of
Aumont's kinsmen, who was the one that brought the horn Olifant from his
kingdom in Africa. Aumont is troubled by his losses and seeks the advice
of Balan. Balan tells him that things turned out this way because of his
pride, his greed, and because he did not listen to the advice which he
was given. Aumont blows a blast on Olifant with such force that the
earth shakes, draws his sword Durendal, and rides into battle against
the Christians again.
(51)
A knight reports to Aumont that the main banner has been cut down and
the two kings Maargon and Esperrant have fled. Aumont sends fresh troops
against the emperor, led by Kings Salatiel and Rodoan. Many Franks fall
before Salatiel's club and poisoned arrows, but he is finally felled by
Ogier the Dane. Duke Naimon rides forward on his tireless war-horse
Morel and strikes Rodoan down.
(52)
After the death of Salatiel, there is another stay in the battle.
Charlemagne takes counsel from his chief knights, Roland, Ogier, Naimon,
Salomon, Hugi, and Richier. Of the emperor's army, thirty thousand men
are still alive. A wounded and bloodied knight, Valterus of Salastis,
reports to the emperor that Girard has defeated the enemy standard
bearer and cut down the main banner.
(53)
Droon and Andefroi announce to all the young men in the camp that they
are to arm themselves. Forty thousand young men arrive from the camp,
including servants, cooks, and butlers, led by the emperor's pages
Estout, Haton, Engelier, and Graelant. They arm themselves with the
armor, weapons, and horses of the fallen and make a fierce attack on the
pagans. On the other side, Aumont's army is attacked by Girard with ten
thousand vassal knights. In despair, Aumont gives the order to retreat,
but is attacked on a third side by the Emperor Charlemagne.
(54)
When Aumont sees that he is surrounded, he tries to break through, and
escapes with the two kings Gorhant and Mordoan. He rides away, full of
grief and complaining about his troubles.
Aumont says, "As great and powerful as I thought I was, I have become so
wretched. I thought that no one could defeat me, but it has happened
today. I ignored my father's advice and became too arrogant."
Balan hears what Aumont is muttering and says, "You are weeping like a
woman full of grief for her husband or the death on her only son, but
you have realized your arrogance too late. You have courage, but you
acted foolishly and now the Franks are after you and will kill you as
soon as possible."
Aumont sees that what Balan says is true, because the emperor is
pursuing him with Roland, Ogier, Naimon, and four squires. King
Mordoan's horse is exhausted and will not run in response to spurs or
heavy blows. Aumont says, "What are we to do now? I cannot leave King
Mordoan here, so let us turn to face those who are chasing us."
Balan says, "Save your life if you can, but let die those who are
already dead."
Aumont turns and rides against Naimon, who arrived first with the
fastest horse, and knocks him from the saddle. Ogier the Dane hits
Gorhant on the helmet with such force that his head splits and the sword
does not stop until it is in his stomach, and he falls dead from the
back of his horse. When Aumont sees Gorhant fall, he draws his bright
sword and aims at Ogier's helmet, but Ogier dodges and Aumont hits lower
than he intended, striking Ogier's saddle. Aumont has to flee again,
pursued by Charlemagne. Balan is captured by his old acquaintance
Naimon. Roland, seeing Naimon's horse Morel standing in the field,
thinks that Naimon is dead. He grabs Morel to replace the horse he had
been riding that had died of exhaustion. He gallops away after the
emperor and Aumont.
(55)
Aumont continues his flight. Aumont started with an army of seven
hundred thousand, but now he is alone. He is pursued by Charlemagne, but
Aumont's horse is faster and he cannot catch up. When Aumont comes to a
spring in a forest, flowing from under the roots of an olive tree, he
dismounts, lays down his sword and shield, and takes off his helmet to
drink.
However, Charlemagne catches up with him and gets between Aumont and his
arms. Charlemagne says, "Take your armor and get on your horse, because
no man will accuse me of killing an unarmed fugitive, but know that this
drink has been bought dearly."
Aumont puts on his armor, mounts his horse, snaps his shield to his
chest, and couches his lance. They exchange words and begin to fight.
Aumont is wounded, but attacks all the more furiously, and Charlemagne
becomes more exhausted. When Aumont sees the strange stones in the
emperor's helmet, he realizes that the emperor cannot be killed as long
as he has it on. He finally gets hold of the helmet straps, and little
by little the helmet slides off the emperor's head. The emperor holds on
to the straps on the other side, but at last Aumont is about to wrest
the helmet from him.
Now Roland arrives. When Aumont sees him, he says to both of them, full
of anger, "I swear by Makon and Tervagant and all the power of our gods
that you will not get away from me." He raises his sword to strike at
the emperor's bare head but Roland crushes his raised arm with his
lance, so that Aumont's sword falls from his hand. Roland strikes his
helemt and cleaves it in two, along with his head down to the teeth.
Aumont fell forward dead at his feet and never got up again.
(56)
The emperor thanks Roland. Roland seizes Aumont's horse Veillantif, the
sword Durendal, and the horn Olifant. Then Ogier and Naimon arrive on
foot with their companions and see Charlemagne very exhausted and Aumont
dead. They talk with Charlemagne, give the emperor water to drink, and
wash the blood and sweat from his weathered face. They go to where
Aumont's corpse lays and see his dismembered right arm and his head
cleft to the teeth. They place Aumont's body under an olive tree and
cover him with a shield.
Before they ride away, the emperor says, "If Aumont had been a
Christian, there would be no knight in the world more worthy than him."
Naimon replies, "Woe to him and to his mother and father. He is now
given forever to the devil."
(57)
The emperor returns and enters Aumont's magnificent tent. The Christians
are well provided for with food and drinks, gold and silver, precious
stones, good tableware both new and old, expensive cloths, and so much
finery that it is not easy to count it all. The Franks rest here after
their long suffering and great hardship. The tent of Aumont son of
Agolant was brought with him from Africa, and was so big that a thousand
knights and their squires and servants could all fit inside it. The tent
is made of the most expensive fabric sewn with silver and gold. Four
carbuncles light up the entire tent so that there is no need to burn
candles in the evenings or at night. The carbuncles shine so brightly
that they light up the entire valley, so that those who are on guard
cannot be surprised. The emperor and the Pope spend the night there. The
next day the emperor has the priests sprinkle holy water inside and
outside the tent, and over all the things that the pagans had held in
their hands. While the emperor is sitting at the table, Naimon and Ogier
present Balan to him and he asks to be baptized. The Pope himself
baptizes him in a font prepared for that purpose, and gives him the name
Guitequin after one of Charlemagne's previous chieftains. The emperor
lifts him up from the font and clothes him. Girard the Old, who
continued fighting the fleeing pagans until darkness fell, leads his
army back to the tower to rest and recover. Charlemagne sits in Aumont's
tent with his army, and the sick and wounded are healed.
(58)
King Agolant sits in the castle of Risa in Africa and plays chess with
King Boïdant. Two rich kings, Boïdant the powerful, who rules a kingdom
beyond Jerusalem, and Moadas, have arrived with a large fleet of ships.
The two fugitive kings Maargon and Esperrant come to report to Agolant.
Agolant asks them, "What tidings do you bring? Has my son Aumont
conquered Spain and killed the king of the Christians or put him to
flight?"
They reply, "Most of the men that accompanied Aumont are killed and we
were forced to flee. We do not know what became of Aumont."
Agolant flies into a rage and says, "Take these wicked traitors and hang
them on the gallows as the worst thieves. They shall endure a
disgraceful death for the depravity committed against my son and against
me, your king."
He calls his kings together and orders them to sentence the traitors to
a just and swift punishment. The twenty kings leave the palace to
deliberate. Some of them want to follow Agolant's orders, but others are
in favor of showing mercy.
(59)
The twenty kings disagree, as the relatives of the fugitives seek to
have them acquitted or the sentence postponed, but the most violent
kings demand immediate execution. The latter silence the other party by
threats, whereupon Mandaquin and Ulien inform Agolant that the two kings
are condemned to be tied to horses, torn to pieces, dragged over the
streeets, and dismembered. The sentence is carried out. Many of the
pagans think this punishment is too severe, though they dare not speak
up.
(60)
The next day, a knight named Valdabrun arrives with one thousand wounded
fugitives from the battle and tells of the loss of the four gods and of
the fate of the army until the final defeat. He knows that Aumont has
fled, but he does not know whether he is alive or dead. Agolant embarks
his army for Spain, and lands at the mouth of the river which flows
through the valley of Aspremont. He leaves his queen on the ships, he
himself encamps on land, and he divides his army into five divisions.
(61)
While the Emperor and the Pope are sitting in Aumont's tent, knowing
nothing of Agolant's landing, Guitequin, who had been called Balan
before he was baptized, enters and asks the emperor for a secret
conversation with him and the Pope. He now shows them a feature of the
tent that they had not noticed, namely that up under the knobs of the
tent poles there is a golden dragon with a mirror in which the events
that are happening in the area nearby can be seen. Looking in the
reflection, they see Agolant's army has landed at a port not far from
Charlemagne's camp. The emperor immediately sends for Duke Girard, and
after complimenting him on his exploits, he shows him the mirror.
Guitequin now describes the five divisions of Agolant's army and their
leaders. The first division is led by Mandaquin, there is no stronger
man in all of Africa. The second division is led by Acart of Flors and
his kinsman Manuel. The third division is made of unruly men who are
hated, live like criminals, and do not ride horses or use swords and
armor, but are archers who eat wild game, and they are led by Canidès of
Orcania and Floriades. The fourth division is made of men who are
handsome, wealthy, well armored, and bold in battle, and they are led by
Eliadas and Pantalas. The fifth division is led by Agolant himself. So
many kings and great leaders have come from Africa that few are left
behind. Charlemagne thanks Guitequin for this information and prepares
to do battle.
(62)
Girard advises Charlemagne to make all the young men knights. He accepts
the proposal and asks the Pope to gather troops on his side as well. The
Pope leaves the camp to fulfill his request. The emperor knights all the
young men capable of arms and gives them noble rights, in return for
which they promise him obedience and to fight for Christianity. Foremost
among the young knights are Estout, Bérenger, Haton, and Engelier.
Charlemagne puts these four under the command of his nephew Roland.
Girard returns to the Tower and also decides to give his young men
knighthood. He sends his two youngest sons, Milo and Girardet, to the
emperor with a request to knight them. The emperor fulfills his wish and
gives them swords, armor, and fiefdoms.
(63)
The Pope returns with many reinforcements, whereupon the emperor
announces the arrival of the army of Agolant, and asks the Pope to hold
Mass the next day. In the morning, the Pope holds Mass and the whole
army enjoys the sacrament and receives absolution, after which the Pope
takes out the True Cross that he has brought with him from Rome and
blesses the troops. The emperor divides his army into five columns and
appoints commanders. His nephew Roland and the rest of the Twelve Peers
are to lead the first column that consists of three thousand young
knights. Charlemagne places King Salomon and Earl Hugi at the head of
the second column, made of five thousand Britons. The third column of
seven thousand is to be commanded by the valiant King Droon of Gascony
and Duke Naimon. The fourth column of Normans and Saxons is led by
Gondebaud the King of Frisia, with Segris and Esner. The fifth column is
led by Charlemagne himself and has Fagon the standard-bearer, Guitequin,
many other good knights, and sixteen thousand men. He then instructs
Ogier the Dane to keep an eye on Roland, in case his indomitable courage
should put his life in danger.
(64)
Agolant is surprised that Aumont has not heard of their arrival and come
to join them. Following the advice of one his chiefs, he sends Kings
Ulien and Galindre the Old to the emperor to demand tribute and
submission.
Galindre wears a crown mounted with precious stones, carries an olive
branch as a sign of peace, and has braids in his white beard. Ulien
rides a swift horse, wears a silk jacket embroidered with gold, and
carries a gold-enamelled shield. Galindre will use persuasion and Ulien
will use threats if necessary. The messengers meet Charlemagne on
horseback, as he has finished organizing the army, and Galindre now
makes demands in Agolant's name. He asks for the return of the four gods
whole and undamaged, a treasure of one thousand horses laden with gold
and silver, another thousand beautiful girls, and that the emperor shall
appear before Agolant barefoot and in humble garb, lay his crown in his
lap, and kneel in submission to him.
To this the emperor replies that he will never put his honor and his
crown in the lap of Agolant, that so much gold and silver is not in his
possession, that the young girls are kept in fixed castles far away, and
that moreover, it is inappropriate to give them to the violence of the
pagans, and that the four idols have been broken to pieces by whores.
Ulien now threatens that Agolant will take the Emperor to Rome in iron
chains, where he will crown his son Aumont, and finally he impatiently
repeats the demand for tribute.
The emperor then asks them to wait a moment while he consults his men,
and goes to his tent. Following Girard's advice, he sends for Aumont's
head with his helmet and his right arm with a gold ring on his finger,
and summons the messengers to receive the tribute. Amused, they step
closer, but must now receive these things to put in Agolant's lap.
Galindre takes the arm with a ring on its finger and Ulien takes the
head. Ulien swears that Agolant will have revenge for the death of his
son, and offers his glove in challenge to any French champion who will
dare to face him in combat.
Charlemagne says, "Take this head to Agolant and tell him he will never
wear a crown in Rome." At these words, Agolant's messengers depart.
(65)
Galindre and Ulien return, dejected, and pass the army divisions of the
pagans. As they pass each divison, they are greeted with many questions.
Mandaquin asks, "How is the fat Charlemagne, has he sent us our gods?"
Acart of Flors asks, "Have the Christians submitted to our laws?"
Canidès asks, "Did the stern king happily agree to pay the tax, or why
are so few following you? Were the horses not finished?"
Eliadas and Pantalas ask them, "Where are the beautiful girls? Our young
men will rejoice at their embrace."
The messengers are angered by these questions, which sound like mockery,
but they silence the questioners by showing them Aumont's head. At last,
they arrive at the palace and appear before Agolant, who calls them to
loudly and clearly report the outcome of their errand. First Galindre
reports that the emperor has promised to come, but only to hold a
battle. When Agolant asks about the treasure, Ulien takes out Aumont's
head and throws it at Agolant's feet.
"And for further confirmation," Ulien says, "Galindre is carrying your
son's arm there."
Agolant falls fainting from his throne. When he comes to himself, he
asks after his four gods, then about Charlemagne. Galindre tells about
the emperor's appearance and what he has heard of the God of the
Christians. Agolant takes his son's head and holds it to his bosom.
There is great grief in the pagan camp.
(66)
After the envoys have taken leave, Duke Girard advises Charlemagne
regarding the battle. Girard himself will attack when the opportunity is
given. The emperor thanks the duke, and says that Roland and the Peers
will do well in the battle. Then he and the duke part ways. Charlemagne
sounds his royal trumpet, and each person seeks to stand in his assigned
position within the army. The pope rides forward with a large retinue of
armored knights and the Holy Cross. He asks Mauri to carry the cross,
but he refuses because he wants to participate in the battle. The Pope
next asks Hysopem to carry the Holy Cross, and he says that he would do
it, but he could not strike with his sword while carrying it, and asks
him to find someone else.
As they are speaking, they see a noble man, short in stature but well
equipped with weapons, sitting on a beautiful red horse, who offers to
carry the Holy Cross. The Pope asks this man who he is. He says that he
was a monk in a monastery for ten years before he became the bishop of
Rheims, and that his name is Turpin. Archbishop Turpin accepts the Holy
Cross and immediately goes to the front line of battle to Roland and
Ogier, who show their reverence for the cross.
At this moment, after praying to Saint James, the Emperor receives help
from heaven, as three knights in shining armor and on white horses ride
down the mountain of Aspremont and take their place in Roland's front
line next to Ogier the Dane. Ogier asks them who they are and where they
are going. The first knight answers that he is Saint George, and his
companions are Saint Demetrius and Saint Mercurius. Saint George
explains that he always strikes first in battle, but that today he will
give that honor to Roland, the Emperor's nephew, and he prophecies that
Roland will never feel fear in his heart or speak idle threats. Ogier
realizes that they are God's holy men, humbles himself before them, and
praises the Lord. Ogier asks them to protect Roland. Roland hears what
they are talking about, praises the all-powerful God with all his heart,
and boldly steps forward into their midst.
(67)
The pagans' first battle line advances against them, led by Mandaquin,
who rides forward to the front to challenge the Franks. At the
instigation of Saint George, Roland rides against him and cuts him down
with Durendal, whereupon the three knights of God, Ogier, and the eleven
other Peers ride into battle. The knights of God cut down pagans on
either side. The battle is going well for the French and many Africans
fall, but others defend themselves well. Turpin arrives with the Holy
Cross, which shines brightly like the light of the sun, and terrifies
the pagans so that they dare not look at it, but instead turn away and
Mandaquin's battle line is broken. Roland with his men killed many men
in a short time. He then rides to disperse the first army of Agolant.
(68)
Duke Girard arms his troops and speaks to the young men who have
recently received knighthood. He says to them, "Be hard in your hearts
and brave in your arms. When lances are broken, you can quickly draw
your swords. If you are surrounded, cut down as many as you can wherever
you can and do not be afraid of the people of Africa. Let us drive them
from the field. Do not fail one another, because through our
determination, we will win from them all that they have, lands and
kingdoms, gold and silver, and a greater honor, for our work is exalted
by the almighty God."
