Throughout the poem Roland and Olivere emerge as the two main heros. The poet gives them the most amount of battle time, and the most complements are bestowed upon Olivere and Roland. Also their comments are highly considered during times of council (perhaps even more highly considered than any one else's) "Quoth the Archbishop [...] Valour becomes this knight [Roland] of breed" (ll. 77-78).As these two key characters become naturally heightened due to their position in the plot, we see picture emerge of bravery vs. wisdom also emerge. "Roland is fierce and Roland is wise." We realize throughout the texts that these characters love each other; we see that they do everything together. They are inseparable. This also rings true for their characteristics. Wisedom needs fierceness (vice versa).
Without Roland fierceness (or pride) the reargaurd would have survived "I asked you [to sound the Olifant] comrade, and you refused for pride, Had Charles been here, then all would have gone right;" Yet with only Olivere's wisdom how would the French have retained their world-wide renown. "Whoso should smite the County Roland dead [...] The wondrous [French] armies would dwindle off and melt [...] Our fathers' land would thus find peace and rest." Through these characters we see that fierceness is useless without wisdom and wisdom is in vain without fierceness to walk with it.
Just a little correction on your use of "complement" early on in your blog: the difference between "complement" (something that fills up, completes and makes perfect) and "compliment" (an expression of esteem, respect, affection or admiration). Although easily done, do not conflate these two terms. However, the rest of your blog does demonstrate that you are using the correct definition of "complement"! YOu are right to point out that they fulfill one another. The "ideal" hero would perhaps incorporate both Roland's extreme valor and battle prowess and Oliver's discretion and wisdom.
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