Final Project Part 1

Religion and war are intertwined in the Middle Ages. A good example of this can be seen in the medieval poem, the “Song of Roland”. In this poem, we can see that Roland relies heavily on religion in battle. In laisse 1130, we can see that both Roland and Archbishop Turpin are both relying on God’s help in order to defeat the infidels. In the next laisse, laisse 1135, we can see that those who die are said to be martyrs, who will win life in eternal paradise. I feel this is very revealing as to how religion and war are intertwined in the Middle Ages. As we can see, war can be seen as a way of serving God. Death in the name of God results in eternal life and killing is okay, as long as it is in the name of God. War is based heavily on religion. Nearly every war during the Middle Ages is claimed to be directed by God. The Crusades, the most important wars of the Middle Ages, are said to be God’s will, and his desire to reclaim the holy land from the Muslims and make it a Christian land once again. Later on in “The Song of Roland” we can see more evidence about how war and religion are intertwined. In laisse 2390, we can see that Roland is taken to heaven by angels. Even though he lost his battle, he is going to go to heaven, simply because he was fighting the name of God. This is a very common belief in the Middle Ages. Those who die are martyrs, destined for eternal life. Countless numbers of men die in warfare during the Middle Ages only to go to heaven because of their service to God. Roland is one of the many to be taken to heaven.