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An Embassy to Charlemagne

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, by M. I. Ebbutt

This episode is drawn from the Song of Roland cycle, medieval epic poetry that recounts the legendary deeds of Charlemagne and his paladins during the wars in Spain. M. I. Ebbutt retold these tales in the early twentieth century as part of a collection preserving the heroic literature of Britain and Europe. This text reflects its era, and the medieval source carries the perspective of the Christian Franks. The episode dramatises a moment of high-stakes diplomacy: King Marsile, facing defeat, sends an embassy to Charlemagne offering peace, conversion and vassalage. The reader is left to judge whether the offer is sincere or a stratagem—a question that drives the larger tragedy of the Roland legend. The text is worth reading because it introduces the art of medieval diplomacy, the tension between word and intention, and the way great stories explore the human capacity for both honour and deception.

Band

Red · Complex language and analysisTypical starting range: ages 15–17

Length

long · about 1315 words in 3 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, M. I. Ebbutt

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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