Legends of Charlemagne

"Legends of Charlemagne" by Thomas Bulfinch is a compilation of exciting stories from the Middle Ages, telling of the brave acts and love stories of Charlemagne and his famous companions, crafted in the 1800s. Bulfinch uses old stories and myths to bring to life characters like Charlemagne, Orlando, Rinaldo, and Astolpho, who find themselves in intense battles, important quests, and romances that highlight the stories of the great king and his knights. The book starts with a big introduction that gets readers ready for the connected stories of the saga, including background information about Charlemagne’s time as king, details about the culture and life of that time, and the well-known people who were connected to him; readers uncover Charlemagne’s family history, his successes in war, and the dangerous adventures that were caused by the Saracens, with hints of stories to come, filled with bravery, love, and trickery, and highlighting characters like the courageous Orlando and the sly Rinaldo, preparing readers for the tales to follow. It stresses how understanding these legends is key to understanding literature and culture, suggesting these stories are important for appreciating literary references throughout history.