Who is ganelon

According to this chanson de geste Ganelon was married to Charlemagne's sister and had a son with her. He resents his stepson's boastfulness and great popularity among the Franks and success on the battlefield. When Roland nominates him for a highly dangerous mission as messenger to the Saracens, Ganelon is so deeply offended that he vows vengeance.

This vengeance becomes treachery as Ganelon plots with the pagan Blancandrin the ambush at Roncesvals. At the end, justice is served when Ganelon's comrade Pinabel is defeated in a trial by combat, showing that Ganelon is a traitor in the eyes of God.

Thus Ganelon is torn limb from limb by four fiery horses. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Forgot your password? Retrieve it. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate image within your search results please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Term » Definition.

Word in Definition. Freebase 0. The Nuttall Encyclopedia 0. How to pronounce ganelon? Alex US English. David US English. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Laisses 1— Charlemayn explains the Charlemayn strokes his beard in silence.

Laisses 16— Ganelon gathers his sword, Murgleys, his steed, and the rest of his things. Many knights weep Ganelon and Blancandrin chat about Charlemayn and Roland. Ganelon tells a story about Roland, claiming that Blancandrin agrees that Roland sounds like a villain who presumes to conquer and control others.

Ganelon says that Roland holds power because he gives gifts of silver, gold, and lands to Laisses 32— Marsilion and Ganelon discuss Charlemayn. Marsilion proposes going into battle against Charlemayn. Ganelon replies that the losses would be too great—he has a better idea. He suggests that Then several pagans approach Ganelon with gifts—a sword and helm—in exchange for his help against Roland. Queen Bramimonda also gives Laisses 53— After attending Mass, he stands with Roland, Oliver, and many dukes, while Ganelon addresses Meanwhile, Charlemayn falls asleep and dreams.

In his first dream, he dreams that Ganelon seizes and breaks his lance. Next, he dreams that wild animals threaten him at home Ganelon speaks up, nominating Roland for this task, which angers Charlemayn. But before Charlemayn can appoint When Naimon asks why his lord weeps, Charlemayn explains his dream of Ganelon the night before, and dreads the thought of losing Roland. Laisses 79— Christians are in the right!

Oliver warns the French that He is a respected knight, with powerful friends in Pinabel and his other kinsmen. And he seems to sincerely respect Charlemagne.

In his private chitchat with Blancandrin, with no chance of another Frank eavesdropping, he can't slather on enough praise. This certainly sounds sincere, but would you arrange to massacre 20, of the best French knights belonging to a man you admire so deeply?

Ganelon's actions don't stack up with his words. Plus, how "private" is a revenge that requires 20, people dead anyway? Perhaps something on that scale automatically becomes treason, regardless of Ganelon's true motivations. Whatever this tricky man actually thinks, we do know how he gets things done. To Blancandrin he speaks "with great cunning" Plus, if his plans require it, he can artfully mix lies with truth.

For instance, he tells Marsile the truth about Charlemagne's offer but then makes up the part about Roland ruling half of Spain with him Charlemagne said nothing about letting Roland rule Spain, but how else is Ganelon going to work Roland into the planning conversation?

In the same way, Ganelon is also willing to befriend anyone who might help him out. He cozies up to Blancandrin in no time, even though he's an evil pagan working for the enemy. And however dastardly his deeds, you gotta hand it to him: this dude is brave. He bluffs his way with Marsile, unflinching even when Marsile wants to spear him against the wall. He even keeps his cool when Charlemagne hears Roland blowing the oliphant. Ganelon's crazy to think that his scheme won't be found out, yet he blatantly lies to Charlemagne and pretends it's not an attack:.