Olivier (The Song of Roland)
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Olivier is a fictional knight in the Matter of France, especially the French epic The Song of Roland. He was Roland's closest friend, advisor, and confidant.
Whereas Roland was portrayed as recklessly courageous, Olivier was said to exhibit poise and wisdom in combat. He tells Roland that "bravery in no sense is bravado, and prudence is worth more than recklessness." (Laisse 131)[citation needed] In the legend, Olivier was fatally impaled from behind by the lance of Algalif. Before dying, however, he used his sword, Hauteclere, to split his attacker's head open with one blow.
It is not known if, like Roland, Olivier is based upon a real historical figure.
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