This week, Scott and Karl read the classical epic, The Song of Roland, translated by Dorthy Sayers.

The Song of Roland is an 11th-century epic poem based on the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778, during the reign of Charlemagne. Although the poem was set in the Carolingian era, The Song of Roland was actually written later by an anonymous poet. Karl points out, “It’s romantic, epic, thrilling, and it probably gets most of the details wrong.”

The duo dives into the character of Roland, Charlemagne’s campaign of vengeance, and the medieval code of chivalry.

Tune in to learn more about the oldest surviving major work of French literature.