Baligant

In The Song of Roland, Baligant is the Emir of Babylon (i.e., Cairo, not the Mesopotamian Babylon), who tries to aid the defense of Zaragoza (sometimes spelled "Saragossa") from Charlemagne. He is sometimes described as a man from ancient times. He is killed in the ensuing battle. He comes to the aid of his vassal King Marsile (a.k.a. "Marsillion") and brings an immense army to fight Charlemagne. He is often seen as the parallel of Charlemagne, both being old, handsome and skillful with a sword. One might say they were equals, except that Charlemagne had the help of Saint Gabriel. The name Baligant is likely a folk-etymological rendering of Arabic or Turkish antroponymy.[1]

It has been suggested that the tale of the battle between Baligant and Charlemagne was inspired by tales of returning Norman mercenaries about the battle of Manzikert, reflecting the new danger arising in the East.[1]

He carried a sword named Précieuse.

References
  1. Duggan, Joseph J (1976). "The Generation of the Episode of Baligant: Charlemagne's Dream and the Normans at Mantzikert". Romance Philology. 30 (JEAN FRAPPIER MEMORIAL): 59–82.


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