Fantastical horses have galloped through the annals of folklore across cultures and centuries, captivating imaginations with their supernatural abilities and noble spirits. From the winged Pegasus of Greek mythology, Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse from Norse legends, and Tikbalang from Philippine legend, these equine marvels have played pivotal roles in countless tales. Among these legendary steeds, the enchanting Bayard stands out as a remarkable figure in medieval European legend, embodying the ideals of loyalty, strength, and magical prowess.
This time-trip back to the age of Charlemagne and medieval French literature will attempt to shed light on the magical horse legend of Bayard.
The Origins of the Bayard Myth
The Four Sons of Aymon (Credit: ZU_09 via Getty Images)
The legend of Bayard originated in twelfth-century France, and first appeared in an Old French chanson de geste – a type of narrative poem written in verse and traditionally performed by jongleurs, or minstrels – called Quatre Fils Aymon, The Four Sons of Aymon.
This epic poem introduced Bayard as the magical mount of Renaud de Montauban, one of the four sons of Duke Aymon – the other three were Alard, Guichard, and Richard – who fought against the armies of Emperor Charlemagne. This courageous horse was said to have been able to gallop across battlefields unharmed and navigate treacherous terrain with equal grace, a mark of his otherworldly prowess.
In later chansons de geste, the magical horse Bayard was won by a cousin of the four sons of Aymon called Maugris and given to Renaud.
The Magic of Bayard
A statue of Pegasus from Greek mythology (Credit: Walter Geiersperger via Getty Images)
According to the legend, Bayard’s magical qualities were as impressive as they were diverse. This great bay horse possessed the supernatural ability to adjust his size to accommodate his riders, allowing him to carry Renaud and his three brothers at the same time. Moreover, Bayard demonstrated remarkable intelligence, understanding human speech and offering advice to his masters. His strength and speed were extraordinary, which enabled him to perform feats beyond the capabilities of ordinary horses.
The Confrontation with Charlemagne
Renaud surrendered Bayard to Charlemagne, King of the Franks (Credit: pictore via Getty Images)
The most famous episode in the legend of Bayard involves his loyal service to Renaud and the subsequent conflict with Charlemagne. When Renaud was forced to surrender Bayard to the emperor, Charlemagne – seeking revenge for the horse’s role in evading his forces – attempted to drown the trusty steed by tying a large millstone around his neck and casting him into a river. However, Bayard’s incredible strength allowed him to smash the stone with his hooves and escape to freedom in the woods, where legend says he lives to this day.
The Story Spreads
A statue of Ludovico Ariosto in Italy (Credit: only_fabrizio via Getty Images)
Over time, stories of Bayard found fertile ground in the folklore of Holland and Italy. The myth travelled through traders’ routes, with migrating minstrels, and through the oral traditions that shaped medieval Europe’s popular legends. In Holland and Belgium, Bayard – known as Ros Beiaard – became known as the stoic protector of righteous warriors, while in Italy, as Baiardo, he was woven into regional tales of chivalry by fifteenth century poets such as Ludovico Ariosto, Matteo Maria Boiardo, and Luigi Pulci.
In each retelling, Bayard’s supernatural attributes, unwavering loyalty and uncanny intelligence captured the fascination of those entertained by such swashbuckling tales.
Chaucer & The Horse
A scene from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (Credit: whitemay via Getty Images)
While the magical horse Bayard from the chansons de geste commanded admiration for his loyalty and supernatural power, a different Bayard myth gallops through Geoffrey Chaucer’s works. Often called blind Bayard, this term appears in Chaucer’s poetry and was a common Middle English proverb for a rash or foolish horse rather than a reference to the legendary mount of Renaud de Montauban, although it’s often thought the two are probably connected.
In Troilus and Criseyde, Chaucer uses Bayard in a simile describing Troilus’s proud but ultimately unwary behaviour before he falls in love with Criseyde. This usage suggests folly rather than heroism – an allusion to the proverbial reckless steed who charges blindly ahead. Similarly, in The Reeve’s Tale and The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer’s Bayard exemplifies impetuousness and the failure to see looming consequences.
Although sometimes confused with the valiant horse of the Four Sons of Aymon, Chaucer’s Bayard most likely carries none of the French character’s legendary qualities.
The Bayard Myth in the Twenty-First Century
Ros Beiaard Ommegang is held in the Flemish city of Dendermonde (Credit: bbsferrari via Getty Images)
Almost a thousand years after the first incarnation of the legend of Bayard, the story continues to be celebrated in France, Belgium, and Italy through festivals, statues, and cultural traditions which keep the myth alive.
France
In France, the traditional magical horse legend is most closely associated with the Ardennes region, where his legend originated. The town of Bogny-sur-Meuse is particularly significant, as it features a rock formation known as Bayard Rock, said to have been split by the horse’s powerful hooves during his escape from Charlemagne’s forces. This site is a point of local pride and draws visitors interested in the legend. While no large-scale events are specifically dedicated to the Bayard myth in modern France, his story remains an important part of regional folklore and local identity.
Belgium
Belgium is perhaps the most vibrant centre for celebrations of the legend of Bayard today. In the Flemish city of Dendermonde, the Ros Beiaard Ommegang is a grand folkloric procession held every ten years. During this event, a massive wooden effigy of Bayard carrying the four sons of Aymon is paraded through the streets. Smaller annual editions of this procession also take place in nearby areas such as Keur, Sint-Gillis, Donckstraat, and Appels. Statues of Bayard can be found in cities like Namur, Gremburgen, Geldrop, and Ghent, further cementing his presence in Belgian culture.
Italy
In Italy, Baiardo is celebrated primarily through literature rather than public festivals. His story appears in Italian Renaissance epics such as Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso and Matteo Maria Boiardo’s Orlando Innamorato. These works immortalise Bayard as a magical steed serving knights like Rinaldo (Renaud).
These celebrations and cultural events demonstrate how the legend of Bayard has moved beyond its medieval origins in France to become a part of wider European heritage.
A Tail for the Ages
A huge ancient manuscript (Credit: Tetra Images via Getty Images)
For lovers of medieval lore, the tale of Bayard and Reynaud remains a testament to the enduring power of epic narratives – an invitation to step into a world where the boundaries between the mundane and the magical serve to fire the imagination.
