ROLDAN (Roland) Sword 24K 45" w/Plaque

[PAN/D-833]

~~$199.00~~ $99.00

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NEW RELEASE

"King's Collection Series 2007"
ROLDAN (Roland) Sword 24K

Story of Roland
Roland, the great French hero of the medieval Charlemagne cycle of chansons de geste, immortalized in the Chanson de Roland (11th or 12th cent.). Existence of an early Roland poem is indicated by the historian Wace's statement that Taillefer sang of Roland's deeds to inflame the men before the Battle of Hastings (1066).

The greatest hero in the Frankish legend, Roldan could be compared to great legendary heros such as Heracles, Achilles, Sigurd, Cu Chulainn or Lancelot, a hero of unsurpassed strength and courage. Roland was the main character of the epic, Chanson de Roland, which recounted the last stand of the Twelve Peers at Rencesvals. According to the legend, Roland was a nephew of Charlemagne, through the king's sister. Neither his father or his mother's name were given in the Chanson de Roland.

Roland was a Frankish count and companion of Oliver. Roland was a hero of number of Old French epics, as well as the Italian tales, where he was known as Orlando. Veillantif was the name of his horse. Durendal was his sword and Olivant his horn. Even in the Arthurian legend, Roland's sword is mentioned, often in comparison of Arthur's sword, Excalibur.

Weapon Specs:
Overall Length: 45"
Blade Length: 36"
Blade Type: Stainless Steel 440
Highly Detailed Pommel & Hilt w/Scripted Blade
24K Gold Plated Hilt & Pommel/ Cast Metal Handle

INCLUDES Custom Wood Display Wall Plaque

Legacy
Memory of Roland has been retained in the annals of history and legend, thanks to the Roncesvalles battle (August 15th 778). Charlemange's troops, coming back from the seige of Saragossa, suffered in the Pyrenees pass of Roncesvalles an attack from the Basque tribes helped by Moors. The narrowness of the pass and the weight of their weapons favoured the success of this attack on the Carolingian rearguard. In this tragic event Roland died, but legend and literature remembers him as the hero (Chanson de Roland, Rolandstat, Orlando Furioso, etc.) who faced 100 000 Saracens with his magic sword Durendal. Durendal, along with his horn "Oliphant", was a personal present from his lord Charlemange. Legends say that with a blow of Durendal, he opened a pass on the Pyrenees, known today as "Breche de Roland".

What are you waiting for?

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 23 October, 2006.