My Favorite Medieval Epic: A Tale of Violence, Vengeance, and Betrayal

The late twelfth-century Frence epic poem Raoul of Cambrai is a tale of violence, vengeance, and betrayal in which the basic bonds of society--feudal loyalty, family, and friendship--come into conflict.  The poem poses key questions for feudal society: which is the higher duty, loyalty to a lord or obligation to one's family? may a vassal rightfully renounce his oath of loyalty to a lord who has wronged him? is nobility a matter of birth or of character? are bravery and prowess sufficient to make a knight chivalrous? The result is a moral puzzle which neither the poet nor his heroes/anti-heroes, Raoul, Bernier, Guerri, and Gautier, can fully solve. 
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Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada

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