Olivier (The Song of Roland)

Oliver (in Italian: Uliviero or Oliviero), sometimes referred to as Olivier de Vienne or de Gennes, is a fictional knight in the Matter of France chansons de geste, especially the French epic The Song of Roland. In the tradition, he was Roland's closest friend, advisor, and confidant, one of Charlemagne's twelve peers and brother of Aude, Roland's betrothed; and he dies at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass with Roland. Some critics have linked his name to the olive tree, a biblical symbol of divine wisdom.

Whereas the portrayal of Roland is commonly seen as recklessly courageous, Oliver was said to exhibit poise and wisdom in combat. He tells Roland that "heroism tempered with common sense is a far cry from madness; / Reasonableness is to be preferred to recklessness."(Oxford manuscript, laisse 131). Oliver was fatally impaled from behind by the Saracen Marganice, but before dying, he used his sword, Hauteclere, to split his attacker's head open with one blow. (Oxford manuscript, laisses 145-150).

Aside from the Song of Roland, the most pivotal chanson in which Olivier appears is Girart de Vienne (c.1180) by Bertrand de Bar-sur-Aube. Olivier's uncle Girart is fighting against his suzerain Charlemagne; after seven years of constant warfare, the two sides agree to a duel between two champions which will decide the outcome. From Vienne, Olivier is chosen, and from France, Roland. The two duel but cannot overcome each other. Each recognizing the other's prowess and nobility, they swear friendship to each other, and help bring about peace between their uncles.

In Roland a Saragosse, Olivier appears as Roland's friend and also something of a caretaker, assigned by Charlemagne to watch out for the younger and somewhat impetuous Roland. In the story, Roland is invited by Brammimonde, the queen of the Moors, to visit her at Saragossa. He and Olivier ride to the city without Roland telling Olivier the nature of his errand. As the two look out over the city, Roland asks Olivier to promise him a favor. Olivier, not suspecting any foul play, readily agrees, rather like an older brother to a younger.Roland asks Olivier to not accompany him into Saragosse so that Roland can claim all the glory and all the Queen's favor for himself. He leaves an outraged Olivier behind and succeeds in finding the queen and receiving a magnificent cloak from her. However, as he attempts to escape Saragossa Roland is surrounded by Saracens. He calls to Olivier for help, but the latter does not budge from his hill. Only when Roland is unhorsed and seems in grave danger of capture does Olivier, after a bit more hesitation, ride down to the battle. He kills many Saracens and then leads a horse to Roland, then leaves the battle again. Then Olivier and his knights angrily leave Charlemagne's camp and capture the minor Saracen city of Gorreya. Roland rides out after them, intending to apologize to Olivier. When he arrives at Gorreya, Olivier disguises himself as a Saracen and goes outside the city to do battle with Roland. Roland knocks Olivier off his horse, but at a signal from Olivier all of the rest of his knights, also disguised as Saracens, exit the city and surround Roland. Just as before, outside Saragossa, Roland is trapped and outnumbered, and this time, realizing that Olivier is not there to save him, Roland surrenders. Only then does Olivier remove his disguise and the two are reconciled.

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