1. The Holy Lance: The lance wielded by Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Franks, is believed to possess supernatural power. It is believed to be the same lance used by the Roman centurion Longinus to pierce the side of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. The lance is said to guarantee victory in battle and is invoked by Roland and other Christian knights in their fight against the Saracen army.
2. Spiritual Interventions: Throughout the poem, there are instances of divine and spiritual interventions that influence the course of events. Angels and other celestial beings appear to guide, warn, and assist the Christian forces, representing the support and approval of God. For example, the angel Gabriel visits Charlemagne in a dream to inform him of the impending battle and urges him to defend Christendom against the pagans.
3. Sacred Relics: The poem often mentions sacred relics, including the cloak of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to possess healing powers. These holy artifacts are believed to bestow special protection and aid the Christian knights in their struggles against the Saracen warriors.
4. Roland's Sword, Durendal: Roland's sword, Durendal, is described as a supernatural weapon with extraordinary powers. It is imbued with the ability to cut through any substance and is said to have been blessed by God. Even after Roland's death, the sword refuses to be shattered and remains as a symbol of his courage and prowess.
5. Saracen Enchantments: The Saracen forces are occasionally portrayed as possessing certain magical abilities and employing enchantments to gain advantages in battle. For instance, the Saracen sorcerer Bramimonde uses her sorcery to create illusions and manipulate the elements to aid the pagan armies.
6. Ganelon's Betrayal: Ganelon, a treacherous noble in Charlemagne's court, betrays Roland and the Christian army, leading to their defeat at Roncevaux Pass. His betrayal is portrayed as a result of divine justice and punishment for his disloyalty and deceit.
7. Olivier's Prayer: Before the final battle, Roland's comrade, Olivier, prays for divine guidance and strength. He asks God to protect the Franks and grant them victory over their enemies, showcasing the reliance of the Christian knights on divine intervention.
These supernatural and superhuman elements add a mystical dimension to the epic and emphasize the religious context within which the story unfolds. They underscore the belief in divine assistance, sacred artifacts, and the clash between Christianity and paganism that defined the historical and cultural context of medieval Europe.