The Song of Roland (Classics) Cover
Podcast Mentions

The Song of Roland (Classics)

Glyn Burgess

On 15 August 778, Charlemagne’s army was returning from a successful expedition against Saracen Spain when its rearguard was ambushed in a remote Pyrenean pass. Out of this skirmish arose a stirring tale of war, which was recorded in the oldest extant epic poem in French.

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It was a French poem written in the 11th century about Charlemagne, and it is suggested that the author of 'Las Sergas de Esplandian' may have based part of his book on this poem, possibly referencing the name 'Califern' or 'California'.

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They think this book was written in 1510, but apparently the author of the book based part of it on the Song of Roland, which is a French poem written in the 11th century about Charlemagne in the 8th...

— Episode: Short Stuff: How California Got Its Name

Episode: Short Stuff: How California Got Its Name

It was a French poem written in the 11th century about Charlemagne, and it is suggested that the author of 'Las Sergas de Esplandian' may have based part of his book on this poem, possibly referencing the name 'Califern' or 'California'.

"

They think this book was written in 1510, but apparently the author of the book based part of it on the Song of Roland, which is a French poem written in the 11th century about Charlemagne in the 8th century.

And in this poem, Charlemagne lists a bunch of people that he expected to like combat him and come after him and rebel against him, including men of Africa. This is in quotes, men of Africa and those of Califern. Or California? Either way. C-A-L-I-F-E-R-N-E.

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