The young knights all agree to do as he bids them. Girard puts his
nephews Bovon and Claron in the front ranks. Duke Girard marches behind
Charlemagne's army to reach Agolant's main banner from the right. In a
forest, he comes across Agolant's outposts retreating to Agolant.
When Agolant becomes uneasy at this intelligence, Ulien promises him
that, with twenty thousand men, he will cut down Girard's whole troop
before the sun goes down. If Ulien does not keep his promise, his spurs
will be turned backwards on him, the mane will be removed from his
horse, and he himself will become an object of scorn. Agolant promises
him in return the Kingdom of Spain as the heir of Aumont.
When Girard sees Ulien and his men on the march, he forms a close fixed
column and moves forward. At first, his troops confine themselves to
felling the nearest attackers during the advance, but at last he gives
the order for a general attack, and the pagans suffer a complete defeat.
Thousands of pagans are killed. Seeing this, Ulien attacks and kills
thirteen French knights. Ulien jousts with Bovon and both men are
knocked off their horses. Many of Girard's men come riding up to aid
Bovon, and Ulien is forced to retreat with the remains of his troop. He
is pursued by Girard.
(69)
After Roland splits Mandaquin's battle line, he attacks the second line
led by Acart of Flors. Acart's men offer strong resistance. However,
Charlemagne's second line moves forward in silence, led by King Solomon
and Count Hugi.
Count Hugi says, "Let us do what we can, and stretch out our arms as far
as we can, because God's will is now completely with us."
When they hear the sound of battle, Count Hugi rides ahead with one
thousand of the best knights and pushes forward, fighting until he
reaches Ogier the Dane. When the battle is at its fiercest, Archbishop
Turpin comes forward with the Holy Cross against the pagans' camp, and
then change happens quickly as it did before, because the men of Acart's
troop are paralyzed with terror when they see the Lord's cross. Acart
and his men see Salomon's troops approaching and they are unable to look
at the brilliant light shining from the Holy Cross. Their line of battle
dissolves in wild flight.
Acart and those who have not fallen or been chased away through forests
and fields are attacked by the third battle line. During the pursuit,
the Franks are somewhat dispersed. Roland, the eleven other Peers,
Ogier, Hugi, and some of the bravest are ahead of the others, and when
they come across Agolant's third battle line under Canidès of Orcania,
they immediately attack. The pagans led by Canidès do not wear helmets
or fancy armor, but they fire their bows so quickly that two or three
arrows are flying in the air at the same time. The French suffer great
losses from the poisoned arrows of the pagans, especially losing many
horses. But now Salomon arrives with four thousand men and procures
horses for them from the slaughtered pagans.
Led by Roland, the young knights Graelent, Estout, Bérenger, and Haton
make their way to the banner of the pagans and cut it down. Graelent
fells Canidès. Roland himself pushes forward to Acart and fells him.
When Ogier has lost sight of Roland, he and Hugi cut their way through
the crowd and unite with Roland. At this moment, Turpin arrives with the
Holy Cross and the three knights of God. Then the pagans begin to give
way and finally take flight. A remnant of them flees and joins the
fourth battle line, led by Eliadas and Pantalas.
(70)
When Roland has reached Agolant's fourth line, many of his men have
fallen, and most of the survivors are wounded and exhausted, so he sends
a knight to Emperor Charlemagne to ask for reinforcements. However, he
organizes his scattered people and attacks with Ogier and Hugi at the
forefront of the young knights. During the battle, Salomon arrives
first, then Droon. Many fall on both sides, and those of the Franks who
have taken part in the battle since the morning became very exhausted.
But now Turpin comes with the cross and the three knights of God,
whereupon the pagans turn to flee. Before Eliadas flees, he kills one of
the Peers, but is wounded by Roland. The Franks pursue the fugitives
with such ferocity that the horses collapse, after which they continue
the pursuit on foot and drive together and surround a group of pagans.
But they could not attack because of exhaustion, and the pagans did not
dare to attack either.
Meanwhile, Roland's messenger has reported to Charlemagne what the
situation was when he left the battlefield, and what had been
accomplished up to that point. The emperor thanks God and Saint James
and marches ahead with five thousand men, commanding the standard bearer
Fagon to stay behind to guard the main banner. When the emperor
approaches Roland, they unite and the pagans flee. The emperor jokes
with Roland about his exhaustion, but acknowledges that he has reason to
be tired. The next day, Charlemagne himself will lead the attack.
(71)
Ulien returns from the battle against Girard, humiliated, and apologizes
to King Agolant. Only three thousand are left of his twenty thousand
men. Agolant reproaches him bitterly. Then the wounded Eliadas comes
back with three thousand men, the remains of his fifty thousand. He
advises Agolant to post strong guards on all sides of the camp so as not
to be taken by surprise at night. Agolant still has almost one hundred
thousand men. King Amusten, who has long had treachery in his mind out
of bitterness over the cruel execution of his kinsmen Maargon and
Esperrant, now makes an agreement with his people, whereupon he steps
forward before Agolant and offers to take over the guard on the road to
the lake, so that the Franks should not cut them off from their ships.
Agolant accepts the offer, whereupon Amusten immediately separates from
his army.
As soon as the battle in the morning has begun, Amusten and his men
board the ships, burn the rest of the ships they are leaving behind, and
set sail with the queen back to Africa. After the departure of Amusten,
Agolant deploys three other army divisions to guard different sides of
the camp, led by Gundrun, Moadas, and Ulien. Agolant spends the night at
the main banner, which is protected by triple guards.
(72)
The emperor and all his men stay on horseback during the night. At dawn
the emperor musters his men. The Pope is there and Fagon with the battle
standard. Charlemagne surveys his army. He only has thirty thousand
left, and many of the men are wounded. Tens of thousands had fallen the
previous day, including three of the Twelve Peers.
The emperor will begin the attack with four thousand chosen knights and
asks Roland to rest first, but Roland says, "No, I tell you the truth
that by God's mercy I am as likely to use my sword today as I was
yesterday."
Turpin asks the Pope to carry the Holy Cross, as he himself wants to
take part in the decisive battle. Turpin says, "I have heard that one of
two things will happen today. Either we will all be killed, or else this
land will be freed from the power of the pagans."
The Pope says, "My son, I will gladly carry the Holy Cross, but you go
and do your best."
First, the emperor attacks Gundrun's corps, and immediately the three
knights of God also appear. Saint George, Saint Demitrius, and Saint
Mercurius advance boldly. Roland and his knights, Ogier the Dane,
Samson, Salomon, Count Hugi, King Droon, Gondebaud, and Duke Naimon make
a fierce attack with many casualties among the pagans. The emperor
advances on Gundrun and slices him with his sword from the top of his
helmet down to his belly. The pagans, who know the emperor, now attack
him from all sides and kill his horse under him. He is saved by Bérenger
the Briton, after which there is a stay in the battle. The pagans, who
believe that the Franks are losing courage, attack again with great
ferocity and success, until the Pope comes with the Holy Cross, which
again turns the battle, and the pagans are felled or divided. Then the
emperor comes to the second battle line led by Moadas.
(73)
Duke Girard and his men spent the night in a small valley on the road
near the main banner of Agolant. In the morning, he calls together the
leaders and commands that four hundred of the strongest and best-armed
people should dismount their horses and join close together with their
shields over their heads, armor on their legs, and spears in front of
them. He has the horsemen surround them in a semi-circle, and together
they move up the hill towards the rock on which Agolant's main banner
is. He commands them to kill anyone who comes close enough to touch
their weapons, but not to break their position.
Agolant first mistakes them for Amusten and his division, but Ulien
recognizes them from the previous day, and he is sent against them with
twenty thousand men. After trying in vain to halt their march and break
their line, Ulien retreats to Moadas's camp. When the duke has reached
under the rock, he has all the riders dismount from their horses and
march towards the pagans silently, with their shields held in front of
them. They begin the ascent. This takes place with difficulty and during
fierce fighting, and many fall on both sides.
(74)
On the other side of the cliff, Charlemagne is embroiled in a bloody
battle with the division of Moadas. The Africans see that the Christians
have killed and dispersed the enitire camp of King Gundrun, Agolant's
advisor. Three thousand of them ride forward with great anger, led by
Moadas and Abilant, who sounded their trumpets and rattled their weapons
in an attempt to terrify the brave hearts of the French. In response,
Roland blows his Olifant so loudly that it can be heard at the main
banner of Agolant, and throughout the entire valley. Ogier the Dane,
Duke Naimon, Duke Salomon, and Bérenger the Briton break into the
enemy's ranks, but their horses are felled under them, so that they must
defend themselves on foot.
Charlemagne sees this and does not like it. He suddenly calls out,
saying, "What are you doing now, my noble lord Saint James, apostle of
God? You let three of my warriors be killed before my very eyes."
Charlemagne attacks with great anger, striking with both hands, until he
meets Abilant and strikes him on the helmet with his sword so fiercely
that he cuts him down to the belly and throws him on the ground. Roland
arrives, followed by Graelent, Haton, some of the Peers, and five
hundred knights. They surround the pagans and procure horses by felling
some enemy knights. Ogier takes one of the horses and rides with
Graelent into the thick of battle. United with Roland, Ogier, and Duke
Naimon, the emperor blows his horn. When Fagon the bannerman hears this,
he advances to the rescue with a thousand men and leaves the banner to
his cousin Remund. Fagon violently attacks one wing of the pagans and
immediately brings it into disarray. He pierces Moadas through the heart
with his lance and the pagans take flight.
Ulien, who tries in vain to stop the fugitives, finally is felled by
Riker. At this moment the Pope comes with the Holy Cross and the three
knights of God, and the pagans are overcome with fear and cowardice.
Some of them flee to the mountains or forest, while others retreat to
crowd around Agolant's main banner. The emperor has now come up under
the rock on one side, while Girard has begun to climb it on the other
side.
(75)
When Agolant sees that he is surrounded, he draws his sword and leaves
the main banner to join in the fight, whereupon Girard advances to the
main banner and cuts it down after a fierce fight. Desperate, Agolant
now seeks to escape on the road to Risa, but is stopped at a wide dike,
on which he turns again towards the battlefield. Girard pursues him
first with a large crowd, and the emperor follows. The pagans gather
around Agolant to defend him, but when his horse falls under him, he
exhorts his people to seek salvation by flight. He himself will fall
with his friends. Fighting on foot, he cuts down many armored knights
until Emperor Charlemagne arrives. The whole of Agolant's retinue falls
and he stands alone with his axe.
The emperor stops the fight and invites Agolant to accept Christianity
and to confess to the true God. He refuses and calls on the Christians
to attack. Claron wounds him with a lance, and Girard cleaves his
shoulder, whereupon Roland strikes his neck with Durendal with such
force that his head flies off of his body. Agolant falls to the ground
dead. There is great celebration and joy in the hearts of the Christians
and many give thanks to almighty God for this victory.
(76)
After the fall of Agolant, the Emperor Charlemagne makes camp on the
field. Charlemagne thanks God and Saint James for the victory he won
under the Holy Cross and for the appearance of the three knights of God,
who almighty God sent from his heavenly host, and who disappeared once
the battle was over. When the army has rested, Charlemagne has the
fallen Christians buried. He then travels around Spain, strengthening
Christianity and rebuilding churches and monasteries.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 5 – THE STORY OF WIDUKIND THE SAXON
(1)
Charlemagne has been at war in Spain for three years and has been
besieging the city of Nobilis without success. During this siege,
messengers from France arrive who report that Widukind, king of the
Saxons, has invaded his lands, burned the city of Cologne, and killed
Bishop Peter. The king declares to Roland that he will never will be
happy until this shame and injury is avenged. Roland declares that he
will not, for all the gold in the world, leave the city they are now
besieging until it is taken. Charlemagne calls him a coward and strikes
his nose in anger so that blood streams from it. Roland would have
killed any man for this insult, but he restrains himself due to his
kinship with and loyalty to his ruler. Roland stays behind to continue
the siege. The king, on the other hand, moves up with his army and comes
to Cologne at Yuletide, where he celebrates a joyful Christmas.
(2)
On the thirteenth day of Christmas, after dinner, the king announces his
intention the following day to cross the Rhine with falcons in order to
hunt cranes, swans, geese and other birds. Duke Naimon, the king of
Saxony, advises him against this, but to no avail. A scout in the army
rushes off and informs King Widukind of this plan. After first doubting
the truth of this, Widukind finally orders thirty thousand Saxons to
hide in the forest of Trabia to take Charlemagne Prisoner.
(3)
At dawn Charlemagne gets up, hears the mass, and crosses the Rhine with
a thousand knights, after which they dismount their horses, let their
falcons fly up and catch many kinds of birds. Towards noon, King
Widukind arrives with his army. He is thrown from his horse by
Charlemagne, his friend and counselor Amalun is killed by Duke Naimon,
and it looks bad for him for a while, but he gets a new horse under him
and is sustained by his superior power. They would forever become the
laughing stock of Charlemagne if they let him escape when he is
surrounded and outnumbered.
(4)
Duke Naimon now advises the king to retreat to a nearby castle. This
advice is followed and by examining his people, Charlemagne discovers
that he has not lost a single man, horse, dog, or hawk, but Widukind, on
the other hand, has lost four thousand. Widukind now besieges the castle
and uses all his art of war. The besieged repulse his attack and the
ground is covered with pagan corpses for as far as an arrow could reach.
Towards evening, Widukind withdraws his people back to the tents.
(5)
The Saxon host is outside the gate of this fortress, called Turme, for
six days. The besieged Frenchmen begin to suffer from hunger and thirst.
Charlemagne is unhappy and thinks that he has been the cause of their
misfortune.
(6)
One day, Charlemagne ascends to the top of the castle, addresses
Widukind from there, and asks him to grant them exit from the castle in
return for receiving gold, silver, and hostages, and promises to repay
the debt if Widukind should ever find himself in similar circumstances.
Widukind scornfully answers his words, swearing by his god Mahomet that
he will take him with him to Wild Frisia, throw him there into the worst
dungeon where he will languish, force his kingdom to submit, and impose
taxes on every man. Charlemagne descended into the castle and ordered
seven hundred knights to ride out into the camp of the pagans and take
the food and provisions being supplied to the enemies on the
mountainside. This plan has a fortunate outcome, much to the displeasure
of Widukind, who is just returning from the hunt at the moment when the
French enter the castle with their booty.
(7)
Charlemagne now begins to say that his only hope is with Roland and his
army, and that he would without a doubt raise the siege of Nobilis if he
knew the plight his countrymen were in. A man named Hermoen offers to
bring a message to Roland and this offer is accepted with joy by
Charlemagne. Hermoen, on his horse, is lowered from a window in the
castle and is not discovered by the pagans until he comes among the
army.
(8)
He luckily escapes and seizes a knight's horse before he gets out of the
enemy's camp, which he mounts on, letting his own run loose, rides
across the Rhine, and does not stop until he reaches Cologne. Here
Charlemagne's fate arouses much distress. Hermoen gets the archbishop to
write a letter to Roland in King Charlemagne's name in which his
distress is described and the necessity of Roland's help is emphasized.
Hermoen now hurries off and does not stop until he reaches Nobilis and
has ridden seven horses to death, but has kept his own horse healthy. He
meets Roland in his tent playing chess and hands him the letter. Roland
has his chaplain read it. When he hears the contents of the letter, he
changes color so that he becomes pale as a corpse, and then becomes red
as blood. He orders his men to arm themselves and attack the city and
declares that they will either take the city or else not get out of
there alive.
(9)
Roland now storms the city of Nobilis and the inhabitants surrender.
After that he leaves some of his men behind and comes to Cologne with
the rest of his men, where he meets Romam, Kemerem, Oliver, and many
hundreds of Charlemagne's knights. On the road from there, they meet the
pagan chieftain Perun who is going to King Widukind with an army. He is
killed along with all his people. Roland is joined by Pope Milon and
Archbishop Turpin, and he calls a council. Here Turpin rises and thanks
them for the help they would give Charlemagne. He advises them not to
cross the Rhine, as there are neither fords nor bridges to cross and
Widukind is also ready to attack them with his large army. He advises
them there to attack Germasie, the largest city in Widukind's kingdom,
and if luck is favorable to them, they will be able to come to the
rescue of Charlemagne. Roland approves of this counsel. He sends a
messenger to Widukind with his intention to attack Germasie, as he does
want to take him by surprise. King Widukind is informed about this and
consults with his queen Sibilia about this matter. She strengthens his
courage by reminding him of the help he will be able to expect from his
son and his brother Elmidan. Widukind becomes happy again.
(10)
A man, Margamar, undertakes to defend the city of Germasie against
Roland and to guard the fords so that no Frenchman should come to the
aid of Charlemagne. Roland and his people prepare to attack the city at
daybreak. However, in the evening Duke Renier has crossed the river with
two thousand men. These are attacked by the pagans who kill fifteen
hundred of them. Dorgant rides with this news to Widukind and tells him
that they have overcome Roland and cut down his entire army and chased
them alive into the Rhine. As proof of the correctness of his report he
brings with him three hundred horses laden with the heads of Christian
men. Widukind is out of his mind with joy. He calls his queen Sibilia to
tell her this happy news.
