Baligant

The Emir of Babylon. Baligant was the father of Malpramis and brother of Canabeus. Marsile, the Moorish king of Spain, was one of Baligant's many vassals.

It should be noted that this "Babylon", is not the city in Mesopotamia (in modern Iraq). The legend referred Babylon to Old Cairo in Egypt.

According to Chanson de Roland, Baligant was a very old man, "...outliving Virgil and Homer". It is not clear, if he lived in the time of Virgil and Homer, or just referring to that the emir was older than these two poets. Despite the age, he was a powerful warrior, just like Charlemagne.

Though, Baligant received missive from Marsile's seven years before, when Charlemagne first invaded Spain, the emir didn't arrive, until the ambush was taking place in Rencesvals. By that time, Marsile lost the battle, lost his son, and lost hand in battle. Since he has no heir, Marsile surrendered the city to Baligant. Baligant hoped to avenge Marsile by defeating Charlemagne's army. He was seriously considering invading France.

Baligant has a sword, called Preciuse, and his spear was called Maltet.

As the tide of battle was turning against Baligant, he confronted Charlemagne, wounded him, but lost his life.