The Twelve Noble Paladins

Charlemagne’s 12 paladins were a legendary group of elite warriors in medieval literature, though their names and numbers vary across different sources. The most famous members are Roland and his companion Oliver, with other common names including Archbishop Turpin, Ganelon, Ogier the Dane, and Astolfo. 

The Paladins, also called the Twelve Peers (French: Douze Pairs), are twelve legendary knights, the foremost members of Charlemagne’s court in the 8th century. The term “paladin” is derived from Old French, originating from the Latin “comes palatinus” (count palatine), a title given to close retainers. The Ostrogothic Kingdom also maintained palatine counts, who held titles such as Comes Patrimonium, responsible for the patrimonial or private real estate of the king, among others.

• Roland: The chief hero and nephew of Charlemagne, known for wielding the sword Durandal.
• Oliver: Roland’s close friend and companion.
• Archbishop Turpin: A martial bishop who fought alongside the paladins.
• Ganelon: A treacherous figure who betrays the rearguard, leading to their demise.
• Ogier the Dane: Another prominent paladin mentioned in many legends. Ogier was born to Geoffrey, the first Christian King of Denmark.
• Astolfo: A popular paladin of English origin. 
• Bradamante: The female Paladin, sister of Reinold de Montaubon. She wore a suit of all-white armor, making her the original White Knight.
• Naimon – Charlemagne’s trusted adviser. Duke of Bavaria.
• Bérengier – one of the twelve paladins killed by Marsile’s troops; kills Estramarin; killed by Grandoyne.
• Lorant – Frankish commander of one of the first divisions against Baligant; killed by Baligant.
• Gerin – One of the Paladins of Charlemagne’s court was a figure named Gérin. He is mentioned in Arthurian myths as one of the Twelve Peers.
• Fierabras (Firumbras or Ashmole)– the Saracen who became a Christian.