The queen says, "Do not believe the words of your knight, King of the
Saxons. Temper your joy and make sure you know what may happen in your
dealings with King Charlemagne, because your men say a lot, but they do
not know what will happen. But it is said that Roland has escaped with
the pope, the archbishop, and many other brave men."
In his anger, Widukind beats her so hard that her stomach bleeds and he
throws her out of the tent. Then he rides to the castle and loudly calls
Charlemagne's attention. He tells him of the fall of his greatest
knights and urges him to surrender. The French are seized with grief
over this news, but still drive King Widukind away from the castle with
arrows. Naimon now seeks to comfort Charlemagne, telling him that
according to the order of nature, man must die, it does not help to
mourn the dead, and one must seek one's comfort in revenge. Naimon hopes
to hear good news from Roland.
(11)
Renier has now come back badly wounded from his flight, meets Pope
Milon, and tells him about his defeat, how his two thousand were killed
by fifteen thousand pagans and how he lost fifteen hundred of his men.
Oliver scolds him because he, an old man, left so imprudently, advanced,
and inflicted on them all a shame which will cost them many men to
avenge.
(12)
Roland now encourages his men to attack the city and the Pope gives a
speech in which he gives many good examples of victories, and ends by
promising eternal bliss to all who fall in the battle. They attack the
city, and Roland and Oliver distinguish themselves in battle. The city
is taken and King Margamar fled with many sword wounds. In addition to
the Saxons, there were Russians, Frisians, and the people of many other
nations who fled. The dead were countless.
(13)
Margamar brings this message of misfortune to Widukind. They have
learned that Roland was not killed or drowned in the Rhine as had been
said. Widukind is now as much beside himself with grief as he was before
with joy. The queen comforts him again as well as she can. A chieftain
Klandare informs him that he expects from his lands a reinforcement of
sixty thousand hardy people and that he nourishes the hope that with
their help he will recover all the lands that they are now deprived of,
and that without many of the lands belonging to the King of the Franks
Roland will then not dare to hold his ground.
(14)
At this moment, Widukind's brother Elmidan comes from the land of
Leutice with countless thousands of pagan men. He is a mighty king. He
has an excellent horn called Olifant from an animal in India that never
sleeps called unicornium in the Latin tongue but it is called an
einhyrningr (unicorn) in Norse. A reliable book says that this animal
has one horn in the middle of its forehead. It is born in deep valleys
in the summer, but it sepnds the winter on the highest mountains. At
thirty years old, it sheds its horn. It has under its horn one of the
most beautiful stones in the world, twelve of which made heavenly
Jerusalem. Elmidan sounds this horn Olifant outside the castle where
Charlemagne has taken refuge and blows so strongly that the earth
trembles from its sound. Charlemagne is seized with terror by this sound
and he calls for God's help and recognizes it to be the horn of King
Elmidan, brother of king Widukind. Duke Naimon notes that he has many
men and that they could soon expect a battle with him in which they will
bring him down.
(15)
The scout Dorgant now informs Widukind that Roland and the entire
Frankish army have crossed the Rhine. After consulting with his brother,
Widukind then sends all the jewels, wives, and children over the Rhine
and then breaks up his camp. This causes Charlemagne and his men great
joy and the younger knights would immediately follow them.
(16)
However, Hermoen, who had been sent to Nobilis, returns and reports to
Charlemagne that Roland has come with such a large army that no man who
can bear arms from Mount Mundiu to the Scottish sea is sitting at home,
that Roland has taken Nobilis, killed the chieftain there, whose head
the messenger has with him, and that he has also conquered the city of
Garmasie the previous day. Charlemagne raises his hands to heaven in
thanksgiving and praises Roland's bravery. Hermoen then says that the
following day the king will have occasion to ask Roland himself about
the news. Everyone leaves the castle to pursue and kill a large part of
the pagans. However, according to Hermoen's advice, they soon give up
the pursuit and the king rides to Roland and meets him in a beautiful
meadow on a mountainside, where there is great joy on both sides at
seeing each other again.
Charlemagne must now hear reproaches for his imprudent attack, but he
thanks God that he has not suffered the slightest loss and that, on the
contrary, his men have won one hundred pounds worth of silver from the
pagans. He then proposes to build a bridge over the Rhine, as this river
is difficult to cross. Workers are now provided and it is agreed that
the bridge must be built of stone, it must be provided with eighteen
castles, in each of these there must be one hundred crossbows with which
to fell the pagans if they attack the bridge. Roland now asks how strong
Widukind is. The king replies that he has twenty-four thousand in
addition to his brother Elmidan's people who are bad to engage in battle
with, which Charlemagne himself has tried, and Elmidan also has a horn
whose sound makes mountains and valleys tremble, inspires courage in his
own people, but strikes his opponents with terror, and this horn is
called Olifant. Roland is immediately eager for the horn and declares
that he would rather lose his life than not possess that horn. They now
set the army in motion and march up the Rhine and go on foot for twenty
days, and they could not wear their armor because the roads are so bad.
(17)
One day as Turpin and Oliver ride along the Rhine with their people,
they find a hermit in a valley. They dismount from their horses and the
archbishop performs his devotions in the hermit's chapel. Then Turpin
greets this hermit and the hermit welcomes them. He tells them they can
travel one hundred miles without finding a bridge that can take them
across the river, but that same day, in the early morning hours, he saw
a small herd of red deer crossing the river at a place where the water
did not reach above their legs. The French rejoice and search for the
ford. Turpin rides over first, then Oliver and all their people. The
archbishop expresses his joy at having found a ford which is unknown to
the Saxons. Roland now also arrives with his people. The archbishop
wants to send word to Charlemagne about this. However, Roland does not
agree, and he advises them to immediately arm themselves and ride
against the pagans and inflict all the damage they can. This advice is
followed.
(18)
Widukind's sons go out armed at night to scout and they discover Roland
and his men. They now hide in the forest to ambush the French later from
behind. However, the French ride quickly and surprise Widukind in his
camp. The pagans, however, outnumber their opponents ten to one and
Roland must flee. When they came to the ford to cross the river,
Widukind's sons come between them and the Rhine. The archbishop wishes
they had not attempted this feat. Roland and Oliver do not lose heart
and Roland rides against the enemy standard bearer and knocks him dead
from his horse, and then pierces another chieftain with his spear. The
Christians, however, must yield to superior power and the eighteen
leaders of the French protect themselves and their people from eight
hundred pagans and finally get across the Rhine with difficulty and many
casualties on both sides.
(19)
Charlemagne sleeps for a long time in the morning. When his servant
wakes him up, he tells him a dream he had about Roland. Charlemagne
dreamed that Roland was in the Ardennes Forest with four hunters and
that he had killed a large wild boar and had a lot of trouble with it.
In that moment, he thought that King Widukind came and carried Roland
off with him. Next, he dreamed that Turpin, the archbishop, came with
four hundred knights and went after Roland and his horse. As soon as the
king has told his dream, he asks to fetch Roland, since he has not seen
him since the previous day. He cannot be found. A young knight, wounded
and with badly damaged armor, now comes rushing and reports the
unfortunate outcome of the battle to Charlemagne. The king now rides
with many people, meets with Roland, and reproaches him for his
arrogance and impudence. Roland's armor has been ripped from him and he
has been wounded. Roland trusts that luck will be more favorable to him
the next time. They bind Roland's wounds and fetch a physician. They are
seriously concerned about Roland's wounds and they wonder how he will be
healed.
(20)
However, Widukind's sons tell his father that they have killed all the
French who were with Roland and mortally wounded him, and that they no
longer need to fear him. Widukind thanks them for their bravery.
(21)
In the morning, Charlemagne gets up and announces to Roland his
intention to go to France again and stay at home for a while to spare
his people. However, Roland begs him to wait a little longer so he can
find out how things are going with the healing of his wounds. He also
urges him to demolish the castle in which he has been besieged and to
begin the construction of the bridge. He is convinced that if all the
chiefs and knights are instructed to carry out some of the work, the
bridge will be finished in a month. The king now called on the Romans to
start building the bridge. They break down the castle, take the material
on carts down to the river and start building the bridge, but are driven
away by the pagans. Some of them are wounded and others are killed and
they are unable to accomplish anything and they ask permission to
depart. He sends a knight after them to force them to continue but is
nevertheless moved by their prayers and grants them mercy. Now the king
asks Baldwin the Flemish, Duke Odda, and Milun of Valres to help prepare
the bridge, but these are no luckier than the previous ones and must
flee back to the king after a loss of five hundred men. The king regrets
that Roland is currently wounded. With his help, the work would be
further along. He then decides to stop the bridge building once again.
This brings joy to all who now hope to begin the journey home.
(22)
Now two young men from Spain arrive at the camp of Charlemagne, they are
more skilled than other men and can go through water like fish. In
exchange for friendship, they are willing to lead the bridge work and
would do it in spite of the Saxons. The king offers them plenty of gold
and silver. Timber is now cut and taken down to the river. Then they
build a ship the like of which had not been since Noah's ark. It is five
hundred feet long, three hundred feet wide, and on it they made many
castles. The towers of each of these contain one hundred knights in full
armor. These knights were to keep the Saxons away by shooting with
crossbows. Then they make the two stone arches. Next, they make a statue
of marble that is hollow inside so that a man can stand in it. It
resembles Charlemagne and is arranged in such a way that the one who is
inside can take the beard and shake it, he can also lift a gold scepter
that the statue holds in its hand and threaten the Saxons with it. This
statue is placed on the stone arch that faces the Saxons and the man
inside calls the Saxons bitches and sons of whores. Because the pagans
could not get their arrows or javelins to bite this man, whom they
imagine to be Charlemagne, they believe that it must be a devil and no
man, and now have no doubt that indeed the bridge will be completed and
declare it foolish if Widukind now does not want to flee. Dorgant is
sent with this message to Widukind who is very unhappy to hear this
news.
(23)
Widukind now calls to him King Alkain of the land of Almarie and asks
for advice. This will lead two other crowned kings, each with four
hundred knights, he himself with double the number to prohibit the work
of Charlemagne on the bridge, and if the French cross the Rhine they
will kill hundreds of them. King Margamar makes fun of Alkain for his
bragging and finally adds that he values a kiss from Queen Sibilia more
than his entire chivalry. Alkain ends up challenging Margamar to a duel
for the false accusations against him and the queen.
(24)
These now rush to their tents to prepare for the duel, but Widukind
separates them and forbids them from the duel. Widukind then questions
Dorgant if it is really so that Charlemagne is building a bridge over
the Rhine. Dorgant swears that he has told the truth and that every man
can see Charlemagne on a stone pillar both day and night, that all shots
at him are of no use, and that he has sworn by his white beard that
Widukind soon will not have so much left of his kingdom as a spur's
worth. Widukind now wants to hear this himself from Charlemagne's own
mouth.
(25)
Widukind now goes and asks Charlemagne with what right he wants to seize
his lands. Charlemagne insists that Saxony is his paternal inheritance
as well as Cologne because his father Pepin owned Saxony. Widukind now
breaks out in threats and curses against Charlemagne and tells about him
that he is Örnolf's child, that he fathered him when he had come from
hunting, and that when he was born he was thrown in front of the church
door in Saint Denis and found there as a child beggar. But now he has
become king of France by the devil's magic and he must thank his God
that he can keep this country and not attract the property of other
kings. Should any misfortune befall him, Widukind has two sons after him
who would cause Charlemagne even more trouble, and these he is expecting
soon with one hundred thousand knights.
(26)
Charlemagne claims to be King Pepin's son with his married wife, but
that Pepin killed Widukind's father for some reason and subjugated all
Saxony. Widukind took himself with him to France where he adopted
Christianity and renounced his idols and got then to rule Saxony. No
sooner had he got there than he gave up Christianity and became the
devil's servant. Charlemagne now calls his knights of Saint Denis and
bids them prepare for battle as they now had to win Saxony and kill all
pagan men. When Widukind again uses arrogant words and especially
threatens to avenge his father's murder, Charlemagne swears by Saint
Denis that he must conquer Saxony or fall on the battlefield.
(27)
Widukind now has a strong castle built at the end of the bridge in which
he places Esklandart with twenty thousand men and thereby forces
Charlemagne's men to stop the bridge work. Roland is still sick from his
wounds and is gripped by despair when he hears of the new accident that
threatens the bridge building, and that Charlemagne again finds himself
forced to flee.
Roland says, "I shall now stand up and arm myself, I have rested all too
long."
Despite the objections of his men, he rises from the infirmary, arms
himself, and hurries off with his men and meets his brother Baldwin, a
brave and skillful leader, on the road.
(28)
There was a man called Thierry, a powerful duke who ruled the Ardennes.
He dubbed young Baldwin a knight in Easter week, along with Gillimer the
Scot, and Duke Bovi, and many other knights. When Roland sees his
brother Baldwin, he embraces him and they rush together to see the
bridge.
(29)
They throw themselves on their horses and cross the river happily
together. Eight hundred of them ride along a mountainside and come to a
forest where they surprise the pagans. Drowned in the blood of the slain
pagans, Roland now seeks the castle at the end of the bridge and forces
Esklandart to flee. Many of the others pursue the fugitives, and Baldwin
sets after Esklandart and demands that he fight with him, which he
refuses, as he has already been wounded by Roland's sword. Baldwin
follows him regardless, and they do not stop until they reach Widukind,
where Esklandart falls at his feet. Baldwin seizes his horse with which
he rides off. He is now pursued by the pagans but in the end escapes
happily with the help of his swift horse.
(30)
Queen Sibilia promises Alkain, the son of the Admiral of Babylon, her
love if he will ride after Baldwin to take back the horse he has stolen
from Esklandart. Alkain arms himself and has his horse led forward. The
horse was bought from a merchant for a hundred pounds of silver,
twenty-seven velvet cloaks, seven hundred of the pennies of the land,
and dromedaries laden with gold. The bridle was from Albasam, the saddle
was from Africa, and the saddle-cloth was of an unknown material from
Elfland.
(31)
Alkain jumps on his horse, rides to the valley of Sorcland, and meets
Baldwin there and asks him to turn his horse and fight with him. Baldwin
is unprepared. He says he has broken his spear shaft and has only his
sword to defend himself with and therefore asks for respite.
Alkain will not allow it, as he must bring him alive or dead to Sibilia.
They challenge each other a few times. Baldwin finally turns his horse
and they ride against each other three times. In the last ride, Baldwin
throws Alkain from the saddle and seizes his precious horse. Alkain begs
him to leave the horse for Queen Sibilia's sake. Baldwin is motionless
and after he has instructed Alkain to tell Sibilia that she is the woman
he loves most in the world, they part.
(32)
Baldwin now rides his way and takes with him the precious horse,
Alkain's sword, and Queen Sibilia's golden staff, which she gave to
Alkain as a mark of her love. He meets his comrades, Berard and Rigald,
and urges them to hold their ground against the Saxon army that is
running after them. The others prove no less fearless than himself.
(33)
Fifteen Saxon champions ride against Baldwin and his friends. Berard
rode forward and struck Lunard of Folie down into his shoulders and dead
to the ground. Rigald killed a pagan chieftain whose name is unknown.
Bovi rode forward and couched his spear against Goduel and struck him
dead, as well as his brother Adoe. The pagans fled and the French
pursued the fugitives until they came to the camp of Alkain. The French
won a great victory over the Saxons.
(34)
King Margamar finds Alkain ten feet away and reproaches him for allowing
himself to be robbed of the gifts he had received from Sibilia. Alkain
asks him to be careful because there are a lot of Frenchmen in the
forest and things may soon go as wrong for him as they did for Alkain.
Alkain mounts on a mule and leads him to Widukind's tents. Sibilia now
catches sight of him and asks how it is with the fulfillment of his
promise, where is the knight and the horse that he was supposed to bring
her. Alkain pretends that the knight has disappeared from him in the
forest and that his squire has led the horse to water it. Sibilia,
however, senses the truth and says that the horse is placed now better
than before. After she has tacitly transferred her love to Baldwin, she
scornfully dismisses Alkain.
(35)
The French now ride to Charlemagne's camp and Baldwin gets harsh words
from Roland because he has allowed himself to be seen by Queen Sibilia.
Baldwin promises that it will not happen again. Charlemagne receives his
kinsman Baldwin and asks him where he comes from and who dubbed him a
knight.
Baldwin answered, "Thierry of Ardennes knighted me, as well as his son
Berard, Gillimer the Scot, and several others. And he has sent us to you
to give you aid against your enemies."
(36)
The construction of the bridge begins again, the workers use wagons to
move stones, and the bridge is completed in twenty days. All the pillars
supporting the bridge are made of the best marble. Now King Charlemagne
expects to cross the bridge with all his forces. He takes a few days to
gather his armies. All the Franks go on Monday, the people of Alemannia
go on Tuesday, and the people of Gascony, Aquitaine, Flanders, and
Efridon, led by the Earl of Brittany go on Wednesday, but from noon on
Thursday until Friday, Charlemagne goes with all his army.
