chanson de geste

English - English

Definition of chanson de geste in English English dictionary

Any of several Old French epic poems that form the core of the Charlemagne legends. More than 80 chansons de geste have survived in 12th-to 15th-century manuscripts. Dealing chiefly with events of the 8th-9th century, they contain a core of historical truth overlain with legend. Most are anonymous. The Chanson de Roland was the formative influence on later chansons de geste, which in turn influenced literature throughout Europe

Old French epic poems

The most famous one is the Chanson de Roland

Any Old French epic poem having for its subject events or exploits of early French history, real or legendary, and written originally in assonant verse of ten or twelve syllables

Hyphenation

chan·son de geste