Ogier The Dane - The Warrior Sleeps

Ogier the Dane is a mythological hero, who fought many battles for Charlemagne and became a well respected, much loved warrior, leader, and hero among the people of Denmark and France. Battles he won and legends he inspired. Throughout his life, Ogier became a hero many times over. When his days of fighting were done, he claimed his own kingdom and now the warrior sleeps in peace.

Ogier's father, King Geoffrey of Denmark, had given his son up as hostage to Charlemagne for not having paid tribute to the emperor. Ogier, overcame the disgrace and humble status by becoming Charlemagne's most skilled and respected warrior. He obtained the status of knighthood along with honor and respect for his dedication to Charlemagne.

King Geoffrey seemed to have forgotten his son over the years, yet Ogier never lost love, honor and respect for his father. Even though Geoffrey continued to ignore paying homage to Charlemagne, it did not stop him from calling upon the assistance of the emperor and his army. Invaders had attacked King Geoffrey's domain and he was unable to defeat them. Charlemagne, not one to ignore a call for help, asked Ogier if he would lead an army to help Geoffrey. Ogier, deeply hurt over the years of his father's neglect, was much like Charlemagne. Goodness of the soul and love in the heart overcame any regrets of the past.

With one thousand knights under his command that Charlemagne appointed, and a greater number of volunteers, Ogier set off in haste to fight for his father and his homeland. The invaders were defeated under Ogier's mighty battles and what was left of them retreated to their vessels and their own lands. Ogier, anxious to finally see his father, headed for the castle, his boyhood home. As he came near, he heard bells ringing throughout the court and village. He was not in time to embrace his father and once again speak with him. King Geoffrey lay in repose in the church. The tears of many years bathed away all pain and loss as he gazed upon the body of his father. As Ogier knelt, bowed his head and cried, a light from the heavens above beamed down on him. An angelic voice told him to bear no other title than "The Dane" and to leave the kingdom his father had left him to his brother, Guyon. The angel told him that he had a glorious destiny and other kingdoms were awaiting him. He had the opportunity to be a king, yet gave it up to remain a paladin of Charlemagne's court. A warrior and strong supporter of Charlemagne's causes was his destiny.

Ogier returned to the castle, hugged Guyon, and told him that he resigned all claims to the thrown and kingdom of their father. All would go to Guyon. Ogier paid respects to the stepmother who feared retaliation from him and left his homeland. On his return to France, Ogier was greeted by Charlemagne with pride and treated the warrior as almost an equal. His love for Ogier grew ever stronger.

Many years of numerous adventures and battles passed by. Ogier married the beautiful Belicene. They had a son, Baldwin, who inherited Ogier's strengths and courage and Belicene's beauty. When Baldwin come of age, Ogier presented his son to Charlemagne, who saw a young Ogier and felt the same love for him as he did Ogier. Charlemagne embraced the boy and took him into his service. Duke Namo and the older knights loved Baldwin.

Charlot, Charlemagne's son who had always hated Ogier due to his insane jealousy, found he rather liked Baldwin. Yet after awhile, the resemblance of Baldwin to Ogier as a youth, refreshed the hatred in Charlot. One day, as Charlot and Baldwin were playing chess, Charlot was outrageous when Baldwin won yet again. The smile of pride on Baldwin's face inflamed Charlot's old hatred and in a fit of rage killed Baldwin. The blind fury and pain was great for Ogier -- it caused many years of battles between him and Charlemagne. They did eventually find their peace with each other and once again their respect and fatherly/son love for each other won out over sorrows and wrongs done.

Ogier fought in battles and remained a hero until late in his seventies. Not all his battles were in warfare with enemies. Many of his battles were within him, yet like Charlemagne, Ogier had a kind heart and good soul -- that is why Charlemagne and Ogier were loved and honored.

Ogier and his entire band of knights and seamen ended their lives in a ship wreck in a violent storm at sea. The spirit of Ogier awoke in the gardens of Avalon, where Morgan le Fay awaited him, as she had promised at the magical blessings on the night of his birth.

Ogier the Dane now rests in his throne at Kronborg Castle in the mountains of Denmark. Until his homeland needs him to rise up and save their country, Ogier the Warrior sleeps.
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Author's notes: If you have enjoyed my articles about the life of Ogier, I urge you to read The Earthly Paradise, an epic poetry collection of classical mythology and fairy tales, by William Morris, 1868. Legends of Charlemagne, Romance of the Middle Ages, by Thomas Bulfinch, is another masterpiece that is a must read for anyone who loves legends of heroes based on actual history.

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