Onomastics of the "Chanson de Roland" or: Why Gaston Paris and Joseph Bédier were both right

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This ambitious study systematically surveys the geographical and historical literature from antiquity to after 1100 for the Geographica, and examines the documentary tradition of France and neighboring regions from 778 to the early 12th century for personal names. The findings reveal that the surviving song is more tightly structured and richer in depicting reality than previously assumed, with a long prehistory traceable back to the Frankish defeat of 778. Notable results include a detailed explanation of the ‘pagan’ catalogue of peoples, Baligant’s empire, North Africa's organization, and the Twelve Anti-Pairs, alongside individual names and toponyms. The reconstruction of Roland’s Spanish conquests and the structured group of weapon names, adapted to their respective owners, are also highlighted. The study discusses the significance of relics in Roland’s sword and the selective descent of archangels to him. The term Ter(e) major is recorded in late 11th-century Norman usage, while Xanten emerges as a key location in epic geography. The last quarter explores the song's prehistory, revealing an Angevin version from around 1050 and earlier adaptations, confirming the sophisticated structure and long prehistory of the work, aligning with insights from Gaston Paris and Joseph Bédier.