History was initially learned by passing it down through generations through the use of stories and songs. This was necessary because most people were not educated and to convey information it was necessary to do so verbally. The stories and songs during the crusades not only recounted past events but also evolved into a way to illuminate the Christian religion as a just cause against the pagan Muslims. This religious fervor at the time gave rise to many famous tales, one of which was Orlando's Song. The Song of Orlando is the story of the attack on Charlemagne's army as it retreated from the Pyrenees to France. He describes Charlemagne as a 200-year-old “divine conqueror” who is in the throes of a heroic battle between a rival faith, which is the Muslim faith (Bennett, 2011). Although the original battle was actually against the Christian Basques, the story was changed when it was written in the 11th century to provide a rousing account of Christianity, “brave men, true friends and loyal warriors” (Bennett, 2011). At the time the song begins King Charlemagne has been in Spain for seven years, conquering all the lands once governed by the Muslim king Marsilla. Marsilla is in Zaragoza (her last undefeated province) and realizes that she is outnumbered by Charlemagne and now turns to her nobles for any suggestions. Blancandrin, who is seen by the author as "Among the wisest pagans", suggests a truce in which Marsilla gives many treasures, livestock, noble hostages, and Marsilla's commitment to convert to Christianity in France. Marsilla agrees to this ploy and sends Blancandrin to Charlemagne with all the offerings along with Blancandrin extending an olive branch to signify peace (Harrison, 1970). Charlemagne listens... middle of paper... trusted men and Ganelon to talk about King Charlemagne. The author at this point refers to Marsilla once by her name, then as "The Pagan", and finally as "The Saracen" making it clear that she is still the inferior Muslim. Ganelon then convinces Marsilla that by killing Roland, King Charlemagne would give up his crusade and there would be peace again; “If anyone were to cause Roland's death, the Charles would lose his right arm from his body; the majestic host would cease to exist; nor would Charles ever again assemble such a force, and Tere Majur would be left alone” (Harrison, 1970). Upon returning to King Charlemagne, Ganelon communicates to the king of Marsilla the acceptance of the treaty and also tells Charles that a very large part of Marsilla's army and his caliph have all perished at sea. That night while Carlo sleeps he has two prophetic dreams: one