(37)
Widukind is also active on his side. He gathers around him all the
kings, dukes, earls, and freeborn men in his kingdom. A chief king named
Quinquennas has also arrived with him, he rules over the land Sarabla.
He is distinguished by his armor of seven colors, his shield is red, his
breastplate is blue, and his helmet is gold. His sword is clear as
crystal and his spear is made of steel enameled with gold. His horse was
born in Wild Frisia and his saddle and bridle are from Elfland. All who
see him are struck with wonder and he is overlord of the other pagan
kings. He behaves with a lot of bravado and arrogance, desiring to
arouse Queen Sibilia's attention, and he despises Widukind. He goes out
to battle Berard son of Thierry, throws him from his saddle, takes his
horse from him and rides away, and says that he wants to show it to his
beloved Sibilia.
(38)
On the way he is called upon by Beuvon the Beardless, who asks him to
wait for him. Quinquennas ties the stolen horse to a tree, rides against
Beuvon and throws him from the saddle, and takes his horse as well and
rides off with it. Gillimer the Scot notices this, calls for
Quinquennas, and asks him to wait for them to ride against each other.
Quinquennas might have been overcome if fifteen pagan men had not come
to the rescue and allowed Quinquennas to escape. Gillimer, however,
attacks the bravest of those who came to the rescue, pierces him and
gives Beuvon his horse. Beuvon rides against another pagan, cleaves him
down through the shoulders, and gives his horse to Berard. These three
now ride together to the tents and meet Baldwin first. Berard tells him
how Quinquennas has separated him from his horse and that he has boasted
of Sibilia's love. Baldwin is saddened by this and Gillimer tells him
there is an opportunity to meet this man. Baldwin hopes that he will
have a chance to fight Quinquennas before Roland does.
(39)
Quinquennas now comes to Widukind's pavilion, where the latter welcomes
him and offers him castles and cities with associated kingdoms for his
help. Quinquennas would not help him for thirty thousand bushels of
gold, but demands Queen Sibilia's love for his assistance. The king
refuses at first with resentment at this request, however, he at last
gives in to it, supported by the prayers of his men, who kneel down and
tell him the necessity of Quinquennas’ help.
(40)
The queen, however, comes home from bird hunting, fifteen kings go to
meet her and accompany her to her seat in Widukind's pavilion. Widukind
embraces her, kisses her, and informs her that he has procured her a
lover whose match is not to be found in the world, namely Quinquennas.
Sibilia does not doubt his bravery but doubts that he will defeat Roland
or Baldwin. Quinquennas replies that if he does not bring her these two
men overcome or bound, then she can have his head to do with as she
pleases. Quinquennas and Widukind are now happy and satisfied, but
Sibilia is not. She calls on the God of the Christians to strengthen
Baldwin and Berard to overcome Quinquennas.
(41)
Roland, Baldwin, and Berard get up early one morning and ride into a
forest called Klerovals. Here they discover that Quinquennas is also on
the move with four hundred thousand armed knights. Roland now wants to
go scouting with his people and show the pagans his standard and he
tells the other two to stay hidden in the forest. He also informs them
that he wants to give Queen Sibilia to his brother Baldwin, and this
statement arouses everyone's laughter.
(42)
Roland now rides forward and shows the pagans his standard. Quinquennas
becomes aware of him, rides towards him, and asks him who he is. Roland
says that he was born in the city of Nafari, his father is Vafa, and he
is of a low and poor family. He has recently been knighted by Beuvon the
Beardless and was sent here to stand guard and report to the Christians
when the Saxons approach. Therefore, he begs Quinquennas to allow him in
peace to bring his comrades this news. Quinquennas urges him then to
hand over his horse and his weapons, which he wants to give to his
horseman at Christmas or Easter. Roland says that he is poor and would
have difficulty replacing the loss of these things, and therefore would
rather try to endure cold weapons in his flesh than to give them away
untested. When Quinquennas hears him speak haughtily, he challenges him
to a duel.
Roland says, "I will try it, for it seems a shame to leave my gold-
enameled sword without first striking a blow or two."
(43)
They now joust with each other so hard that the precious stones are
knocked from their shields, but Roland is angry that he did not knock
Quinquennas from his saddle. Roland draws Durendal and chops off part of
the helmet and the shoulder bone of Quinquennas. The latter now begs him
to tell him if he really is who he pretends to be or if he is someone
else. Roland will no longer hide his name and reveals himself.
Quinquennas regrets that he has tricked him, because he knows that
wounds from the sword Durendal cannot be healed, and now he hands him
his sword because he does not want to fight with him, even if he thereby
exposes himself to the mockery of the king's men. Roland smiles when he
hears this, rides over and strikes him in the visor of his helmet,
throws him from his horse, and then leads him away in defeat.
(44)
The French now pursue the Saxons after a fierce battle right up to
Widukind's tents. As Sibilia comes home from bathing that day, she
recognizes her own horse being ridden by Baldwin, who pursues a pagan
knight and cuts him down by the banks of the Rhine.
Sibilia said to him, "I conjure you, good knight, by the god in who you
trust, to tell me your name."
Baldwin replied, "I shall gladly tell you. I am called Baldwin, a young
and newly-dubbed knight. I am Roland's brother, and am prepared to serve
you."
Sibilia tells him that Widukind has given her to Quinquennas and that
she can never give Baldwin her love until he has killed him. Baldwin
informs her then of the happy news that Quinquennas is Roland's
prisoner. Sibilia warns Baldwin of a crowd coming after him.
Baldwin replies, "I have a good horse, and I am not afraid as long as I
am on its back. I won this horse from your suitor Alkain the day before
yesterday."
Sibilia and Baldwin now exchange words of love and affection until
Berard and Beuvon come and reproach Baldwin for talking to Sibilia,
saying that it is not advisable to trust a pagan woman.
(45)
Roland brings Quinquennas as a prisoner to Charlemagne. Roland says, "I
have brought you one of the best of King Widukind's men. He is called
Quinquennas of Sarabla and he is Queen Sibilia's lover."
Charlemagne replies, "First we will part the love between him and
Sibilia, and when we have slain King Widukind, then I will give her to
Baldwin, and he shall rule over Saxony."
The pagans flee home to Widukind's camp and tell him of their defeat and
the capture of Quinquennas. Widukind, who is sitting at the chess table
when he receives this information, is overcome with grief.
Sibilia comes to his tent and as soon as she catches sight of Widukind,
she says, "I wish to have Quinquennas of Sarabla, boldest of knights, as
my gift."
(46)
Widukind's uncle, the brave Estorgant, arrives. Widukind says,
"Charlemagne has done his will with ease. He has built a bridge so that
every man who wants to attack us can now cross the Rhine, and Oliver and
Roland have said that I will not have so much of my kingdom as is worth
a penny."
Estorgant says, "All who fight with me are doomed to die. Tomorrow, I
will show Charlemagne more than one hundred thousand armed knights."
The messenger Dorgant now brings a challenge from Widukind to
Charlemagne that he must deliver him battle the following day or else
retreat. Dorgant praises his men and doubts that Charlemagne has anyone
who could stand against them. Charlemagne accepts the challenge and
gives him leave to return to Widukind with his answer.
(47)
Dorgant returns with the message that Charlemagne will be ready for the
battle the following morning and that his men are more eager for battle
than for wine or food when they are most thirsty or hungry.
Estorgant said, "All those who are eager to encounter our weapons are
doomed to death and loss."
Sibilia replied, "You are a prophet, but before this afternoon we will
know which one can boast of victory."
They now make their preparations on both sides.
King Widukind called his brother Elmidan and said to him, "You shall go
with your men into that nearby wood, and if Mahomet and Tervagant will
help us, and we have some luck, then you will attack them from the rear.
But if they discover you, then blow on your Olifant and we will know
that you need our aid."
Elmidan then went to the valley of Dorgasane and guarded it. Charlemagne
went to another place, and King Widukind came against him.
Charlemagne called Baldwin, Berard, and Beuvon the Beardless to him and
said, "Now, good knights, it shall be seen who does best in this
battle."
They replied that they would never fail him as long as they lived.
(48)
Charlemagne himself and his kinsman Roland arm themselves. Roland's
horse Veillantif is now led forward, which never took place except under
compelling circumstances.
Roland said to Charlemagne, "Lord, draw up your troops as you please,
and decide who shall attack the pagans first."
Charlemagne now decides in what order his troops should march in the
battle. He divides his army into twelve divisions. Roland is to ride
against Elmidan, owner of the horn Olifant.
(49)
Charlemagne has now organized his vassals and given each group of one
hundred a banner. Roland leads twenty thousand knights into a forest not
far from the Rhine. This was the loveliest place in the world, with a
wonderful spring and green plants. The Saxon women used to come there to
drink and cool themselves. The chief well there was made of gold and had
green all around it. Sibilia has come there with a multitude of women to
watch the battle. Charlemagne arrives with his army, addresses his men,
and puts his trust in God, who has always helped them before, that he
will still keep his hand over them. All the French men pray to God to
preserve the king's life.
(50)
Widukind tells his men that if Charlemagne captures him, he will destroy
their country and cut off his head with his sword Joyeuse, but the same
fate will befall Charlemagne if Widukind gets hold of him. The Saxons
reply that sooner all Frenchmen should be killed than any such
misfortune should befall Widukind. The king thanks them and asks Mahomet
and Tervagant to bless them for their words. A man called Segun,
distinguished by his pride and courage, carries Widukind's banner on
which a golden rooster was painted which would cast light for twenty
miles in all directions when the sun shone on it.
(51)
Charlemagne and the evil King Widukind come together and the battle
begins. Baldwin is the first to attack and he throws a pagan from the
saddle who falls dead to the ground. There is fighting on both sides
with alternating luck. Segun of Trémoigne, Widukind's standard-bearer,
is felled to the ground by Baldwin to the great joy of the French. King
Margamar then rides towards a Frenchman and knocks him dead and seizes
his horse. Widukind thanks him for this and wishes that more like this
happens.
(52)
King Widukind said to Charlemagne, "If my god Mahomet helps me, then you
will have crossed the Rhine at an evil hour. If I meet you on the
battlefield, I will drag you by your white whiskers back to the city of
Leutice."
Charlemagne and Widukind charge at each other and Widukind is thrown
from his horse. His father's brother Estorgant comes to his aid with
more than ten thousand men. His strange horse is described. It had
previously been in the possession of a giant and it was born on a
mountain where it was raised by a dragon. It did not eat grain like
other horses but fresh raw meat. Vikings took it in the mountain country
and killed all its keepers and then sold it for twenty castles and
twenty towns with all the land attached to it. It was black on one side
of its back and gray on the other. It had a beautiful head and seemed
like the color of flowers all over its body. Its tail was so long that
it reached below the hoof and was of a golden colour. Estorgant rides to
Widukind and mounts him on another horse, and there he kills several
Frenchmen, to the great grief of Charlemagne. At last, however, Baldwin
comes and bathes his sword in his heart's blood and Estorgant falls to
the ground dead.
The Saxons prevail and fifteen knights charge at Baldwin, who now also
must get off his horse. Charlemagne rushes to his rescue. Baldwin
battles with King Margamar, strikes off the top of his helmet, cuts
through the gold rings of his chain mail, chops off his left arm at the
shoulder, and does not stop until he is dead. Baldwin takes Estorgant's
horse. Widukind is distressed, he puts his horn to his mouth and blows,
and his brother Elmidan comes out of the forest with his army and blows
his Olifant.
(53)
The horn blowing awakens the attention of Roland.
He says to his troop, "Ride to the battle now as hard as possible. I am
sure Charlemagne needs our help."
They follow his command and the battle is now renewed. Elmidan blows his
horn so that all the mountains in the vicinity tremble.
Roland hears the terrible voice of the horn and says, "It would be a
great feat of prowess if I could win that horn. If I do not try, then I
will have lost glory."
He rides forward and meets Elmidan, makes himself known to him, and a
fierce fight begins between them. They both fall from their horses and
fight on foot. Roland struck with Durendal and cut off his left arm at
the shoulder. Elmidan held his sword in his right hand, and on it were
images of the pagan gods Makon, Apollin, Jupiter, and Tervagant. He
struck at Roland, cut through his armor, and Roland was greatly wounded.
Roland strikes back and chops off the head of Elmidan and takes his horn
and sword. Roland now puts the horn to his mouth and blows three times.
With that, all the Christians and pagans know that he has overcome
Elmidan. Widukind flees. Seven squires bring forth his horse Veillantif
and Roland pursues the fugitives.
(54)
Baldwin calls three times to Widukind and asks him to wait. Widukind
turns his horse, they ride towards each other, and both of them fall
from their horses. They now fight on foot.
One hundred Frenchmen arrive but Baldwin tells them not to come any
closer, saying, "One should deal with one, unless he is timid."
Widukind has no choice but to surrender to Baldwin.
(55)
The sons of Widukind now escape to their father's camp and owe their
salvation to their swift horses. Sibilia asks them what news they bring.
They tell her that Widukind is taken prisoner but Elmidan and Margamar
are killed. Queen Sibilia now flees the country with her sons. Baldwin
hands Widukind over to Roland. Widukind falls to Roland's feet and begs
not to be brought before Charlemagne.
Roland says, "You will cross the Rhine and accompany me to Paris. Then
we will decide whether you should live or die."
Charlemagne installs chiefs to rule Saxony and forces all the people to
become Christian. On his return to France, Widukind is sentenced to
prison and a chain is placed on his feet that is so heavy that four men
could not move it. It would have been better for him to fall in battle
than to live with such shame and wait for death. He died in prison, and
his end was no better than that.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 6 – THE STORY OF OTÚEL
(1)
Charlemagne celebrates Christmas in Paris in Lemunt Castle with his
knights, who will go with an army to Spain against King Marsilius in the
spring when the horses can find sufficient fodder on the road.
Meanwhile, a pagan messenger from King Garsia of Syria comes riding to
the king's hall on the way he meets Ogier the Dane, Gautier, and Duke
Naimon and he asks about their lord, saying that he serves a king who
does not value them more than a spur. These then show him the way to the
king whom he can recognize by his white beard and they also describe for
him Roland and Oliver whom he will find by his side. The pagan prays to
Mahomet, wishing for Charlemagne's beard and body to be burned by fire.
(2)
He then appears before the king, says who he is, declares that his lord
sends no greeting to him, and utters curses upon him and Roland, whom he
challenges to a duel, believing he will overpower him. Roland smiles at
his bragging words and allows him to use whatever words he wants, as no
harm will therefore be done to him, and invites him to a duel in eight
days. The pagan brags that his sword Curere killed a thousand French men
eight months ago. Roland asks where it took place. The pagan tells him
that Rome, Charlemagne's good city, was destroyed and countless people
were killed and he himself had used his sword so well that his arm was
swollen for nine days afterwards. Those present now get up and Estor of
Langres rushes at him with a staff, but Roland protects him and declares
himself to be the guarantor of his safety. However, a Provençal knight
from the city of Giles, who has been lying in wait for him, sneaks up
from behind and throws him to the ground. He is soon back on his feet
and cuts off the knight's head so that it rolls at the king's feet. The
French now demand his death and the pagan prepares to defend himself to
the utmost, but after exhortations from the king and Roland, he finally
surrenders his sword to Roland and is encouraged by him to reveal his
true mission.
(3)
The pagan then appears before the king and declares that he is a
messenger of King Garsia who rules all of Spain, Alexandria, Russia,
Tyri, Sidonie, Persia, and Barbary, all the way to Semilie the great.
King Garsia orders Charlemagne to convert to paganism and if he
surrenders his faith, he will give Charlemagne Normandy and all the
ports of England, Roland will have Russia, Oliver will have Slavonia,
but he has decided to give France to Floriz son of Alie the Red King,
who will have France and his heirs after him. Charlemagne calls on his
barons to express themselves on this occasion and all answered
unanimously that they would never allow the pagans to gain a foothold in
France and that when they meet King Garsia on the battlefield, he will
not escape with his life. To this, the pagan answers with more boasting.
Duke Naimon then asks where they should clash with Garsia and if he
really dares to do battle with King Charlemagne. The pagan replies that
Garsia has one hundred thousand brave well-armed men and that they
should meet him in Lombardy at his city of Abilia, which lies between
two lakes, although he doubts that many of Charlemagne's men will dare
to fight for him there. But he advises Naimon, old and frail, to stay at
home and watch over Paris and his other cities and castles so that crows
and magpies and other unclean birds should not attack them.
(4)
This pagan, named Otuel, arouses Roland's anger with his fierce words
and Roland swears that he would instantly suffer death if he himself
were not the guarantor of his life. Otuel encourages Roland to decide
their duel the following day, which he agrees to. Charlemagne wants to
know Otuel's family. He mentions as his father the handsome King Galien,
who has killed as many men with his hands as there are inhabitants in
the whole of Charlemagne's kingdom. King Garsia is his kinsman and
Fernagul, the ruler of Nazareth whom Roland killed, was his uncle and
tomorrow he intends to avenge him if Mahomet will stand by him.
Charlemagne regrets that such a noble man should not be a Christian.
Charlemagne then orders his servant to provide for his lodging and food,
and also summons Richier, Gautier of Terins, and Ogier the Dane to guard
him and keep watch over him.
