# Ogier, the Dane (Continued) explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

Charlemagne prepares to enforce submission from King Geoffroy of Denmark, but Geoffroy sends an embassy asking for help against invaders. Ogier leads an army to rescue his father, but arrives to find Geoffroy dead. An angel tells Ogier to renounce the Danish crown in favor of his brother Guyon and remain a paladin. Ogier returns to Charlemagne's court, marries Belicene, and has a son, Baldwin. Prince Charlot kills Baldwin in a fit of rage over a chess game. Ogier seeks vengeance, clashes with Charlemagne, and eventually goes into hiding. He is captured by Archbishop Turpin, who is bound by oath, and is sentenced to harsh imprisonment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hospitality and Its Violation

Charlot kills Baldwin in the palace, violating the trust and safety of the court.

### Jealousy and Revenge

Charlot's jealousy of Baldwin's resemblance to Ogier leads to murder; Ogier's quest for vengeance drives the plot.

### Fate and Free Will

Ogier's destiny is guided by divine command (angel's message) and his own choices regarding vengeance and mercy.

## Character check-ins

### Charlemagne

Emperor who initially seeks to punish Ogier but later surrenders Charlot to him; deeply fond of his unworthy son.

### Ogier the Dane

Paladin who rescues his father, renounces the Danish crown, and later seeks vengeance for his son Baldwin's murder by Charlot.

### Charlot

Prince who kills Baldwin in a rage over a chess game and later is surrendered to Ogier but spared.

### Turpin

Archbishop of Rheins who captures Ogier under oath but tries to save his life.

### Duke Namo

Elder knight who retains influence over Ogier and helps him escape after the chessboard incident.

### Salomon, Duke of Brittany

Baron who intervenes to prevent Charlemagne from stabbing Ogier.

## Key lines

> A son can never be excused from helping his father by any cause short of death.

A son must always aid his father, no matter what, unless he is dead.

_Ogier's statement of filial duty despite his father's neglect._

> Ogier, leave thy crown to Guyon, thy brother, and bear no other title than that of 'The Dane.' Thy destiny is glorious, and other kingdoms are reserved for thee.

Ogier, give your crown to your brother Guyon and call yourself only 'The Dane.' Your future is bright, and other kingdoms await you.

_Angel's command to Ogier to renounce the Danish throne._

> I surrender the criminal; do with him as you think fit.

I hand over the guilty one; you may decide his fate.

_Charlemagne surrenders Charlot to Ogier._

> I feel at this moment that Ogier is greater than I.

Right now I feel that Ogier is nobler than I am.

_Charlemagne's acknowledgment of Ogier's magnanimity after sparing Charlot._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters