Roland

Here is the revised memorial biography of Roland, containing only well-supported, verifiable information:

Roland (also medieval Latin Hruodlandus, Old Frankish Hrōþiland; Italian Orlando or Rolando) was a Frankish military leader under Charlemagne who died on 15 August 778.(en.wikipedia.org)

He is historically recorded in Vita Karoli Magni by Einhard, who names him Hruodlandus, prefect (governor) of the Breton March, the frontier territory of Francia against the Bretons. Roland was killed in an ambush by Basque raiders at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass while commanding the rearguard during Charlemagne’s retreat from his campaign in the Iberian Peninsula.(en.wikipedia.org)

In later literature, Roland became a central heroic figure in the Matter of France. The Chanson de Roland, an 11th-century Old French epic poem, offers a highly embellished and legendary portrayal of his last stand, including mythical elements such as his horn (oliphant), his horse, and his sword—none of which are found in the historical record.(en.wikipedia.org)

Roland’s story served as a foundational legend for medieval knighthood and chivalric ideals. His legendary death, though based on a minor historical event, was transformed into an enduring symbol of heroism and duty in European literature and cultural memory.(en.wikipedia.org)

---

This revised version retains only the historical facts—Roland's existence, his role, his death at Roncevaux Pass, and the source in Einhard—and acknowledges the later literary enlargements while clearly distinguishing those from documented history.