# Charlemagne — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Charlemagne in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Charles the Great, Charles, King Charles

**First appearance:** 0278-legends-of-charlemagne

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Introduction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/i-introduction)

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

### [Romances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/romances)

Selected as the other primary hero of romance; his holy wars against the Saracens became a favorite topic for fiction.

### [Metrical Romances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/metrical-romances)

Listed as the second Christian worthy in the excerpt from Morte d'Arthur.

### [Legends of Charlemagne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/legends-of-charlemagne)

The central figure of the legends, king of the Franks and leader of the paladins.

### [The Peers, or Paladins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-peers-or-paladins)

The king and leader of the Paladins, counted among the Peers.

### [Orlando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/orlando)

Emperor, uncle of Orlando; dines in Sutri, notices Orlando's boldness, and takes him into favor after learning his identity.

### [Roland and Ferragus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/roland-and-ferragus)

Emperor of the Christian camp, who rejoices in Orlando's victory.

### [A Roland for an Oliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a-roland-for-an-oliver)

Lays siege to Vienne, later agrees to single combat, and reconciles with Guerin.

### [Rinaldo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rinaldo)

Emperor and uncle of Rinaldo; initially banishes Rinaldo but later restores him to favor.

### [The Tournament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-tournament)

Hosts the Pentecost tournament and is captivated by Angelica's beauty.

### [Rogero and Bradamante](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rogero-and-bradamante)

Emperor who grants Bradamante's boon and presides over the tournament and marriage.

### [The Battle of Roncesvalles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-battle-of-roncesvalles)

Emperor of the Franks, deceived by Gan, leads the army to Roncesvalles after hearing Orlando's horn.

### [Rinaldo and Bayard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rinaldo-and-bayard)

King who grieves Roncesvalles and is swayed by his son Charlot to persecute Rinaldo.

### [Huon of Bordeaux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/huon-of-bordeaux-continued)

Huon's mission is to deliver Charlemagne's message to the Sultan of Bagdad.

### [Ogier, the Dane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane)

Emperor; demands homage from Denmark, spares Ogier, leads campaign against Saracens, knights Ogier after rescue.

### [Ogier, the Dane (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane-continued)

Recovers composure upon Ogier's return; sends herald to accept Bruhier's challenge; leads army to Montmartre.

### [C](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/c)

King of the Franks and emperor of the Romans, mentioned as a key historical figure.

### [F](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/f)

Ferrau is noted as one of Charlemagne's knights.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/charlemagne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters