Roland, a.k.a. Hruodland, a.k.a. Rotla, was a real person: Charlemagne's nephew and one of his seneschals.
He died in 778 in the Battle of Roncesvalles (a.k.a. Ronceveaux), an ambush by Basques which occurred near Luzaide-Valcarlos (more than a sword's-throw from Gavarnie).
His death, and his sword, became legendary centuries later thanks to the Song of Roland, which was not concerned with historical accuracy. That ballad depicted the Sarassins (often called Moors) as his attackers. In one scene, Roland tries to break his sword Durendal (to prevent its capture) but only succeeds in demolishing the rocks he swings it against. The sword's indestructibility can be seen as a symbol of Christian invincibility.
I actually didn't know Gabietous was connected to the Gavarnie chain as it lies a bit to the back, but given that you can climb it from the col des Tentes, through the breche, that makes it more than suitable to include.
nartreb - Jun 15, 2005 1:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled Comment(summarized from a discussion with brenta)
Roland, a.k.a. Hruodland, a.k.a. Rotla, was a real person: Charlemagne's nephew and one of his seneschals.
He died in 778 in the Battle of Roncesvalles (a.k.a. Ronceveaux), an ambush by Basques which occurred near Luzaide-Valcarlos (more than a sword's-throw from Gavarnie).
His death, and his sword, became legendary centuries later thanks to the Song of Roland, which was not concerned with historical accuracy. That ballad depicted the Sarassins (often called Moors) as his attackers. In one scene, Roland tries to break his sword Durendal (to prevent its capture) but only succeeds in demolishing the rocks he swings it against. The sword's indestructibility can be seen as a symbol of Christian invincibility.
kabernicola - Feb 25, 2006 5:08 pm - Hasn't voted
webpage about ice climbing conditionsthis is a very interesting link about ice climbing conditions in Gavarnie.(spanish)http://www.infohielo.com/asp/condicporzona.asp?Zona=Gavarnie
visentin - Jan 18, 2011 3:21 am - Voted 10/10
Astazou & Gabietou needed :)Could you attach these 2 to your page ? ;)
Thanks !
Eric
(currently in the process of rewritting the Bigorre)
Rick B - Jan 20, 2011 5:30 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Astazou & Gabietou needed :)Yes, thanks for pointing this out!
I actually didn't know Gabietous was connected to the Gavarnie chain as it lies a bit to the back, but given that you can climb it from the col des Tentes, through the breche, that makes it more than suitable to include.
Cheers,
Rick
visentin - Jan 21, 2011 2:32 am - Voted 10/10
Re: Astazou & Gabietou needed :)Yes, true, but I also think it does make sens as it belongs to the "Gavarnie club" :)