Roland

Possibly the nephew of the Frankish King Charlemagne, Count Roland would soon earn his own legacy for his last stand against Basque and Saracen forces at Roncevaux Pass. The first of Charlemagne's Paladins, Roland had already established himself as a powerful and chivalrous warrior as lord of the Breton Marches.

After Charlemagne's campaign in Spain against Saracen King Marsile, the Frankish army travelled through the Roncevaux Pass, with Roland and his paladins leading the rearguard. A traitor of the paladins, Ganelon, told Marsile of this, and the Saracens recruited several other Basque rebels to ambush them.

Along the mountain pass, Roland's forces were ambushed and attacked, outnumbered almost 20 to 1. Although encouraged by some to signal the Frankish main force, Roland's force held their ground against several waves of Saracen soldiers.

As the last wave of Saracens struck the now weakened army, Roland finally signaled Charlemagne- moreso that his men could be treated to a good Christian burial then left dishonored. Leading his remaining men in one final battle, Roland avenged his fallen paladin allies and personally stayed Marsile's son in battle. As Roland was faced with death, he attempted to destroy his sword Durandal before hiding it underneath his body and propping himself southward, towards the enemy. The ultimate model of chivalry and valor, Roland then died on the field of battle.