Leadership in the Poems Conference of the Birds and the Song of Roland

Intertextuality and Comparative Analysis of Character and/or Themes
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Intertextuality and Comparative Analysis of Character and/or Themes
In the poems Conference of the Birds and Song of Roland, one notices several things that appear to be similar. Conference of the Birds is a poem from Persian literature that was composed by Farid ud-Din Attar, a Sufi poet. The poem details the quest by the conference of the birds who set out to find their leader. However, as the birds soon come to realize, the quest will not be as easy as they thought, and many express their concerns to Hoopoe, their current leader. Instead of buying into their fear, Hoopoe talks their fears down. Hoopoe emerges as a leader and one who is determined to take them to Simorgh, their ideal king. Song of Roland, on the other hand, is a poem about a Christian king who sets out to convert every kingdom he encounters. King Charlemagne is the king of the Franks, and his quest to convert pagans to Christianity takes him to a city known as Saragossa. This city is led by King Marsilla whose leadership and wittiness help save the city. In both poems, the theme of leadership is well-represented. King Charlemagne, King Marsilla, and Hoopoe are three characters who showcase bits of leadership that help propel their followers forward. Through their actions, these three characters are able to showcase bits of incredible leadership and thus cement the faith of their followers in their leadership.
Hoopoe, in the Conference of the Birds, shows great leadership when some of the birds start expressing their reservations about going after their true king. As a leader, one has to inspire, encourage, and motivate followers. Followers have to find reason to follow a leader. The leadership qualities showcased by a leader have to distinguish him or her and set him apart from the rest. Hoopoe is a leader that was constantly motivating his followers. When the birds expressed reservations about going after their ideal king, Hoopoe took it upon itself to motivate and encourage the other birds. “Fear and apprehension drew plaintive cries from the birds as they faced a road without end.” The text continues to say that “in their anxiety they crowded together and asked the Hoopoe for advice.” The birds were afraid of making the journey to find their king and thus started sharing their stories. “Then one after another, a number of birds went up to her to speak about their difficulties and to make excuses.” However, one after the other, the birds were encouraged through personal stories from the Hoopoe as well as the use of parables that not only calmed the birds but also left them ready to take up the journey. As a king, Charlemagne is expected to inspire his people and have them follow him as well as his vision. The King had a goal to expand his kingdom as well as Christianity. Charlemagne was vicious, and in one instance, it is documented that he left no pagan alive. “In that city there is no pagan now, But he been slain, or takes the Christian vow.” This was a man who was determined to achieve his goal. His determination to grow and expand his kingdom had already fallen to his men as showcased by the loyalty Count...