The Chanson de Geste is an ancient form of epic poetry that holds an undeniable place in the heart of medieval French literature. Its roots trace back to the early Middle Ages, a time when the fabric of Europe was being torn apart by invasions, feudal fragmentation, and the slow consolidation of Christian monarchies. The term itself, "chanson de geste," translates roughly as "song of deeds," signifying a narrative tradition that celebrated the valor, heroism, and virtuous actions of legendary figures, often set within the context of both historical and mythical landscapes. Its rise, rooted in the dark centuries of post-Roman Europe, was not just a literary phenomenon but also a crucial part of a cultural movement that sought to define and defend new identities emerging from the ruins of the old.