Geste du Roi
Quick Summary
The Geste du Roi is a cycle within the French literary tradition of chansons de geste, or "songs of deeds". These epic poems, popular from the late 11th to the early 14th century, often depict conflicts between Franks and Saracens. The Geste du Roi specifically centers on the deeds of King Charlemagne and his knights. The most famous example from this cycle, and indeed the earliest and finest chanson de geste, is the Chanson de Roland (c. 1100), which recounts the heroic stand of Roland, Charlemagne's nephew, at the Battle of Roncevaux. These poems are characterized by their rhythmic intensity and focus on themes of warfare and loyalty.12
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