The plan was to attack the French army at the stern, where Oliver, Roland and Bishop Turpin were strategically, located. (gradesaver.htm) "Ganelon and Blancandrin rode on until each pledged his faith to the other and swore they'd find a way to have Count Roland killed (Goldin 1117)".
The Song of Roland has multiple themes, Ganelon's plot of revenge against Roland. The two battles at Roncevaux, during the first, battle Roland was killed. In the second, battle the French army defeated the Muslims. Finally, Ganelon, was captured, convicted, for his hideous crimes of treason and revenge. (novaonline.htm).
Chanson de geste, meaning "songs of great deeds" was the principal style of this epic, and was most promptly used during that era. The pattern would eventually become a national symbol that other French epics, would emulate. Its style is easily recognized through its utilization of martial scenes, such as a knight agonizing over fatal the wounding of a peer. "My noble lord, you great and well-born warrior, I commend you today to the God of Glory, whom none will ever serve with a sweeter will. Since the Apostles no prophet the like of you arose to keep the faith and draw men to it" (Goldin 1154). In addition, chanson de geste, commemorates, French warriors of noble, inheritance. (novaonline.htm) .
This document considers two epic heroes, Roland and his best friend, Oliver, comparing and contrasting their distinctive strengths and weaknesses, friendship, heroic attributes and how they influenced each other. .
Roland's character exemplifies a vassal relationship in his commitment and duties to Charlemagne and God. "A man must bear some hardships for his lord, stand everything, the great heat, the great cold, lose the hide and hair on him for his good lord. Now let each man make sure to strike hard here: let him not sing a bad song about us! (Goldin 1105)" He is a loyal friend to Oliver and faithful to his comrades in arms.