Ogier the Dane

Ogier the Dane (French: Ogier le Danois, Ogier de Danemarche; Danish: Holger Danske) is a legendary paladin of Charlemagne who appears in many Old French chansons de geste. In particular, he features as the protagonist in La Chevalerie Ogier (c. 1220), which belongs to the Geste de Doon de Mayence ("cycle of the rebellious vassals"; Doon is Ogier's grandfather). The first part of this epic, the enfance[s] (childhood exploits) of Ogier, is marked by his interrupted duel against the courteous Saracen king Caraheu, from whom he obtains the sword Cortain, to fight a fresh Saracen opponent Brunamont, whom he beats to win the horse Broiefort. In the second part occurs the momentous scene of Prince Charlot murdering his son Baudouin over a chess match, turning Ogier into a rebel with cause, seeking refuge with the King of Lombardy and warring with Charlemagne for many years, until he is eventually reconciled when a dire need for him emerges after another Saracen incursion. Ogier loses his beloved old horse in battle, but conquers Bauçant from his opponent (cf. § Horses and equipment). In the 14th century, the decasyllabic epic was expanded into a romance, now describing Ogier's further adventures in the Orient and his visit to Avalon as lover of the fay Morgan, his return to France after centuries, and the instantaneous loss of youth when the magic of the fay's ring wears off. The introduction of the Ogier character into the Arthurian world, including his dealings with Arthur himself and the Cath Palug of Welsh lore (Capalus in French writings), was also related in Jean d'Outremeuse's Mirrors of History. Later in the 14th century an Alexandrines version of the romance appeared, as well as a prose adaption printed from a few years before 1500. In Scandinavia, he was first known as...