The brave knight Roland was the great champion of the Franks and a loyal vassal of Emperor Charlemagne. Together, they fought the Saracens in Spain. After seven tiring years, the war was coming to an end, and both sides were ready for peace talks.
Roland's stepfather, Ganelon, was sent to negotiate. But his heart was weak. He feared Roland wanted to have him killed by the enemy, so he betrayed the Franks.
The Saracens then used Ganelon's knowledge and ambushed Roland in a mountain pass. And so, the battle of Roncevaux began.
Brave Roland fought like a lion but was outnumbered. He refused to call for help, though, as a true knight would never resort to such cowardice. He only blew his horn once he knew it was already too late for him to survive.
Soon, Charlemagne arrived and crushed the Saracens. Roland died and angels carried his soul straight to Heaven. As for Ganelon, he was declared a traitor and executed.
Such is the story of the brave knight Roland – a story which teaches us that an honourable death is worth more in God's eyes than a treacherous life.
