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Lauded for their acts of courage, characters of ancient epic poems have become the staple of heroism. However, not only did the interpretation of heroism in the ancient world differ substantially from the current one, but also the distinction between core character traits was quite noticeable. The song of Roland is an example of an epic along with The Epic of Gilgamesh and Odyssey. The three characters share quite a range of similarities, including them having to face multiple challenges, as well as the extent of their confidence. Though all three belonging to the genre of an epic poem, Roland is significantly different from Gilgamesh and Odysseus due to his lack of cunning and wit that the other two characters use as their primary means of overcoming obstacles.
The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. For instance, it is explicitly stated that Roland uses his courage to fight the challenges and manages to retain his dignity at all times: “It shall be Roland, my stepson; you have no baron so courageous as he” (The song of Roland, 1999, p. 16). The described decision stands in rather stark opposition to the fashion in which Gilgamesh and Odysseus managed challenges and overcame obstacles. Specifically, both are known primarily for their schemes as the means of fighting the enemy, the battle between Odysseus and the Cyclops being the most obvious example (The song of Roland, 1999). Therefore, Roland is a character that seems to be the most heroic. Arguably, the other two could be characterized as braver and, therefore, more heroic if their stories explicitly stated that they used their wits to overcome their fear. However, without the specified detail, form a present-day perspective, Roland seems to be the most heroic character of the three.
Though all three of the epic hero characters, namely, Roland, Gilgamesh, and Odysseus, represent the staple of a leading character in a heroic epic poem, Roland represents a deviation from the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh due to the focus on bravery and strength as opposed to cunning and wit. The described change signals a shift in the perception of heroism and its transition toward the idea of heroism as it is understood nowadays. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
Reference
The song of Roland. (1999). J. Crosland (Trans.). Old French Series. Web.
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