(5)
Charlemagne and Roland attend mass in the morning and sacrifice in the
church. Charlemagne offers a gold cup filled with pennies and Roland
offers his sword Durendal, which he later redeems for seven gold marks.
Then Otuel, in his hot temper, urges Roland to the duel. Twenty dukes
help Roland to arm himself. Briktor puts his coat of mail on him and
Estout of Langres binds the bands of his coat of mail around him. Roland
girds his good sword Durendal. On his shoulder, they hang his shield
that has the rim divided into the four quarters of the world. Gérin puts
his spurs on his feet. Roland mounts his horse Bruant and asks
Charlemagne for leave to ride to duel with Otuel. After he has received
Charlemagne's blessing, all accompany him to the battlefield between the
two rivers Seine and Marne.
(6)
Otuel asks Charlemagne for armor, he already has the sword Curere and a
horse named Migrados. Charlemagne summons his daughter Belesent and
directs her and her maidens to provide Otuel with a helmet, breastplate,
spear, and shield. Ogier the Dane and Duke Naimon now accompany Otuel to
the battlefield between the two rivers where Roland is waiting for him.
(7)
Charlemagne ascends the castle ramparts from where he gives the signal
for the battle. The warriors then attack each other and their lances are
splintered. Then they draw swords and break each other's shields. They
cut down each other's horses. Charlemagne in anxiety over the doubtful
outcome of the battle falls to his knees with a prayer to God for
victory for Roland. Roland encourages Otuel to renounce Makon, become a
Christian, and Charlemagne will give him good gifts as well as his
daughter Belesent. Otuel says that he who lets himself be taught by
Roland is accursed, and believes that he will be the victor. The dispute
is continued more fiercly, their armor is destroyed, and both knights
are wounded.
(8)
It has now come to the point that their defensive armor is completely
cut to pieces. French men now throw themselves on their knees with a
prayer for God to help Roland.
God hears their prayers and the Holy Spirit descends like a snow-white
dove to Otuel and says, "Go to Roland and do as he tells you."
The pagan gives up his sword, denies his gods, calls on the Virgin Mary,
and the two fighters fall on each other's necks in an embrace.
Charlemagne and his chieftains rush with joy towards them. Roland now
asks the king to baptize Otuel and give him Belesent and lands to rule.
Otuel is baptized in the Church of Saint Mary by Archbishop Turpin, he
forsakes the pagan religion, and the King himself acts as his godfather.
(9)
At this moment, Belesent comes to him. She is lovely among women like
the rose and the lily among the other flowers. The king takes her hand
and betroths her to Otuel and gives him many other lands and all of
Lombardy as a dowry. Belesent gladly gives her consent, Otuel asks for a
postponement of the wedding until he has conquered Lombardy and Attilia
and killed King Garsia and all those of his people who did not want to
join.
(10)
Charlemagne then summons all his barons to him, and at this meeting it
is decided that they must be ready to go against King Garsia at the
beginning of the month of April. He summoned all of his knights and foot
soldiers. Those who could not come due to illness would give four
pennies to the church of Saint Dionysius.
(11)
Thousands of armed men from all of Charlemagne's kingdoms are now
gathering in Paris. On the first of April, when the grass had sprouted
in the field, King Charlemagne sets off against King Garsia and takes
the road around Saint Denis. The women cry, curse King Garsia, and pray
to God for victory for Charlemagne.
(12)
Roland and his men march ahead in the lead. Duke Naimon stays back to
guard the land. Otuel led Belesent riding a mule that in speed was
almost as fast as a galley at sea. They march through Burgundy and over
the Mundiu Mountain and come near the city of Attilia where the pagan
king Garsia is. Here they spend the night and stay for seven days taking
care of the horses and nursing the sick. Meanwhile, Charlemagne is not
idle and he has a bridge built over the river. While the others, after
completing their work, go home to their dinner. Roland, Ogier, and
Oliver, without the knowledge of the others, cross the bridge armed to
go out on an adventure.
(13)
However, on the other side four fighters have also armed themselves.
Balsamar king of Niniue, Corsables, Askans, and Clarel set out with a
similar intention. These four champions make threats against Roland and
Oliver. Roland is severely threatened by Clarel, who wants to avenge on
him the death of his brother Samson.
(14)
These four champions now collide with the three Peers near a forest. A
battle ensues in which Roland kills Askans, Ogier kills Corsables, and
Oliver kills Balsamar. Clarel unhorses Roland, but Clarel is in turn
knocked from his horse by Ogier. After a vain attempt to avenge his
comrades, Clarel finally surrenders.
(15)
As they now set off with their prisoner, they meet an army of one
thousand one hundred and seven knights. They release their prisoner
Clarel and see no other way out than to battle against an army that
greatly outnumbers them.
(16)
A fierce battle ensues in which the three Peers do wonders of bravery
and kill many pagans. Oliver clears a path with Hauteclere so wide that
four wagons can pass through it. Ogier kills thirty pagans with Cortain.
Their leader, Carmel of Sarabia, now rides to berate his men for
allowing themselves to be cowed by three men. He sets loose on Ogier,
whom he wounds and throws from the horse. Roland expresses his grief
over this, rides against Carmel, and kills him. Now the pagan Alfage of
Nubid rides forth, a relative of the king's daughter Alfamie, who had
given him a gold embroidered banner. He attacks Oliver and throws him
off his horse Pennepie without injuring him. The latter quickly jumps
back on his horse and the fight continues to even more inconvenience for
the French men.
(17)
Ogier now fights bravely on foot with his sword Cortain and finds
himself outnumbered and in great distress, but is saved by his previous
prisoner Clarel, who even kills the chief Moables for his sake. Clarel
gets him a horse and lets him accompany twenty men to his lover, the
king's beautiful daughter Alfamie. She had gone with two ladies, Gaute
and Belamer, out into her garden to draw fresh air. She welcomes Ogier
well and her ladies remove his armor, nurse his wounds, bring him to
bed, and give him some of the sweet herbs, called Heilivag, that God
planted in the garden. He falls asleep tired and wakes healthy and
refreshed.
(18)
Roland and Oliver, however, maintain the fight against a thousand pagans
and kill another fourteen of them, although they are forced to retreat
because of being outnumbered.
(19)
Otuel, however, has missed the three Peers Roland, Oliver, and Ogier but
he knows where they are headed. He gathers seven hundred knights who
serve Belesent, after having urged Charlemagne to attack the pagans, and
they all cross the bridge with Sanson carrying the king's banner. Otuel
rides the distance of an arrow's shot in front of his men. He has over
his armor a priceless velvet surcoat of excellent qualities which fire
and heat cannot consume and which, if a tiny amount of it is placed on a
mortally wounded man's body, it instantly heals him. He now finds Roland
at a fishing brook and reprimands him for having ventured so fatally
against the pagans.
Otuel says to Roland, "Do you intend to eat all the pagans yourself, or
do you think there are enough pagans for both of us to gnaw on?"
Otuel now catches sight of Oliver, who is being attacked by a pagan
chieftain named Enkubes and is in dire need. He pursues and kills him.
Estout of Langres killed a pagan chief named Klater. Count Engelier rode
through one division of pagans, killing many, and into another, until
his sword was covered with blood. He is unhorsed by Galderas and
continues to fight on foot against seventy pagans led by the chieftain
Talot. He is rescued by Isoriz, Gautier of Terins, David the Longverski,
Girard of Orléans, and Duke Liberes. A fierce battle ensues, in which
hundreds of pagans and many Christian knights are killed.
(20)
The pagan Arapa of Florient urges Clarel to battle. Clarel fights with
Drol of Alemannia in the midst of many Frenchmen. Arapa killed Girard of
Orléans, but is then himself killed by Otuel, even though he is his
kinsman. King Clarel kills many and pushes his way through the army of
the French. All give way to him until he comes to his men unwounded,
blows his horn, and summons a thousand men to him. He rides off with
them to the city and meets the High King Garsia, who has twenty thousand
men. Now the battle may begin anew. Clarel raises his banner again and
joins in the battle.
(21)
Clarel now meets Otuel and asks who he is that has done such destruction
to King Garsia's men today. Otuel replies that he is the son of Galien
the Brave, his mother's name was Dia, and that he has adopted
Christianity and received Lombardy from Charlemagne and his daughter
Belesent. Clarel exhorts him to return to Mahomet and promises to put in
a good word for him with King Garsia. Otuel refuses and declares that if
he can capture him or King Garsia, he will hang them from the highest
gallows. Finally, they agree to have a duel to decide whose power is
greatest, Christ or Mahomet. After this, they separate and the French
take night shelters, care for their sick, and bury the dead. Otuel
hastens to Charlemagne and is most lovingly received by Belesent. That
night, Hugo and the Alemanni keep watch on Charlemagne's side. On the
pagans' side, they keep watch and blow horns all night until sunrise.
(22)
King Clarel rises at dawn and arms himself. His armor was from the city
of Kvadare and is so hard that no weapon can harm it. His helmet once
belonged to King Priant and is made of serpents' teeth instead of iron
and decorated with the images of the Saracen deities Jovis, Tervagant,
Makon, Mahomet, and Jupiter. His shield is made of skins and decorated
with gold. His lance is made from the wood of the same tree that was
used to build Noah's ark. His sword is named Melde and is worth a
thousand gold marks. His horse is named Turnifent and it runs as fast as
a swallow flies. He blew his horn and rode on his way.
The king's daughter Alfamie wishes the blessing of Mahomet and Apollin
on him at parting. Mahomet's idol is placed on a splendid marble chariot
and driven across the river. King Clarel looks upon Charlemagne's army
and has anxiety for King Garsia's fate.
(23)
Charlemagne gets up early in the morning and goes to the battlefield,
accompanied by Roland, Oliver, Otuel, and a number of other men. An
exchange of words arises between Charlemagne and Clarel.
Clarel says, "Why have you come here, Charlemagne the white-bearded? It
would be better for you to stay at home. You have entered our kingdom
against our will and brought down our laws and rights, but Mahomet is
tied to a wagon and he knows that your last day has come and you will
never see France again. King Garsia has given his kingdom and crown to
the brave knight Florient of Subalis."
Charlemagne answers, "Pagan, you have a bad mouth and you know how to
lie. You can say what you want, but you do not know how our business
will end. I sit on my horse safe and sound, and with God's mercy I shall
overcome you."
Otuel asks him to give up his bragging words and swears to defend the
king's cause with arms.
(24)
The French now help Otuel put on his armor. He gets on his horse Flore
and girds his sword Curere. Otuel carries a lance with a white banner
embroidered in gold. He is accompanied to the battlefield by the Twelve
Peers: Roland and Oliver, Gérin and Gérer, Otton and Earl Bérenger, Duke
Sanson, Anséis, Ivon and Ivoire, Earl Engelier, and Girard.
(25)
Otuel now meets Clarel and has come into a duel, as agreed upon, to
prove Christ's power over Mahomet. Otuel advises Clarel to believe in
Mary's son and deny Mahomet. Clarel refuses this and both now ride
against each other and both lances are broken in the clash. After both
have inflicted great wounds on each other, Clarel is finally felled by
Otuel. King Garsia had sent three knights, Aganor, Melones, and Alapin
the Huge, to the battlefield to take Otuel prisoner. These are overcome
by Roland, Oliver, and Ermoen. Charlemagne now bids the French move
towards the city. The pagans flee. Otuel meets King Garsia and urges the
king to accept the Christian faith and to submit to Charlemagne. When he
refuses, Otuel kills him in battle, and few of the pagans escape.
(26)
Ogier the Dane grants the king's daughter Alfamie and her maidens a
truce, and also to those who led him to the city when the pagans
captured him. He goes in haste to Charlemagne and is received with joy
by him and the whole host. Then Charlemagne celebrates the wedding of
Otuel and his daughter Belesent. The wedding lasts half a month and
there is drinking and merriment such as is rarely seen in the Nordic
countries. Then Charlemagne goes home to France, but Otuel stays behind
with the princess and a great multitude of knights.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 7 - THE PILGRIMAGE OF CHARLEMAGNE
(1)
One day when Charlemagne has gathered all his men around him and is
sitting with his queen under an olive tree, he asks her if she knows of
any other king in the world who wears a crown and armor and looks as
good as he does. The queen replies somewhat imprudently that she knows
of one who is more respected by his men and who wears his crown higher.
At this, the king is enraged and, despite the queen trying to appease
his anger with excuses and kneeling, he finally threatens her to name
who she thinks. She then mentions King Hugo, the emperor in
Constantinople, whose kingdom stretches all the way to Cappadocia, and
between France and Antioch he has no equal except Charlemagne. After
mass, Charlemagne is with his nephew Roland and Oliver, William of
Orange, Duke Naimon, Ogier the Dane, Gérin and Bérenger, Bernard of
Brusband and Bertrand the Stalwart, Archbishop Turpin, Earl Aymeri, and
a thousand other Frenchmen. He informs his men of his decision to go to
Jerusalem to visit the Holy Sepulchre and that he will also journey to
Constantinople to meet this king that the queen has described. He loads
seven hundred camels with gold and silver and prepares to be gone for
seven years, if necessary.
(2)
Charlemagne now gets ready with his men, they put on pilgrim garb and
set off and come to Jerusalem. Having arrived there, Charlemagne and the
Twelve Peers go with him to the Pater Noster Church where our Lord
himself and his twelve Apostles celebrated mass. Charlemagne and his
Peers sat there in the church on the same chairs that our Lord and his
apostles had used. A Jew comes to the church and is seized with horror
at this sight and rushes to the Patriarch begging to be baptized, for he
thinks he has seen God himself and his twelve apostles in the church.
The Patriarch summons all his clergy to him and goes in procession to
the church, where Charlemagne gets up on his arrival, meets him, and
kisses him. Charlemagne explains that the purpose of his coming is to
search for holy relics. The patriarch welcomes him and declares that now
that he has sat on our Lord's own throne, he shall henceforth be called
High King over all earthly kings. The Patriarch gives Charlemagne the
arm of Saint Simon, the head of Saint Lazarus, the blood of Saint
Stephen, a piece of the Holy Shroud, one nail from the True Cross, a
piece of the Crown of Thorns, the cup and dish from the Last Supper,
some hair from Saint Peter, as well as milk, clothes, and a shoe from
the Virgin Mary. The holy relics perform many miracles and Charlemagne
has a precious casket made in which to carry them. Next, he has the
Church of Saint Mary of the Latins built, and then he stays in the city
for four months. He then informs the Patriarch of his departure and the
Patriarch exhorts him to be a strong pillar of Christianity against the
pagans.
(3)
The patriarch accompanies them to Jericho where he takes leave of them
and they take the straight road to Constantinople. On the way there,
many miracles are performed by the holy relics that the king carries
with him.
(4)
Charlemagne now comes to Constantinople and meets King Hugo there who is
in the process of plowing. His plow is made of gold and he carries out
this work sitting on a golden chair and driving his oxen with a golden
wand. King Hugo welcomes Charlemagne and invites him to stay there for a
year and to provide himself with as much property as he can wish.
Charlemagne says that this precious plow must be carefully guarded. Hugo
replies that even if it lay there for seven years, no one would steal
it. William of Orange says that if he and Bertrand had the plow in
France, then they would break it to pieces. Hugo now leads Charlemagne
to his exceedingly splendid hall. The roof is round and is painted with
different stories, a pillar rises in its middle on which the whole hall
rests, and around this stand a hundred smaller pillars all gilded and on
each is placed a statue of a child made of copper with an ivory horn in
its mouth. Since the posts are hollow inside, the wind blows up into
them from below and by a peculiar mechanism the statues of the children
produce wonderful tones through the horns and stretch out their fingers
towards each other, smiling as if they were alive. The music is as
lovely as the songs of angels. The wind turns the entire hall like a
mill when it blows. Charlemagne is amazed and horrified by all this and
he and his men cannot stay on their feet. Hugo reassures them by
assuring them that the wind will die down towards evening, which does
happen.
(5)
At the dinner table, Oliver cannot take his eyes off the emperor's
daughter who is as lovely as a rose or a lily. Many glorious dishes of
game animals and birds are served, such as deer, wild boar, cranes,
geese, chickens, peacocks, ducks, and swans, as well as mead and various
kinds of wine, and the guests are entertained with music from various
instruments. After the meal, the emperor leads Charlemagne and his Peers
to a magnificent chamber illuminated by a carbuncle both night and day,
where there are beds of gilded copper with good bedclothes.
(6)
In this chamber there is a hollow stone pillar, in which the Emperor
Hugo has placed a man who is to take notice of what the French do at
night. As soon as they have gone to bed, the French, after their
fashion, begin to amuse themselves with merry jokes, and Charlemagne
suggests that each of them should boast about what he will do the
following day in Constantinople, and Charlemagne himself makes the first
boast. He wants the emperor to have his bravest knight wear a double
breastplate and put two helmets on his head, mount him on a perfectly
armored horse, and then Charlemagne will cleave the knight and the horse
in a single blow and drive his sword into the ground the length of a
spear shaft. Roland wants to get the emperor's Olifant horn. With this,
he will go outside the city and blow so hard that all the gates and
doors should spring open, and if Emperor Hugo dares to come out, then he
will blow off his hair, beard, and all his clothes.
(7)
Oliver wants to sleep with the emperor's daughter and have his will with
her a hundred times in one night. If she does not report that he has
accomplished this feat, then the emperor will have his life. Bernard
will run against three horses at full gallop, jump over two and onto the
third, juggle four apples while the horses are at full speed, and if any
of the apples fall down, then he will let the emperor cut off his head.
(8)
William will take a golden ball that is so heavy thirty men could not
lift it and lift it with one hand, then he will throw it against the
city wall so that it will fall down for forty fathoms on either side.
Ogier will grab the post that holds up the hall and break it so that the
hall will collapse.
(9)
Naimon the Old will put on two breastplates and wearing them he will
jump four fathoms higher than the height of the castle, and then sit
down with the emperor and shake in such a way that all the breastplates
will break apart like burnt straw. Bérenger wants the emperor to take
all the swords that are in the city and stick their hilts into the
ground so the points are up in the air, then he will climb the highest
tower and let himself fall on the swords so that they are broken, but he
himself will walk away unscathed. Archbishop Turpin will cause the river
that flows past the city to flood the whole of Constantinople and fill
every house, causing the emperor to be so frightened that he must flee
to the highest tower.
(10)
Ernald will sit in boiling lead until it has become cold and then stand
up and shake himself so that not a penny's worth of lead will stick to
him. Aymeri has a hat made of a sea fish, he will put it on and go to
the emperor when he sits at table and eat his food and drink his wine.
Then he will lie behind him and give him a blow with his fist so that he
will fall forward over the table. Then all the emperor's men will fight
each other while he pulls them by their hair and beards.
(11)
Bertrand will get four shields and he will run through all the valleys
and forests and scream so loud that he will be heard four miles in every
direction so that all the deer and hinds will flee from the forests and
likewise the fish will flee from the waters. Gérin will take a heavy
iron spear and throw it at two silver coins up on the castle tower from
a mile away, so that one coin falls down but the other remains
motionless. Then he will run so fast that he catches the spear in the
air before it falls to the ground. When the French have finished their
boasting, they fall asleep. The spy who sits hidden in the pillar has
taken note of each of their boasts and plans to tell the emperor.
(12)
The spy now goes to Emperor Hugo and tells him about the boasting of the
French. The emperor is angry about this and says that he has deserved
more from Charlemagne for his hospitality than mockery and threats. If
they could not do what they said, he would chop off their heads. Then
Emperor Hugo summoned a thousand fully armed knights to him.
(13)
The following morning, as Charlemagne comes from church with the Twelve
Peers, Emperor Hugo meets him, confronts him about their rude remarks
the previous evening, and threatens them with death if they do not
perform their feats. Charlemagne gives as an excuse that they had drank
too much wine and that it is the custom of the French when they go to
bed in the evenings to talk a lot, both wisdom and folly. He must,
however, listen to what his men have to say. Hugo complains that they
have disgraced him with his words and this was the thanks they gave for
his hospitality, but he will make sure that they pay dearly before the
day is over.
(14)
Charlemagne goes with his Twelve Peers under an olive tree where he
laments that drunkenness caused them to behave in this way. He now
allows his holy relics to be presented, throws himself down in prayer
along with the other French, and asks God to help them out of this
predicament. God then sends his angel who forbids them to mock anyone in
this way ever again, but asks them to be comforted because God will help
them to perform their feats.
(15)
They now come to Hugo and declare themselves ready to stand by their
words, however, Charlemagne warns him of the inappropriateness of thus
letting a spy listen in on their conversation. Hugo bids Oliver to
perform his feat first, if he does not want to lose his head. They
amused themselves until evening, when the emperor's lovely daughter was
led to a well-furnished bedchamber. The maiden had soft smooth skin and
was as lovely as a rose or a lily. Olivers tells her that that she will
be unharmed if she listens to him. He gives the emperor's daughter a
hundred kisses. She is worried about her father's anger, but Oliver
tells her that if she affirms everything he says, then he will love her
and she will be his sweetheart. She agrees to support the truth of his
words.
(16)
The following morning, the emperor asks his daughter if Oliver
accomplished his feat. She answers that he has done so. The emperor is
displeased and asks for William, son of Earl Aymeri, to perform his feat
next. William takes the golden ball and throws it against the city wall
so hard that it crashes down for forty fathoms on either side. Hugo
laments the destruction of his city wall and considers the strangers to
be sorcerers or conjurers. Charlemagne asks if he wants to see more of
their feats performed. Hugo wants Archbishop Turpin to complete his feat
of leading the river into the city. This also happens. The river floods
the meadows and fields, penetrates the city, and fills all the houses.
In his fear, Hugo flees to the highest tower. Charlemagne and his Peers
have taken up a position outside the city on a rampart under a tree.
Hugo calls out to Charlemagne and offers to become his vassal and pay
him tribute if he will save him from the threatening danger. Charlemagne
then prays to God that the water may take its former place, and God
performs a miracle and fulfills his prayer.
(17)
Hugo now realizes that God is with Charlemagne and declares himself to
be his vassal in front of the entire army. He does not want to see any
more of the Peers' feats, as what they did is perfectly enough for him.
Charlemagne receives sovereignty over Hugo and they both go in a solemn
procession to the church with their crowns on their heads. Hugo wears
his much lower, as Charlemagne is a foot and three hands taller than
Hugo. The French agree that the Queen's statement to Charlemagne, that
any king could be placed next to him was unwarranted, for in the whole
world there is not his equal. The emperor's daughter would have gone to
be with Oliver, if her father had allowed it.
(18)
After hearing mass, a meal is prepared with venison and wild boar, crane
and swan, peafowl in pepper sauce, and the most delicious dishes and
wines. Hugo offers the French to take what they want from his riches,
which Charlemagne refuses, as they already have enough. At parting, they
give each other mutual gifts and Hugo holds the stirrup for Charlemagne
while he mounts his horse and they kiss goodbye. The emperor's daughter
assures Oliver of eternal fidelity and wishes to accompany him to
France, but it is not reported whether she accompanied him at this time.
After many hardships and difficulties on the journey, the French return
home.
(19)
There is great joy in Paris at Charlemagne's return. He goes to the
Church of Saint Denis and presents the Savior's Crown of Thorns, the
nail with which he was crucified, and he bestows many other shrines and
relics on other places in his kingdom. The queen asks for and receives
forgiveness for her careless words.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 8 - THE BATTLE OF RONCEVAUX
(1)
Next Charlemagne goes to Spain where for seven years he subjugates
everything along the sea so that there is not a city or castle that is
in his power except Zaragoza which is situated on a mountain. There
reigns the pagan king Marsilius.
(2)
Marsilius calls his dukes and earls to him, explains to them his dire
position and asks for their advice. No one answers him except Blancandin
of Castle Val-Fonde, who advises him to send Charlemagne expensive
gifts, to offer to accept Christianity on the occasion of Michaelmas,
and to pay tribute to him as his vassal in order to encourage him to
return to France. If he demands hostages, ten or twenty will be sent,
among them one of Marsilius' sons and one of Blancandin's sons. This
advice is accepted.
(3)
Marsilius now sends ten of his cleverest men, with Blancandin as their
leader, to go with olive branches in their hands as a sign of peace and
submission to Charlemagne, who is besieging the city of Córdoba, and
announce to him that Marsilius will accept Christianity and submit. They
set off riding on white mules with gold bridles and silver saddles.
(4)
Charlemagne has just taken and destroyed the city of Córdoba when the
messengers arrive. He is sitting in a garden under the shade of a tree
surrounded by his men, Roland, Oliver, Sanson, Anséis, Haton the Strong,
Bérenger, Duke Naimon, Earl Ricard, Ganelon, and Engelier. They amuse
themselves with chess, board games, jousting, and fencing. Blancandin
says that King Marsilius will come and be baptized and pay tribute to
Charlemagne. The emperor has misgivings about trusting the messengers.
They offer him hostages as assurance that Marsilius will come to be
baptized on Michaelmas. In the evening the messengers are given lodging,
and there is plenty of food and drink.
(5)
The next morning, Charlemagne consults with his barons about Marsilius's
offer. Roland believes that no credence should be attached to Marsilius,
who previously showed that he cannot be trusted when he killed the
emperor's two messengers, the Earls Basan and Basilius. Roland advises
him to send his entire army to lay siege to Zaragoza. Charlemagne lowers
his head and strokes his beard, and the French are all silent, except
for Ganelon, who speaks in favor of Marsilius' proposal, saying that the
one who speaks against it does not care what death the French may
suffer. Naimon also speaks in favor of showing mercy to Marsilius, since
he is defeated. Naimon advises Charlemagne to send one of the barons to
him.
(6)
Naimon offers to carry out this mission and demands the glove and staff.
Charlemagne refuses his offer. He also rejects Roland, Oliver, and
Turpin, who offer themselves. He now bids his lords to choose one of the
barons for this mission. Roland proposes his stepfather Ganelon. Ganelon
becomes angry at Roland and threatens him, but he only laughs at his
threats. He tells Roland, Oliver, and all the Peers of his constant
hatred. Ganelon fears the same fate that befell Basan and Basilius. When
Charlemagne hands him the letter to Marsilius, it falls from his hand,
which the French consider to be an evil omen.
(7)
Ganelon now goes to his tent and arms himself, puts on gold spurs, and
girds himself with his sword Murglais and mounts his horse Tachebrun
while his kinsman Guinimus holds his stirrups. Many of his men complain
of his departure and want to accompany him. He refuses this and says
that it is better for him to die alone than for many of his men should
be sacrificed. If he should be slain, he instructs his men to speak with
his kinsman Pinabel and take care of his son Baldwin.
(8)
Ganelon now rides off together with Blancandin and the other pagan
messengers. Blancandin speaks of Charlemagne's exploits, having
conquered Rome, Apulia, Calabria, Constantinople, Saxony, England, and
Ireland, but thinks that he must now be close to three hundred years
old. Ganelon agrees in his praise of Charlemagne, but scolds Roland for
his arrogance and says that all evil originates from him, and he is
against negotiating with Marsilius and will not stop until he has
subjugated Spain, Babylon, and all nations. Ganelon and Blancandin now
agree to betray Roland and cause his death.
(9)
They come to Zaragoza and Blancandin takes the messenger by the hand and
leads him before Marsilius. Ganelon delivers his message that if
Marsilius denies Makon and Mahomet and accepts Christianity, he will
receive half of Spain, but if not, he will be brought in chains to
France and suffer a most ignominious death. Marsilius is angry and in
his anger wants to strike Ganelon with a staff he holds in his hand.
Ganelon draws his sword and wants to attack him. Marsilius, however,
allows himself to be reassured by his men and takes his seat again.
(10)
Ganelon declares that no fear of death shall prevent him from fulfilling
his mission. He throws off his sable skin cloak, holds his drawn sword
in his hand, repeats his message, and hands over Charlemagne's letter.
When Marsilius reads it, he sheds tears of annoyance and pulls on his
beard. The letter contains a demand for him to hand over his uncle
Langalif who caused the deaths of Basan and Basilius, otherwise, there
will be no agreement. Langalif demands that Ganelon be handed over to
him so that he can give him the death he deserves for his eloquence.
Ganelon draws his sword to guard.
(11)
Marsilius burns the letter and gathers with his chiefs for deliberation
and Blancandin reveals to him what he has agreed with Ganelon. He then
fetches him and Marsilius apologizes for his previous fierceness and
gives Ganelon a precious cloak as a gift and offers him other gifts. He
then talks about Charlemagne's great age of two hundred years and about
his travels and conquests. Ganelon highly praises Charlemagne, whose
friendship he does not want to lose, but as long as Roland, Oliver, and
the other Peers live, he will never stop conquering other lands and
rest.
(12)
Marsilius thinks he can overpower Charlemagne with four hundred thousand
knights. Ganelon declares this an impossibility, it is better for him to
send him treasure and hostages, then he will go back to France and leave
Roland behind with twenty thousand men. Marsilius will finally be able
to get rid of him. When Roland falls, then Spain will have peace and
tranquility. King Marsilius gives Ganelon many precious gifts from his
treasure. They swear an oath to each other on the law book of Mahomet
and Tervagant. Ganelon swears to betray Roland and the pagans swear to
kill him in battle.
(13)
Valdabrun presents Ganelon with a sword bearing the image of Makon.
Climborin gives him a helmet that has no equal. Queen Bramimonde gives
him two pieces of precious jewelry set with amethysts and jacinths for
his wife. Ganelon sets off on his way home, taking possessions and
precious gifts to Charlemagne. But Marsilius will secretly send Ganelon
ten mules laden with gold and silver every year, in exchange for getting
Roland to stay behind when the French army departs.
(14)
Charlemagne has now come to the city of Valterne. After hearing mass
early in the morning with Roland, Oliver, Naimon and other barons, when
he is about to sit down at the table, Ganelon appears. He brings the
keys to Zaragoza and says that Marsilius is sending great riches and
twenty hostages. Langalif, in order not to be forced into Christianity,
fled to the sea and embarked with one hundred thousand men and they all
died in a shipwreck. Marsilius wants to become a Christian and submit
completely to the will of Charlemagne. The French now break camp and
march to Roncevaux where they take lodging. The pagans, however, gather
an army of four hundred thousand men and prepare their treacherous plan.
(15)
The next morning, Charlemagne holds a council meeting with his men.
Ganelon quickly suggests that Roland stay behind to guard the country.
King Charlemagne looked at him with fury in his eyes and said, "If
Roland stays behind, then who will guard our army?"
Ganelon answered, "Ogier the Dane will guard you. There is no knight in
all your court who inspires as much as he does."
When Roland hears these words, he becomes angry and says, "I have no
love for you, because you want me to stay behind and guard the rear, but
if it will be so, then no one will be so bold as to attack us, and
Charlemagne will not lose a single mule, horse, or anything else."
Roland asks for Charlemagne's bow and promises that it shall not fall
from his hand as the glove and the staff fell from the hand of Ganelon.
Roland will remain behind with twenty thousand men and asks the emperor
to return home and to be unconcerned about his people.
(16)
Roland arms himself, girds his sword Durendal, mounts his horse
Veillantif, and asks the French who will follow him. He is joined by
Earl Oliver and Archbishop Turpin, Gérin the Powerful and Gérer, Haton
the Strong and Bérenger, Duke Sanson and Anséis the Dauntless, Ivon and
Ivoire, Engelier of Gascony, Girard the Old, and Earl Gautier. Roland,
Oliver, and the Twelve Peers with twenty thousand men now stay behind in
Roncevaux. Earl Gautier is placed as a guard and has a duel with King
Amaris of Balverne.
(17)
Charlemagne now rides back to France with his army over high mountains
and through dark valleys that are so narrow that you could hear the
noise of their rattling armor and weapons from fifteen miles away.
Parting ways with Roland, no one can hold back their tears, least of all
Charlemagne, because he had a suspicion of Ganelon's betrayal. Duke
Naimon asks the reason for his great sorrow. Charlemagne says that an
angel of God appeared to him at night and broke the shaft of his spear
between his hands. He knows that Roland has been betrayed and it will be
an irreplaceable loss if he loses him.
(18)
Marsilius now prepares himself and gathers four hundred thousand men in
three days. He raises an idol on the tallest tower of Zaragoza and his
knights come and vow to do battle with the French. His sister's son
Adalroth asks and is allowed to fight against Roland, and twelve others
of Marsilius' people will be set against the Twelve Peers. Falsiron, the
brother of Marsilius, is the first one to join him.
(19)
Several of the pagans who burn with lust for battle with Roland and the
Peers are now listed. They are Corsablis, Donreg, the Emir of Balaguer,
Modan of Eyirana, Turgis of Turtolosa, and Escremis of Valterne. Each
pagan gives a proud speech about the valiant deeds that he will
accomplish against Roland and the Twelve Peers.
(20)
More pagan knights come forward to fight, they are Estorgant and
Estormariz, Margariz of Sibilia who ruled Camarias, and Chernuble of the
Black Valley. Now the twelve pagans set out to face the Twelve Peers.
(21)
Oliver stands on a hill and sees the superior numbers of the pagans and
that the Christians have little strength to oppose them. Therefore, he
asks Roland to blow his horn so that Charlemagne will hear it and turn
around with his army. He repeats this request three times, but Roland
refuses it each time because he feels that it would be shameful to seek
aid in this way. Oliver believes that no one can be blamed under these
circumstances, as the number of pagans is so great that all the
mountains and valleys are filled with them.
(22)
Roland says to the knights, "Strike with your spears, and I will use my
sword Durendal, and we will show the pagans what brave warriors we are."
Archbishop Turpin blesses the troop and says to them, "I absolve you of
all your sins. If you die in this battle as martyrs, then your souls
will go to heaven."
Roland and Oliver give encouraging speeches to their people.
(23)
Marsilius' nephew Adalroth rides forward and mocks the French but Roland
plunges the point of his sword into the pagan's breast and kills him.
