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Roland (Legendary character) -- Romances Books
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Lodovico Ariosto
Orlando Furioso
"Orlando Furioso" by Lodovico Ariosto is an Italian epic poem published in its complete form in 1532. This sweeping tale unfolds against the backdrop of war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and invading Saracen forces. The story weaves together multiple plots: the paladin Orlando's descent into madness after his unrequited love for Princess Angelica, the romance between warrior Bradamante and Saracen Ruggiero, and adventures spanning the entire world—even reaching the Moon. With knights, sorcerers, and fantastic creatures, this epic blends romance, humor, and tragedy.
Lodovico Ariosto
Orlando Furioso
"Orlando Furioso" by Ludovico Ariosto is an epic poem published in its complete form in 1532. This sweeping tale unfolds during the war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and invading Saracen forces. The story follows multiple interwoven plots: the knight Orlando's destructive descent into madness after his beloved Angelica elopes with another, and the romance between warrior Bradamante and Saracen Ruggiero. Featuring sorcerers, sea monsters, flying horses, and even a journey to the Moon, this vast work blends chivalric ideals with fantasy, humor, and tragedy.
Unknown
La Chanson de Roland : Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier
"La Chanson de Roland: Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier" is an epic poem written in the early medieval period, likely composed before the first crusade. The poem recounts the tale of the legendary knight Roland, a loyal warrior of Charlemagne, as he faces treachery and battle in defense of Christendom against the Saracens. It explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of betrayal, focusing heavily on the conflicts between Roland, his peers, and the treacherous figure of Ganelon. The beginning of the poem introduces the historical backdrop of Charlemagne's campaign in Spain and sets the stage for the treachery that unfolds as King Marsile of the Saracens seeks to deceive Charlemagne through a false offer of loyalty. At the heart of the narrative is Roland, who eventually earns the responsibility to command the rear guard of the French army. Despite the contrasting counsel of his comrades, Roland's pride and determination lead to the ensuing conflict, where honor and loyalty clash with the harsh reality of war. This opening establishes a rich tapestry of characters, tension, and impending tragedy, promising a dramatic narrative driven by themes of valiant sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Unknown
The Song of Roland
"The Song of Roland" by C. K. Scott-Moncrieff is a translation of an 11th-century epic poem. This medieval chanson de geste recounts the legendary deeds of Frankish warrior Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass during Charlemagne's campaign in Spain. When Roland's stepfather Ganelon betrays the rear guard to Muslim forces, Roland must choose between pride and survival as his outnumbered men face overwhelming odds in a mountain pass ambush. This oldest surviving work of French literature explores themes of loyalty, honor, and heroic sacrifice.
Matteo Maria Boiardo
The Orlando Innamorato
"The Orlando Innamorato" by Matteo Maria Boiardo is an epic poem published between 1483 and 1495. The beautiful Angelica arrives at Charlemagne's court, sparking a chaotic pursuit by love-struck knights, especially the heroic Orlando and Rinaldo. Through magical fountains that reverse affections, besieged fortresses, and furious duels, the tale weaves between romantic quests and epic battles as Saracen armies invade France. Left unfinished when war engulfed Italy, this Renaissance masterwork inspired Ariosto's famous continuation, "Orlando Furioso."
Lodovico Ariosto
Orlando Furioso, Tomo I
"Orlando Furioso, Tomo I" by Ludovico Ariosto is an epic chivalric poem published in its definitive form in 1532. This continuation of Boiardo's unfinished romance weaves together tales of war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and invading Saracen forces. The poem follows multiple intertwining narratives: Orlando's unrequited love for the pagan princess Angelica that drives him to madness, the romance between warrior Bradamante and Saracen Ruggiero, and epic battles across a world mixing reality with fantasy, featuring wizards, sea monsters, and flying horses.
Lodovico Ariosto
Orlando Furioso, Tomo II
"Orlando Furioso, Tomo II" by Lodovico Ariosto is an epic poem published in its definitive form in 1532. This sweeping tale continues the unfinished romance of Boiardo, weaving together stories of Christian paladins battling Saracen invaders across a fantastical world. Knights, sorceresses, flying horses, and sea monsters populate forty-six cantos exploring war, love, and chivalry. Central threads include Orlando's maddening unrequited love for the pagan princess Angélica and the romance between warrior Bradamante and Saracen Ruggiero—legendary ancestors of Ariosto's patrons.
Lodovico Ariosto
Roland Furieux, tome 1 : $b Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard
"Roland Furieux, tome 1 : Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard" by Ludovico Ariosto is an epic poem composed in the early sixteenth century. This sprawling tale weaves together three main storylines: the love between Saracen knight Roger and Christian warrior Bradamante, Charlemagne's war against invading Saracens, and the tragic romance involving Princess Angélique and the knight Roland, whose unrequited love drives him to madness. The labyrinthine narrative moves between magical adventures, fierce battles, and powerful female warriors who challenge the greatest knights.
Lodovico Ariosto
Roland Furieux, tome 4 : $b Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard
"Roland Furieux, tome 4 : Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard" by Ariosto is an epic poem composed in the early 16th century. This labyrinthine tale weaves together Charlemagne's war against invading Saracens with the interwoven fates of multiple heroes. At its center: the knight Roland, driven mad by love for Princess Angélique; the Saracen warrior Roger and Christian warrior-maiden Bradamante, whose forbidden romance defies prophecy; and an array of magical objects, mythical creatures, and powerful female warriors who challenge convention through singular combat and daring exploits.
Lodovico Ariosto
Roland Furieux, tome 2 : $b Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard
"Roland Furieux, tome 2 : Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard" by Ariosto is an epic poem composed in the early 16th century. This labyrinthine tale weaves together three narrative strands: the Saracen knight Roger and warrior maiden Bradamante, destined ancestors of Italian nobility; Charlemagne's struggle against invading Saracens; and the knight Roland, driven to madness when his beloved princess Angélique marries another. Filled with magical objects, fantastical journeys, and fierce warrior women who defeat mighty male knights, the poem blends chivalric romance with mythology and imagination.
Lodovico Ariosto
Roland Furieux, tome 3 : $b Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard
"Roland Furieux, tome 3 : Traduction nouvelle par Francisque Reynard" by Ariosto is an epic poem composed in the early 16th century. This sprawling tale weaves together three main storylines: the romance between Saracen knight Roger and warrior Bradamante, Charlemagne's war against invading Saracens, and Roland's descent into madness after discovering that his beloved Princess Angélique has married another. Through labyrinthine narrative shifts, magical creatures, and powerful female warriors, the poem blends chivalric adventure with mythology across countless battles and journeys.
Unknown
Rolandkanto
"Rolandkanto" by Eugène Noël is a poetic translation of the medieval epic "La Chanson de Roland," written in the early 20th century. This new rendition presents the original work alongside a French translation, seeking to revitalize a monumental piece of French literature. The poem explores themes of valor, national identity, and the historical conflict between Christians and Saracens, centered on the figure of Roland, a noble warrior and nephew to Emperor Charlemagne. At the start of "Rolandkanto," the narrative sets the stage for the conflict in Spain, introducing King Marsil' of Saragossa, who grapples with the threat posed by Charlemagne's forces. As Marsil' consults with his barons about their dire situation, he decides to seek a deceitful peace by sending delegates to the French king. The opening ignites tension and foreshadows betrayal, as characters plot against one another, laying the groundwork for the epic battles and themes of loyalty that will follow in Roland's tragic saga.
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