Duty Arises Spontaneously Out of Love

Essay by phatygCollege, UndergraduateA, September 2013

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

�PAGE � [Type text] [Type text] [Type text] �PAGE �7� ENGL 2111 eLearning

Duty Arises Spontaneously out of Love

Heroic models have been a part every culture throughout history. The stories and legends are used to empower, inspire, and perpetuate long-standing traditions and warrior codes of honor. Ancient and medieval cultures used the epic poem to narrate the deeds of their legendary warriors. Whether it be the epic tale of King Charlemagne's rear guard of The Song of Roland or the Prince of Troy in Homer's epic the Illiad, Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, or Arjune in Bhagavad Gita, a sense of duty that arose spontaneously out of love bound these great warriors to codes of honor, and can be seen in all of these epic cultural tales. The Song of Roland is a poignant and inspiring tale of King Charlemagne's rear guard and a warrior coming to terms with his rigid code of honor.

Overshadowing Charlemagne in this epic is Roland the emperor's nephew. Well known for his acclaimed bravery, volunteering for the most dangerous and difficult assignments. His commitment to valor and high regard in his abilities as a warrior essentially led to his death and the deaths of many soldiers. While under siege of the Saracen forces Roland's "excessive… reckless bravery (p 221, vol. B)" was exemplified when he refused to sound the alarm calling Charlemagne's main military forces back, believing that a request for aid would be a sign of weakness that would bring him shame and dishonor. The Saracen Army wiped out the out numbered French rear guard. Only after an argument with his closets confidant, Oliver, did Roland sound the alarm signaling his need for assistance. While blowing the horn with over whelming force, signaling the French troops, Roland ruptured...