A chanson de geste is an Old French epic poem that tells of heroic deeds, usually centered on Charlemagne, his knights, or other legendary warriors. These poems were often meant for recitation or performance and typically use repeated phrasing, strong rhythm, and long narrative passages to honor martial courage, loyalty, and feudal duty.
Example
The fortress held at dawn,
its banners torn by rain;
Roland lifted his horn once more
and called his men again.