The representation of the Muslim Orient in the Chanson de Jérusalem: the case of the sovereign of Persia

Abstract

This paper describes the representation of Islam in the chansons de geste of the Cycle de la Croisade through the example of the Sultan of Persia, the main antagonist of the Crusader contingent in the Chanson de Jérusalem, a poem that narrates the conquest of Jerusalem by the Crusaders. The description of the Sultan of Persia, strongly inspired by an exotic taste, is functional to the propaganda purpose of the author, who wants to describe the Muslim enemies as luxurious and opulent in order to compare them to the Crusaders, whose frugal costumes are inspired by the model of the De Laude Novae Militiae. Furthermore, the victory obtained over the Sultan of Persia is more exalted, as the triumph takes place against a prestigious opponent. The element that stands out most is the Sultan's tent, whose description has links with other contemporary French works such as the Roman d'Alexandre.