What is the nature of justice within the worldview of the Song of Roland? What clue might this give us about the culture and society that produced this text in late 11th century/ early twelfth century France?
The nature of justice in the Song of Roland is that betrayal is repaid in full and justice is administered only by the figure of the divine. In the Song of Roland Ganelon, Charles' strategist betrays him to start a war with Spain so that he could kill Charles' son in law. Ganelon ultimately succeeds in this as Roland dies, but Charles finds out about the scheme and a trial is held for Ganelon. Charles is advised by the council to let him go because they were persuaded by one of Ganelon's defenders but Charles did not buy it. He is figured as almost divine throughout the story with divine power and wisdom. Ultimately, Charles has the decision and he makes a just decision to put Ganelon to death by ripping him apart. This shows that justice is administered only by Charles who is the figure of the divine and the betrayal that took place was repaid in full
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