Song Of Roland Propaganda

The Song of Roland is considered to be the national epic of the French, as well as a source of patriotism for the French people (Cunningham 1). It created the basis for Old French literature and the French language as we read it today (Taylor 35). This epic has stood the test of time, with the first known translation of The Song of Roland being brought to light between 1086 and 1170 (Keller 242). For many years, scholars have debated the reasons and meanings for The Song of Roland. Did Roland actually exist, or was The Song of Roland a method of propaganda for the Holy Wars? It seems likely, based on a variety of evidence, that The Song of Roland was a form of propaganda for King Charlemagne in the Holy Wars (Taylor 34). The possibility was likely that Roland was chosen as a person for the French people to imitate during the difficult times of France (Taylor 30).
To begin, The Song of Roland was used at the time of the Holy Wars and Crusades as a source of inspiration and spirit for the people of France (Taylor 50). Roland, at the time, was considered to be the “model of chivalric virtues according to the Church” (Dominik 6). Scholars, such as Ludovic Vitet, have agreed that The Song of Roland became a symbol of the spirit of the French people (Taylor 35).
The Song of Roland is based on the history behind the battle of Roncevaux in the year 778, as well as the Crusades and the Holy Wars (Dominik 2). Roland was considered to be a celebrated individual during the time of the First Crusade. The existence of Roland himself is not known, nor can it be proven at this time, due to lack of sufficient evidence (Dominik 6). Scholars have found little to no evidence that The Song of Roland is based on factual information. Since this epic was passed on by the word of mouth via minstrels, some of the important information could have been lost (Taylor