While the historical Charlemagne was undoubtedly a powerful ruler, the legend that grew around him over centuries transformed him into a near-mythical figure. Medieval chronicles, epic poems, and later Renaissance humanists portrayed him as the ideal Christian monarch — a wise, just, and pious king who united Europe and protected Christendom.

The Song of Roland, an epic poem dating from the 11th century, immortalized Charlemagne as the heroic leader of Christian knights battling the Muslim Saracens in Spain. This tale elevated his military and moral stature far beyond historical facts, embedding him in European collective memory as a defender of faith and civilization.

Political Symbolism and Legacy

Charlemagne’s image was used as a symbol of legitimacy and unity throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. Kings and emperors sought to associate themselves with his legacy, reinforcing claims of divine right and imperial authority.

The Holy Roman Emperors, in particular, traced their lineage back to Charlemagne, perpetuating the idea that he was the founder of a European political order rooted in Christian values. His name became synonymous with empire-building, Christian kingship, and the quest for European unity — themes that resonated through history well into the modern era. shutdown123