How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #10
The Emir looks a good deal like a true knight:
He has a beard that is white as a flower,
He is very knowledgeable about his religion. (229.3172-74)
Part of being a true knight is being knowledgeable about religion, for the pagans as well as the Christians. Do we sense some admiration in our poet's tone?
Quote #11
"I must bestow neither peace nor friendship on any pagan.
Accept the religion that God reveals to us,
Namely Christianity, then I shall care for you forthwith." (260.3596-98)
There is no room for friendship or kindness or love or even peace between Christians and non-Christians. A Christian's duty is to hate pagans and, if you're a knight, to conquer and convert them. Charlemagne's declaration here sheds light on just how treacherous Ganelon's friendship with Blancandrin is.
Quote #12
Orders are given for a thousand Frenchmen to search the city,
The synagogues, and the mosques.
Holding iron hammers and axes,
They smash the statues and all the idols,
No sorcery or false cult will remain there.
The King believes in God, he wishes to serve Him,
His bishops bless the waters,
They lead the pagans to the baptisteries […]
Well over a hundred thousand are baptized
True Christians (266.3661-68, 3671-72)
Religiously motivated destruction and pillage is followed by forced conversion. This is how Christianity conquers the world. Primer for the Crusades?