Falsiron, brother of Marsilius, wants to avenge his nephew and rides
against Oliver but is felled by him. Turpin then throws Corsablis of
Barbary from the saddle to his death. Now three of the greatest leaders
of the pagans who had decided to fight against Roland and the Twelve
Peers have fallen.
(24)
Gérin rode against Donreg, wounded him mortally, cast him to the ground,
and Satan took his soul. Gérer killed the Emir of Balaguer, Sanson
struck down Modan of Eyirana, Anséis felled Turgis of Tortolosa,
Engelier killed Escremis, Haton the Strong killed Estorgant, Bérenger
killed Estormariz. Now ten of the twelve pagan chiefs had fallen. The
only two who remained were Chernuble and Margariz. Margariz rode against
Oliver and broke his spear shaft, but Oliver was not unhorsed.
(25)
The battle is continued with ferocity. Roland attacks Chernuble with his
sword Durendal, and he slices through his helmet, torso, and down to his
saddle. Oliver strikes the pagan chieftain Massaron in the head with a
staff so that his brains fly out of his head. The pagan chieftains
Justin and Timund are felled. Roland, Oliver, and Turpin are always in
front of their men.
(26)
Many omens happen in France. At noon it becomes as dark as night and the
sun did not shine. Everything was for the sake of Roland's death. At
Roncevaux there are so many dead pagans that, out of one hundred
thousand men, Margariz is the only one who escapes and returns to report
the defeat of the pagans to Marsilius.
(27)
Ten more divisions of the pagan army ride forth and the second battle
begins. The pagan Climborin of Zaragoza rides a horse named Barbamusche
that runs faster than a swallow flies, and he kills Earl Engelier.
Oliver rides forward with his sword Hauteclere to avenge his death,
kills Climborin, and cuts the head off of another pagan duke named
Alfien. Roland calls on the rest of the French knights to attack.
(28)
Next Duke Sanson falls to Valdabrun, a pagan who conquered the city of
Jerusalem and who rides a horse named Gradamunt. Valdabrun in return is
cleaved in two by Roland. Malquiant of Africa rides his horse Saltperdut
and kills Anseïs.
(29)
Malquiant is cut to pieces by Archbishop Turpin. The pagan Grandoine
rides forth on his horse Marmorie. He is the son of Capuel, king of
Cappadocia. He plunges his sword into the breast of Gérin, killing him
dead to the ground. Grandoine then kills Gérer, Bérenger, the earl of
Saint Antony, and Earl Austor of Valence. Roland avenges them and
nothing can withstand his sword. The pagans are defeated once again by
the bravery of the French, and flee to report this defeat to Marsilius.
(30)
Marsilius now prepares for the third battle and marches out with an army
consisting both of Spaniards and Moors. Turpin begins the conflict this
time, killing the pagan Abisme and blowing his horn Mundide to encourage
the French knights to ride forward. The Christians are now greatly
outnumbered, there are less than fifty of them left. King Marsilius
prays to his gods Makon and Maumet for help against the French. Roland
now tells Oliver that he will blow his horn to summon help from
Charlemagne. Oliver declares that he is to blame for not listening to
his advice before, for the outcome of the battle would have been
different. If he blows his horn now, Oliver's sister Aude will never
rest in his arms.
Oliver is angry with Roland and says to him, "This is your fault. To
combine bravery with wisdom is not foolish. Many French men are dead
because you were overzealous. If you had followed my advice before,
Marsilius would have been our prisoner. This is due to your
stubbornness."
(31)
Archbishop Turpin hears their exchange of words, he thinks that the horn
will not help them now, but will still call Charlemagne back to avenge
them on Marsilius and his people.
Turpin says, "He will gather our bodies and take them to a holy place,
so that our corpses are not eaten by wolves or wild animals."
Roland now puts the horn Olifant to his mouth and blows so that the
sound can be heard from fifteen miles away. Charlemagne and his men hear
it, but Ganelon denies it. Roland blows a second time, so loud that the
blood flows from his mouth and his temples burst. Charlemagne now
realizes that Roland would not blow his horn like that unless he was in
dire need. Ganelon mockingly replies that Charlemagne talks like a
child, even though he is old and gray. Naimon wants knights to rush to
the aid of Roland. Charlemagne orders his men to sound the trumpets and
arm themselves. He hands Ganelon over to his chief cook, who sets him up
on a horse with his face turned towards its tail, whips and beats him,
and takes him to a dungeon. After this, the French turn around to come
to Roland's rescue, if he is still alive.
(32)
Most of the Christians have now fallen, and Roland says that they must
lay down their lives beside them. However, he rides into the pagans and
kills Faldrin of Pui and twenty-four others, one after another.
Rolands says to them, "Flee, evil dogs, or you will all die here."
King Marsilius rides forward on his horse Gaignon and kills Bevon of
Dijon. In anger, Roland cuts off the right hand of Marsilius with
Durendal, and cuts off the head of his son Jurfaleu. King Marsilius
flees with a thousand men, all of them wounded.
(33)
On the battlefield, Langalif remains with sixty thousand black men. He
rules over Carthage, Africa, Ethiopia, and Garmalie. Langalif rides
against Oliver and thrusts his spear through his back. Oliver has now
received his death wound, but he strikes Langalif in the head with his
sword Hauteclere and throws him from his horse dead. Oliver then rides
forward among the pagans and slashes furiously on both sides. He meets
Roland, slashes at him, and cleaves his helmet because he is blinded
with blood. When Roland asks why he did this, Oliver asks for
forgiveness because he did not see him. Now Oliver feels death
approaching, gets off his horse, falls to his knees, asks God for
forgiveness for his sins, and falls to the ground and dies. Roland
swoons when he sees the death of his friend, but is stuck in his
stirrups so that he does not fall off his horse.
(34)
All of the French have now fallen except Roland, Turpin, and Gualter of
the Hum. Gualter is the nephew of Turpin and the son of Droon the Old
and White-Bearded. Gualter is pierced by many spears but he tells Roland
that he will sell his life dearly. These three now kill one thousand
knights in a short time, however Gualter falls. Now Roland and Turpin
hear the sound of one thousand horns, and it is Charlemagne who is
approaching with his army. Many hundreds of the pagans now charge at
Roland and Turpin, these still defend themselves handsomely and kill
twenty of them. The pagans now prepare to flee when they hear that the
French are on the march, however they split Roland's shield and byrnie
and slay his horse and flee, saying that Roland has overcome them all.
(35)
Roland, now on foot, goes to the battlefield to seek out his fallen
comrades. He brings them all to Archbishop Turpin to deliver their last
rites. Finally, he finds Oliver whom he presses to his chest and then
sinks down weakly from grief. Turpin then takes the horn Olifant and
wants to fill it with water for Roland, but due to wounds and loss of
blood he cannot reach the river and falls dead. Roland now comes to
himself when he sees Turpin lying prostrate dead on the ground, he
raises his hands to heaven and asks God to have mercy on him on Judgment
Day. Roland now feels his imminent death. He asks God to send him his
angel Gabriel, turns to Spain, and goes up to a hill where he sits down
under a tree between four marble stones and falls into a swoon.
(36)
A pagan lies on the rampart. He pretended to be dead but now he gets up,
goes to Roland, and grabs the sword Durendal, saying that he wants to
take it with him to Arabia, then he takes his horn in his hand and
shakes his beard. Roland regains consciousness, grabs Olifant from the
pagan's hand, and hits him on the head with it so that he falls dead to
the ground. Roland now feels death approaching and he slices at a rock
with Durendal, hoping to break the sword, but he cannot.
Roland says, "You are a good sword, Durendal. I have used you in many
battles, but now death is near. I pray to God that no one uses you in
terror. It would be wrong for you to be wielded by a pagan."
Roland praises the sword's qualities. Charlemagne received Durendal from
God through one of his angels. Roland enumerates all the exploits he has
performed with it. With Durendal he has won the realms of
Constantinople, Anjou, Esclavonia, Poitiers, Brittany, Provence, Maine,
Lombardy, Romagna, Bavaria, Flanders, Ireland, and England. In the hilt
of Durendal is a tooth of Saint Peter, blood of the holy Bishop Blasius,
and hair of Saint Dionysus. Roland prays that the sword will not come
into the hands of the pagans. Finally, he stretches his right hand up
towards heaven, asks God for forgiveness for his sins, and gives up his
spirit. God sends his angels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, to bring
his soul to Paradise.
(37)
Charlemagne now comes to Roncevaux where he finds the earth littered
with dead Christians and pagans. He calls his Peers by name but no one
answers. The grief of Charlemagne and his men is great. Charlemagne
tears his clothes, rips his beard, and falls from his horse in sorrow.
Duke Naimon now draws attention to the fact that at a distance of two
miles you can see the dust from the march of the fleeing pagans.
Charlemagne leaves three earls with one thousand knights to take care of
the dead, and sets out after the enemies. As the evening approaches, he
dismounts from his horse, kneels down, and asks God to make the day long
and the night short. An angel appears and tells him that God has heard
his prayer. The light of day will not fail him in the battle and he will
have his zealous revenge on the pagans. Charlemagne attacks the pagans
and fells them on both sides. The pagans are stopped in their flight by
a river. They call on their gods, Tervagant, Apollo, and Mahomet for
help and plunge into the water. Some sink to the bottom, some drift dead
to land, and those who remain are killed. Charlemagne cannot get back to
Roncevaux before sunset and so the French take shelter for the night
where they now are.
(38)
Charlemagne does not take off his armor, he set his shield near his
head, wears his coat of chain mail, and has his sword Joyeuse at his
side. Joyeuse is a sword of thirty colors that has a nail from the True
Cross and the tip of the Spear of Longinus in its hilt. He falls asleep
is great sorrow and an angel sits by his head at night. He dreams three
times. In the first dream, he is out in a terrible storm, with rain,
snow, and lightning. His people call on him in their terror for help,
and their weapons are destroyed by the storm. In the second dream, he is
in the middle of a multitude of wolves, lions, vultures, and other wild
animals that would devour his men. When he rushes to their aid, a lion
attacks him and takes both his legs in its mouth. He is uncertain which
of them will be victorious. The third dream is that he is at home in
France in his hall where he has chains on his feet. He sees thirty men
going to the city of Ardennes who talk among themselves and say that
Charlemagne is defeated and will never wear his crown in France after
that.
(39)
The next morning Charlemagne rides with the French and returns to
Roncevaux where he finds Roland lying between four stones with his right
hand holding the hilt of his sword and in his left hand he holds his
horn Olifant. Charlemagne dismounts from his horse, throws himself on
the ground, kisses Roland, and laments his death. He falls into a swoon,
lying as if dead.
Naimon sprinkles water in his face and addresses him with encouraging
words, "No one should love a deceased person so much that he neglects
himself, being alive."
The king now rises and bids the strongest of his knights to bring him
Roland's sword. This one is not able to get it. He sends another but
with the same outcome. Finally, he sends five knights to pull each one
of Roland's fingers, but in vain. Charlemagne remembers Roland's
strength and glorious qualities, and he suddenly falls into a swoon.
Naimon brings him back to himself by consoling appeals, his opinion is
that they will not take the sword from him until a man as good as he was
takes hold of it. Charlemagne now says a long prayer, gets up, goes to
take the sword himself, and it now comes loose. He takes off the hilt
for the sake of the precious relics and throws the blade into the water
far from land as no one is worthy to carry the sword after Roland. He
then finds the Twelve Peers all lying next to each other as Roland had
laid them.
(40)
Charlemagne has the Peers wrapped in shrouds, but is very worried about
his other men because he cannot separate them from the pagans. Naimon
advises him again to turn to God, the one who always helps those in
need. He watches over the battlefield at night in prayer with all his
people, and prays that God will reveal to him which among the fallen
were Christians. God then works the miracle that the pagan corpses are
overgrown with bushes, while the Christians lie uncovered. He then has
the Christians buried, except for Roland and the rest of the Twelve
Peers, who are placed on biers and taken to the capital of Arles in
Provence, where the bodies are laid to rest and masses are sung for them
in all the city's churches. A large sum of twelve hundred marks of
silver is sacrificed before their bodies are buried. Charlemagne gave a
gift of land property to the place where they rest, adding gifts to
support the maintenance of their tombs forever after. Then Charlemagne
goes home to Paris and carries sorrow in his heart, although few people
could sense it in him.
(41)
After having been at home for some time and resting after this
expedition, Charlemagne calls together all the chiefs of his kingdom to
consult about what should be done to Ganelon for his treason against
Roland and the twenty thousand men who fell with him at Roncevaux. There
is talk back and forth but no decision can be made until Duke Naimon
rises and makes a long speech which ends with his advice that Ganelon
should suffer the most ignominious and worst death. This wins the
approval of Charlemagne and everyone else. Ganelon is now brought out of
his prison, where he has been in chains, and is tied between two wild
horses that drag him around France until no bone is attached to another
and he dies with a dismembered body.
After this, Charlemagne rules in peace and strengthens his kingdoms,
puts men to rule over his lands, and clears his enemies from the land.
Since then, it is said that Charlemagne had many battles and won a few,
but he retained his kingdom until the day of his death. Here ends the
tale of Roncevaux.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 9 – THE STORY OF WILLIAM SHORT-NOSE
(1)
Charlemagne once killed a king and conquered his city. This king left
behind a young and beautiful wife and two sons. With Charlemagne there
was once a glorious man by the name of William Short-Nose, whose bravery
was only surpassed by Roland. Charlemagne gave the conquered realm to
William, along with the title of king and the young queen in marriage.
One day, William falls asleep with his head on his wife's knee. She runs
her hands through his locks and discovers a gray hair on his head.
Upon this discovery, she pushes his head away with the exclamation "Ugh,
you old man!"
William wakes up and jumps up, indignant at these words, and declares
that he will leave her and his kingdom and thereafter sacrifice himself
to the service of God. Regardless of her excuses and tears, he remains
firm in his resolution and after recommending to her that she get her
brother Reinald to rule the kingdom with her, he kisses her goodbye and
rides away. He finally arrives at a monastery in the southern countries
where he offers the abbot and the monastery his service. This offer is
accepted and he exchanges his armor for the hood and robes of a monk.
William soon realizes that the monks are more interested in worldly
advantage than in observing the rules of the order. He draws the abbot's
attention to this but receives no thanks, only anger. When guests come
to the monastery, William always stays by himself, which the monks
assume is because of his misdeeds.
(2)
One winter before Christmas, there is a shortage of food in the
monastery. Two roads lead to the marketplace, one long, the other short
but dangerous because of robbers. William offers to carry out their
errand, his offer is accepted and he is allowed to choose which road he
wants to take. He asks if he is allowed to guard the property of the
monastery, and the abbot says no, he is not allowed to do that. William
asks if he should let the robbers steal his clothes without resistance.
The abbot says he should let them take the other clothes, everything
except his shirt. He has a belt studded with gold made for him and takes
two donkeys to the marketplace, where they buy malt and wheat. When they
set off on their journey home, they could not reach home in time for
Christmas if they take the longer road, so they choose the shorter route
and continue on this until Christmas Eve, when they catch sight of the
monastery and now think they have escaped from all danger. William goes
in front with a staff in his hand, and his guide goes behind and drives
the donkeys. Suddenly the guide runs up to him and says that robbers are
pursuing them. William tells him to go ahead to the monastery while he
waits for the robbers.
Twelve men in armor catch up with him now and ask him his name. The
leader of the band of robbers is named Dartiburt. They demand what he is
carrying with him. He says it is the property of the monastery and asks
them for God's sake to be peaceful, as it is for their own good. One of
them now strikes him across the back with the flat of his sword. William
asks the Virgin Mary for patience to resist this temptation. They seize
all the goods he has with him. The abbot and his monks stand outside and
watch this. William pronounces his astonishment that the robbers take
the provisions from him but do not care about the valuables he has under
his monk's robe. One of the robbers then comes back and tears off his
belt, which he recognizes as of great value, and then hits him on the
head. William is now angry. He knocks down one of the donkeys, tears off
its shoulder and kills the nearest robber. The same fate befalls another
and the others take flight. He now goes to the donkey, places the
shoulder where it came from, prays to God, and immediately sees the
animal rise up healed. When he now comes to the monastery, he finds the
gates closed, he breaks them open, seeks out the abbot and the monks who
have hidden for fear of him. He flogs them, one by one, asking them to
take this well-earned chastisement for their impiety. Then he goes on
his way and no one hears about him for a long time.
(3)
Charlemagne has been very concerned about William's departure and has
made many fruitless attempts to search for news of him. He now mourns
that Roland and the Twelve Peers are dead, Ogier and Otuel are gone,
William has disappeared, and he himself is now old and decrepit. His
enemies are now gathering an army to take revenge on him. Their leader
is King Madul. He is the brother of Marsilius, who fought against Roland
at Roncevaux. King Madul invades Charlemagne's lands, ravages, and
destroys. Charlemagne gathers together all the kings, dukes, and earls
who were subject to him, and once again orders men to search for
William, both on sea and land, but all in vain. He now advances against
the pagans, but his army is much smaller than theirs.
