Le “Roman de Belle Aude” dans les Versions rimées de la Chanson de Roland

Abstract

The rhymed Roland differs from the Oxford Chanson de Roland in its treatment of Aude upon Charlemagne’s return to France. The charade organized by Charlemagne to lure Aude to court without knowledge of Roland’s death leads nonetheless to the same result. Various traditions – that of Girart de Vienne; the folkloric theme of the “hidden death” ; premonitory dreams; and miraculous return to life – are added to the earlier version. Postponing death and emphasizing the pathetic changes the position of Aude in the narrative. She becomes a part of the heroic elite, recipient of divine dreams and evoker of miracles, worthy to rest in death beside Roland and Olivier.