Sunday, October 14, 2012

French List: La Chanson de Roland

The important stuff: This is pretty much the oldest known French literature, dating from some time in the 1100s.  There are a few versions of it, but it's probably actually much older and was told as a song before it was finally written down by someone.  So, the format and story has probably changed quite a bit from its first telling to the written version we have. (Translated as The Song of Roland)
What it's about in a nutshell: Basically, there is a battle.  Roland is the famous hero.  Some people think it's based on an actual battle from way back in the day.  It is also told in poem form because as I said above it most likely was once sung.
Why you should read it: It is the definitely of an epic poem.  Seriously.  Plus, it is really detailed with battle scenes and how people die and super entertaining.  Which I was surprised by because it's so old.  So I thought it would have been dryer, or something.  I know for a fact that this can be found translated into English too!  (and for the record, I had to read a "translated" version too!  Because the original text is in old French, which is super different from modern French and thus hard to understand unless you study old French!)

5 comments:

  1. J'aime La Chanson de Roland!! I highly recommend it: gruesome battle scenes, good vs. evil, pig-headed men - LOVE IT!

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    1. Lol Heather. I know how much you love this one. And really anything with similar themes..

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  2. I love old French epic poems. Although I took a class in college in old French that was a lot of fun, it was hardly enough to help me do more than struggle through a few paragraphs at a time. And sadly I've lost the French I used to know years ago too, so it's translations for me now. I haven't read The Song of Roland but it's on my list!

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    1. You definitely should read it :) It's super easy to find translations of it too, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a good one!

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  3. Hurrah. I studied medieval French at uni and studied this. So gory and so funny in parts. :-) Great post - I also notice you're reading Sepulchre, which I also adored. Can't wait to hear what you think. I have Labyrinth awaiting me on the bookshelf!

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