Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Charlemagne

The emperor whose paladins carry his wars across Christendom, and whose court becomes the stage for love, betrayal, and madness.

major

Also known as Charles the Great, Charles, King Charles

First appearance: Legends of Charlemagne

As a major figure in Bulfinch’s Mythology, Charlemagne is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Cited as the second of the three Christian worthies and a subject of fabulous histories about his wars against the Saracens.

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Charlemagne rules the Franks and gathers around him the paladins whose deeds fill the legends bearing his name. His authority holds the diverse warriors together, but the passions of his knights—rivalries, forbidden loves, and the fury of Orlando—repeatedly test the order he imposes. He is the still center around which the romance of the Middle Ages turns.

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Character Web

47 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek and Trojan Heroes
Charlemagne's Paladins and Figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

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In the story

Charlemagne appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introduction
Cited as the second of the three Christian worthies and a subject of fabulous histories about his wars against the Saracens.
Romances
Selected as the other primary hero of romance; his holy wars against the Saracens became a favorite topic for fiction.
Metrical Romances
Listed as the second Christian worthy in the excerpt from Morte d'Arthur.
Legends of Charlemagne
The central figure of the legends, king of the Franks and leader of the paladins.
The Peers, or Paladins
The king and leader of the Paladins, counted among the Peers.
Orlando
Emperor, uncle of Orlando; dines in Sutri, notices Orlando's boldness, and takes him into favor after learning his identity.
Roland and Ferragus
Emperor of the Christian camp, who rejoices in Orlando's victory.
A Roland for an Oliver
Lays siege to Vienne, later agrees to single combat, and reconciles with Guerin.
Rinaldo
Emperor and uncle of Rinaldo; initially banishes Rinaldo but later restores him to favor.
The Tournament
Hosts the Pentecost tournament and is captivated by Angelica's beauty.
Rogero and Bradamante
Emperor who grants Bradamante's boon and presides over the tournament and marriage.
The Battle of Roncesvalles
Emperor of the Franks, deceived by Gan, leads the army to Roncesvalles after hearing Orlando's horn.
Rinaldo and Bayard
King who grieves Roncesvalles and is swayed by his son Charlot to persecute Rinaldo.
Huon of Bordeaux
Aged emperor who proposes abdication, is partial to his son Charlot, and imposes harsh conditions on Huon for the death of Charlot.
Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)
Huon's mission is to deliver Charlemagne's message to the Sultan of Bagdad.
Ogier, the Dane
Emperor; demands homage from Denmark, spares Ogier, leads campaign against Saracens, knights Ogier after rescue.
Ogier, the Dane (Continued)
Emperor who initially seeks to punish Ogier but later surrenders Charlot to him; deeply fond of his unworthy son.
Ogier, the Dane (Continued)
Recovers composure upon Ogier's return; sends herald to accept Bruhier's challenge; leads army to Montmartre.
C
King of the Franks and emperor of the Romans, mentioned as a key historical figure.
F
Ferrau is noted as one of Charlemagne's knights.

Chapter companion notes

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See Charlemagne in Legends of Charlemagne

See Charlemagne in Introduction