Marsile

A Saracen king of Spain. Marsile was actually a vassal to Baligant, the king of Babylon. His capital in Spain was Saragossa. His wisest adviser was Blancandrin.

Marsile was the husband of Bramimonde, and father of Jurfaleu the Blond.

His horse was named Gaignun.

When Charlemagne had previously sent an embassy to Marsile, he had foolishly killed the Frankish brothers, Basan and Basile. This was why seven years later, Roland opposed making peace with Marsile, when Blancandrin came with such an offer.

Marsile fought well at Rencesvals, dispatching Bevon, lord of Beaune and Dijon, as well as three of the Twelve Peers – Yvoire, Yvon and Gerard of Roussillon. Roland, seeing their deaths, severed Marsile's hand before killing Marsile's son Jurfaleu, decapitating him.

Wounded, Marsile fled back to Saragossa. Most of Marsile's army were routed later, upon Charlemagne's late arrival; some of his men were killed by Charlemagne's knights, but others drowned at the River Ebro.

Baligant arrived with his army that evening, where Marsile handed over his city and kingdom to Baligant. Dying and deprived of his heir, Marsile thought it was best if Baligant took his crown. He died when Baligant was killed in battle.