‘Rolandskvadet’ Norwegian Ballad of Roland

Rolandskvadet is a Norwegian ballad that tells the story of Roland, a legendary Frankish hero who fought alongside Charlemagne in the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778. The ballad, also known as the Song of Roland or the Ballad of Roland, is believed to have originated in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving ballads in Norway. The ballad’s narrative follows Roland and his companions as they embark on their journey from France to Spain to engage in battle with the Saracens. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including treacherous weather conditions and fierce battles with enemy forces. The ballad culminates in the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, where Roland and his companions are ultimately defeated, with Roland dying in the process. The ballad is known for its vivid and dramatic descriptions of the battles and the bravery and courage of the characters. It has been translated into several languages and is regarded as an important piece of Norwegian and French folklore and literature.