Chanson De Geste (Noun)
Meaning
Old French epic poems.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The Song of Roland is a classic example of a chanson de geste, an Old French epic poem that celebrates heroic deeds and military prowess.
- Chanson de geste often dealt with the adventures of Charlemagne and his knights, exploring themes of chivalry and honor.
- In a typical chanson de geste, the poet would use elaborate language and a consistent meter to tell the story of a heroic quest or battle.
- The medieval poet's use of exaggeration and embellishment was a hallmark of the chanson de geste, making the epic poems larger-than-life tales of adventure and bravery.
- During the Middle Ages, the chanson de geste was often performed orally by troubadours, who would recite the poems from memory to entertain and inspire their audiences.