(4)
In the lands near a forest far to the south, a man named Grimaldus lives
with his wife. He is of more than average height, has a large beard, is
not very courageous, is rich and owns many horses and weapons, and likes
to drive his flock to the forest himself. One day in the forest he meets
a man wearing a monk's cowl who is a head taller than himself. The
cowled man asks for news. Grimaldus tells him that great terror holds
all the people and Charlemagne is also in danger, because his chiefs
failed him, and it seems that he will be defeated in the fight against
his enemies. Grimaldus says that Charlemagne misses William Short-Nose
and cannot find him. All have received orders to join him in battle, but
no one seems willing to go. The stranger offers, for the sake of good
neighborliness, to go into battle in the place of Grimaldus, if the
latter will equip him with a horse and weapons, as he desires to go on
this journey. They agree on this and Grimaldus is told to feed the horse
with grain for a fortnight.
At the appointed time the stranger comes again, and he grabs Grimaldus
and lifts him up in the air and asks what the king is doing. Grimaldus
replies that he intends to attack. The stranger asks then if Grimaldus
stands by their agreement, to which he replies yes. The stranger now
goes to the horse and kicks it with his foot. It does not budge. Then he
jerks the saddle and the saddle cloth holds firm. He declares that the
horse is good. He puts a helmet on his head that leaves nothing of his
face showing except his eyes, girds himself with a sword, takes spear in
hand, mounts his horse, and looks like a true warrior.
The stranger now rides to Charlemagne's army and takes Grimaldus' place.
The emperor gives a speech to his men in which he noticeably dwells on
the loss of William, promises a large reward in gold and his daughter to
whoever can give him information about him. He offers an earldom to
whoever slays King Madul and ends by urging everyone to fight valiantly
in the battle. His deputy Grimaldus rides at the front of the army and
everyone is amazed at his boldness, as he is not known as a hero. He
towers over everyone else by his height. He rides past the king so fast
and close that his horse staggers. Charlemagne turns and looks at him.
They look directly into each other's eyes and, as Grimaldus bursts forth
into the pagan crowd, the king smiles.
Grimaldus slashes on both sides, cuts down the enemy standard-bearer and
seven other knights, and he finally cuts off the head of the pagan king,
grabs the head and picks it up, and shouts that now the pagans are
vanquished.
Charlemagne pursues the fugitives and then comes back to the rampart
where he finds the pagan king's body, but the head is missing. He has
Madul's body brought to his tent and says that he will fulfill his given
word. Several knights now come with heads that they say belong to the
body, but Charlemagne is not fooled, saying that he will know the one
who killed the king when he sees him.
(5)
The hooded man and Grimaldus meet each other again, and he orders
Grimaldus to take the head with him and ride to the king and ask him to
make himself an earl, but he must be faithful to his wife. He must also
be ready to follow him later when he is invited to do so. Grimaldus
mounts his horse, comes to the king, shows him Madul's head which fits
the body, and gives his name. The king asks where the man is now whom he
saw before on this horse. Grimaldus says that no other knight than he
has sat on this horse, and he is now claiming the promised reward. The
king feels that his old age must have weakened his sight if Grimaldus is
the one who rocked him on his horse. The king wants him to say who did
this deed, because he thought he recognized William. Grimaldus claims
the honor but does not want his daughter, as he is already married. The
king now looks at him more closely and says that it is fear that led him
to think these eyes to be William's. He asks him to say who gave him the
head. He replies that he picked up the head when it fell off the body.
The king finally says that the man who gave him the head must have
deemed him worthy in this matter and he now asks what he demands.
Grimaldus demands to be made an earl and to receive the associated
honor. Charlemagne makes him an earl, although he is the least of his
earls.
(6)
One night, some years later, Grimaldus has a dream in which the stranger
with the hood comes to him and asks him to go to Charlemagne and to look
for his body with him in a rock cave. He describes to him where he has
lived for the last fifteen years. He wants Charlemagne to build a church
on that site. When Grimaldus has fulfilled this request, then he will
have paid his debt to him.
Grimaldus wakes up and tells his wife the dream. She urges him to do as
he was instructed right away. But he worries that he will say something
false to the king and be banished from the realm. He falls asleep again
and the same man appears once more and is now angry and accuses him of
ingratitude. He says it will cost him his life if he does not obey.
He wakes up and tells his wife the dream again. She asks him not to
disobey the command. He is angry at her words and falls asleep for the
third time. This man appears before him again and he is now very angry.
He hits him on the head with his stick and says that now he will now
lose one eye for his stubbornness.
The dream vision disappears, and this time the earl obeys. He rushes to
Charlemagne and tells him in detail about this revelation. The king sets
out quickly and they go to the specified location where they find a man
who is recently dead and whose face is turned to the east. There is a
glorious fragrance in this place. The emperor, who recognizes his dear
friend William Short-Nose, has his body buried with honors and builds a
church there, to which he bestows much land and other glories. Then he
strips Grimaldus of the title of earl and appoints him as the steward
there, and he and his wife serve God there as long as they live.
Charlemagne goes home to France with his men, lives in Lorraine, and
rules his kingdom with great honor.
KARLAMAGNUS SAGA:
BOOK 10 – THE DEATH OF CHARLEMAGNE
(1)
Some unknown number of years ago, the Pope in Rome was Leo, the son of
King Constantine of Constantinople. King Constantine is gripped by
anxiety over Charlemagne's proclamation as emperor in Rome. Until now,
Constantinople has been the only imperial residence in Christendom.
Charlemagne calms this anxiety by friendly letters and by consolidating
the peace between the states. At this time, the Patriarch John is
expelled from Jerusalem by the pagans and takes refuge in
Constantinople, accompanied by many brave men. The king of
Constantinople welcomes him, but on hearing the report about the
Patriarch's enemies, he immediately realizes that his power is too small
to be able to provide him with any proper assistance and therefore asks
God for help and advice. During the night in his dreams, an angel
appears to him and tells him to call Charles, King of the Franks, to
help him. He also brings before him a vision of Charlemagne as a fully
armed knight, whose armor and appearance are described in more detail,
to the effect that this knight is the one God has chosen. The king wakes
up and thanks God for this vision. John is made aware of this and after
consultation with him, the king writes a letter in his own hand to
Charlemagne in which he describes the plight of the holy land and the
persecution of the patriarch and ends the letter with five verses in
Latin. This letter comes into Charlemagne's hands and awakens his deep
compassion for the Lord's grave. Archbishop Turpin reads the letter in
French to the people, who immediately eagerly demand that Charlemagne
should lend his help.
(2)
Charlemagne gathers a large army, travels safely across the sea, and
arrives near Jerusalem. Here he comes across a large dangerous forest
full of wild animals. The army has no guides through this forest, as
Charlemagne thinks he can make it through in a single day. Night falls
in the forest and they get lost in the dark. The army is now encamped
under the open sky and the king is awake at night in his tent and sings
his hymns. During this, he hears a bird singing just above his resting
place, its voice is so loud that it is heard over the whole army and
every man awakes. The king continues his psalm and when the sun rises
the bird begins to make its voice heard again and says twice to the king
these words, "Frenchman, what do you say?" The king now gets up and
dresses. This little bird now flies ahead and leads them to the road
they had followed the previous day where the find an open highway.
Pilgrims in the area say that ever since this time, the birds in that
forest sing intelligible words. He now chases away and destroys the
pagans, visits Jerusalem, and then goes north to Constantinople. Here
Charlemagne refuses the many gifts that the king of Constantinople
offers him, he has freed the land for God's sake and not for worldly
gifts. However, he is finally convinced to receive from the Greek king
some Relics from Christ's Crucifixion. The Patriarch imposes on all the
French a three day fast.
(3)
Charlemagne made his confession on the third day of Lent to Bishop
Ebronus. When the bishop opens the box with our Lord's Crown of Thorns
in it, a delicious fragrance flows through the church so that all those
present think they are in Paradise. Charlemagne throws himself to the
ground and prays to our Lord to renew his miracles. After his prayer,
dew falls from the sky over the Crown of Thorns so that it begins to
bloom. The bishop cuts off the flowers and drops them into a wooden
vessel that Charlemagne has prepared. When the flowers bloomed, the
delicious fragrance came again so that all the sick in the church become
well again, among them is a man who has been mute, blind, and deaf for
twenty years and four months. He regains his sight as the Crown of
Thorns is taken out, he regains his speech as the flowers spring forth,
and finally he regains his hearing as the bishop touches the flowers
with the scissors. The bishop hands the vessel with the flowers to
Charlemagne, who empties them into a glove and gives the vessel back to
the bishop, as he will now have some of the thorn itself. The king sheds
tears, touched by God's miracle, and as he accepts the gift of the thorn
and has another glove ready for this one, he takes the first glove with
the flowers and extends his hand to give it to the bishop. However, the
bishop's eyes are also blinded by tears and neither of them sees clearly
what the other is doing. The bishop thus does not take hold of the glove
handed to him, and it remains miraculously floating in the air for a
long time. When the king pours the flowers from the glove into the chest
designed to hold them, they are transformed into manna, which we call
"the flour of heaven."
A multitude of people flock to the church, summoned by the sweet
fragrance, exclaiming, "Here is Easter Day, here is the Resurrection of
the Lord."
Charlemagne receives even more relics, a nail of the Lord's passion,
part of the True Cross of the Lord, his swaddling band and sweat cloth,
the Virgin Mary's shirt, and the arm of Simeon who carried our lord. It
may be surprising that these things were kept in Constantinople and not
in Jerusalem, but it happened because here they were less exposed to the
violence of the pagan invasions. Many in Greece praise Charlemagne's
coming there because many are now happily drinking, who had been sick in
their beds. Many miracles now happen on his journey home. When he comes
to France, he takes the shrines to the city called Aix-la-Chapelle which
some call Achis or Tachin. Here also many sick people are healed. The
Ides of June was instituted as a feast day to honor these holy relics.
Charlemagne gives the shirt of the Virgin Mary to the cathedral in
Chartres and he gives the heavenly manna to Dionysius at Saint Denis. In
Aix-la-Chapelle, Charlemagne builds a church for the Virgin Mary which
he calls Maria Rotunda.
(4)
Speculum Historiale tells that in the days of Charlemagne, there was a
glorified bishop in the city of Amiens named Salvius. This city was
founded by Emperor Antoninus the Pious who named it after a river which
flows in the vicinity called the Lambon. Then Gratian, the son of
Valentinian, established his residence there and called it Ambianis, as
it is surrounded on all sides by running water. Here lived Bishop
Salvius, a great worker of miracles. In Amiens with him at the same time
was King Hisperich who believed in Arianism, he denied the three persons
in the holy trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and tried to convince
Salvius to agree with him in this belief. However, this is so far from
the case that, as soon as Salvius hears about this proclamation from the
king, he declares that he wants to tear up and burn the book in which
this doctrine exists. The abomination of this heresy had been disclosed
by Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium, who lived in the time of the
emperors Theodosius and Arcadius. Driven by his hatred of the Arians,
Amphilochius goes to the emperor Theodosius and asks him to decree by
law that these heretics should not hold any assemblies in his kingdom.
However, the emperor does not want to do this.
Some time later, Amphilochius goes into the inn where the two kings
stayed. He greets Theodosius but pretends not to see his son Arcadius.
Theodosius, who considers this to be forgetfulness of the bishop, asks
him why he behaved this way. The bishop asks what arouses his
displeasure. The king then says that he did not greet his son. The
bishop says that he honored Theodosius, his father, and that must have
been enough. The king then announces that no one honors him if he does
not also show due reverence to his son.
Then the Bishop exclaims, "When you, a mortal man, feel bad that your
son is not shown royal honor, how must God the Father feel that his only
son loses his due honor in the heresy of the Arians?"
The emperor understands this, and he sends a proclamation throughout his
realm condemning the heresy of the Arians.
This bishop Amphilochius felt the same as Salvius in his contempt for
the Arians. Salvius was zealous in his clerical vocation and learned to
preach. Everywhere he carried with him his expensive robes of office,
snow-white and studded with gold, especially his belt, appropriate to
the office of bishop, which was woven of red gold and studded with
precious gems. One Easter day after he had officiated in Saint Martin's
Church in the city of Valenciennes, he is invited to the house of the
royal steward Girard, where he has his belongings and his precious
bishop's robes brought. These robes awaken the greed of Vinigard, son of
Girard, and after consultation with the father, he has the bishop and
his faithful servant thrown into an underground prison, where he has
them killed by a slave. Vinigard tears the expensive robe into pieces
and takes the beautiful belt of red gold, melts it down, and makes
ornaments for his saddle.
Next, he has his body buried in a stable where his father's cattle were
kept at night. However, two miracles happen here. One of the bulls of
the herd takes it upon himself to always keep clean and tidy the place
under which these two martyrs rest and keeps all the other creatures
away with his horns. Secondly, a luminous pillar of light appears over
this stable which can be seen far away. A woman from the village of
Berenticum goes to the place to examine this light more closely and
discovers there two lamps that shine with an extraordinary clarity. She
watches over several nights and always sees the same light, which she
tells the priests about.
(5)
This whole event is revealed to Charlemagne over the course of three
nights. He then hastens to the city of Valenciennes and has Girard, his
son Vinigard, and the servant Vingar seized and threatens them to reveal
the resting place of Bishop Salvius. Then he has all their eyes gouged
out, and also has the penises of the father and son cut off. He then has
the holy relics taken up and put on a cart to which he harnesses many
oxen, but the oxen could not move the cart from the place. Knowing God's
will, he leaves only two of them hitched to the cart, and allows them to
go wherever they want. Now they easily pull the cart and stop in front
of Saint Martin's Church, where Bishop Salvius sang his last mass. The
king now sees that it is God's will that Saint Salvius should be buried
here. While the king is here, a woman comes to him complaining that her
brother has cheated her of her inheritance. The brother denies this. The
king orders him to prove the accusation by swearing an oath in Saint
Martin's church over the body of Salvius. He is willing to do so. But
after he has sworn the oath, he bursts open and his entrails spill out.
It is to be said that Girard repents his crime. His son, on the other
hand, is daring enough to go to Saint Martin's Church to ask the bishop
for absolution, but when he enters the church, it begins to shake as if
from an earthquake and the murderer quickly flees and takes refuge in a
monastery where he is thrown into the infirmary and suffers daily agony
for his misdeed. The slave Vingar also flees to Saint Martin's Church,
where he humbly asks the bishop for mercy with tears and kneeling,
confessing that he was forced to do the evil deed. As a sign of
forgiveness, the saint gives him back his sight in one eye.
(6)
A holy book testifies that Pope Adrian had granted to Charlemagne the
privilege of appointing Church leaders over all of France and Saxony,
and neither before nor since has the Church been so well served. The
same privilege was enjoyed by his successors, one after the other, until
Gregory the Seventh found it necessary to take it back under the Pope's
authority. When Charlemagne became frail from old age, he fell ill in
Aix-la-Chapelle, and when he was near death, what is now to be told
happened.
(7)
Archbishop Turpin outlives all of Charlemagne's other knights. When
Charlemagne dies, Archbishop Turpin is saying his prayers in the church
in the city of Vienne, and a drowsiness comes over him and during his
sleep he has a vision. He sees a group of devils come rushing and the
last one is a black man who seems to be in charge of the procession.
Turpin asks him where they are going. The black man replies that they
are going to Aix-la-Chapelle to fetch Charlemagne's soul to hell. The
archbishop asks them to take the same road home to tell him the outcome
of their errand. After a very short period of time, the unclean spirits
return on the same road, very sad and dejected. The archbishop asks how
they have fared. The black man replies that for a while it appeared that
they would have Charlemagne's soul when his good and bad deeds were
being weighed, but suddenly a headless man came from Galicia, dragging a
lot of stones and wood, and he threw all this onto the scale in favor of
Charlemagne so that his side of the scale sank to the ground, and their
efforts were therefore of no use. The archbishop wakes up and thanks God
that Charlemagne's soul was saved from the devils and he is now with his
companions in heaven. Archbishop Turpin informs the citizens of Vienne
of Charlemagne's death, reporting his vision as if he had witnessed it.
The headless man could be no other than Saint James, who was beheaded by
King Herod, and who helped Charlemagne get into heaven as his reward for
building and supporting churches.
(8)
Emperor Charlemagne dies at a great age and goes to rest with God on the
first day of February. At his death and funeral, the best men in the
world are present, Pope Leo, the most highly respected leaders of Rome,
archbishops, bishops who lead their diocese, abbots, and a multitude of
people who had crowded together in Aix-la-Chapelle from all over at the
rumor of the emperor's illness. His funeral takes place with a splendor
hitherto unheard of in France. His body is wrapped in a golden shroud
and placed upright in a chair just as if he were still alive. A crown of
the purest gold is placed on his head, and from this crown two gold
chains go behind the legs of the chair, keeping the body in an upright
position. The sacred text of the four Gospels, written in golden
letters, is placed in his right hand, but his left hand is placed on top
of the writing, as if he were sitting in judgment and pointing to the
book of law. Directly in front of him, his military armor is placed. The
tomb, which rises like an arch above him, is covered with gold and
closed on all sides so that no human hand can get near him.
We have read of Emperor Charlemagne and his knights for a long while,
but his tale is now ended. We finish with good wishes for the one who
wrote the saga, the one for whom it was written, the one who told it,
and for all those who have heard it.
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