The Oxford Manuscript was produced at a time of intense religious xenophobia, when clergymen were actively agitating for war against Muslims and Jews. It dates from 1140-1170, right around the time of the first Crusades, inaugurated by Pope Urban II's speech at the Council of Clermont in 1095.
This first effort only lasted until 1099, but the second crusade was drummed up in 1145-49, and it's possible that this version of the Song of Roland was intended as propaganda in its zealous defense of the Christian cause and the church militant. For more on this, see "Archbishop Turpin" in "Characters."
The Franks fight with the belief that Christianity wins over people by the sword, and both sides are convinced that their Gods are right and give them with power and victory. When the Saracens lose in battle, it's also the same thing as losing in religion. Their gods have abandoned them to Charlemagne and his Christianity.
Questions About Religion
- Is Archbishop Turpin badmouthing monks in stanza 141?
- Why does it matter that Queen Bramimonde converts out of "conviction"?
- Do the Franks admire the Saracens for being religious?
- What is the relationship between conquering and converting?
Chew on This
Christianity in the Song of Roland is inseparable from warfare.
Given its 12th-century origin and its obsession with good and evil, Christians and infidels, the Oxford manuscript of the Song of Roland may have been read as propaganda for the Crusades.