chanson de geste

One of a genre of epic poems of medieval Europe, based on a legendary Carolingian past and dealing with matters of importance to the military classes – loyalty, lineage, courage, fighting skills, and battle tactics – often against an imaginary ‘Saracen’ foe. It probably developed from oral poetry recited in royal or princely courts.

The best-known example, Chansons de geste, is an invaluable source for the ethos of warrior knights. They were translated into German and Scandinavian languages as the concept of chivalry appeared in those regions.