Durendal
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Durendal, also spelled Durandal, is the sword of Roland, a legendary paladin and partially historical officer of Charlemagne in French epic literature. The sword is famous for its hardness and sharpne
Roland cleaving a rock with Durendal and blowing the olifant before death.–Replica (c. 1942) of the 13th century stained glass window at Chartres Cathedral
Roland holds Durendal while blowing olifant at Battle of Roncevaux–painting by Wolf von Bibra (1862–1922).
Don Quixote dreams of meeting Montesinos and Durandarte. 1859 illustration by Raimundo Madrazo and Estebanillo.
Roland being girt with Durendal by King Charles; Naimon and Ogier attaching his spurs. Rite of knighthood.—Chanson d'Aspremont, Lansdowne MS 782 f23v. Courtesy British Library.
Song of Roland
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The Song of Roland is an 11th-century chanson de geste based on the deeds of the Frankish military leader Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in AD 778, during the reign of Charlemagne. It is the o
The eight phases of the Song of Roland in one picture; illustration by Simon Marmion from an illuminated manuscript of the Grandes Chroniques de France (15th century), currently preserved in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Detail of manuscript showing "AOI" at the end of the second line
The death of Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux, illuminated c. 1455–1460 by Jean Fouquet