Aspramont

P. L. 1. 583. Aspremont, now As pro monte, a mountain in Reggio di Calabria, Italy, where, according to Aspremont, a popular chanson de geste of the Middle Ages, was fought a battle between the forces In the battle of Charlemagne and those of the pagan Agolant. Roland distinguished himself, killing Helmont, son of Agolant, with a staff. Charlemagne rewarded him with Veil lant if, the horse of Helmont, and Durandal his sword. An Italian poem entitled Aspramonte, dealing with the story, was first printed between 1487 and 1490, and often reprinted, as late as 1620. (L. Gautier, Les Epopees Frangaises 3. 70-94.) The victory of Charlemagne and the exploits of Orlando at Aspramont are mentioned in the Orlando Furioso 12. 43 and 27. 54, in Pulci’s Morgante Maggiore 1. 13, and in Boiardo’s Orlando In nam or a to 2. 11. 8. 3-8. 50