The Epic Poem of El Cid: A Hero’s Journey in Medieval Spain
The Epic of El Cid
The Work
This epic poem blends elements of swashbuckling adventure and heroic feats. Primarily written in Alexandrine verse, some lines vary from 10 to 20 syllables, employing assonance rhyme. As the first preserved Spanish epic poem, it explores themes of heroism, death, family, and honor within the medieval social context, where personal prestige reigned supreme. The poem also reflects the era’s prevalent greed and desire for wealth.
Characters
El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar)
A virtuous and courageous warrior with deep religious piety and love for his family. Through intelligence and bravery, he overcomes exile, regains the king’s favor, restores his daughters’ honor, and amasses fortune and land. His driving force is the pursuit of honor.
King Alfonso VI
Initially banishes El Cid but gradually recognizes his loyalty and worthiness, eventually pardoning him. As the highest authority, his subjects must obey or face exile. Ultimately, he strives for justice.
Jimena
El Cid’s devoted and supportive wife, who deeply admires him.
Doña Elvira and Doña Sol
El Cid and Jimena’s daughters.
El Cid’s Loyal Followers
Alvarfanez Minaya, Martin Antolinez, Pedro Bermudez, and others choose to follow El Cid, aiding him in battles and sharing in his fortunes. They are faithful companions who also seek to gain honor.
The Heirs of Carrión
Driven by greed, they marry El Cid’s daughters to acquire wealth and status. They later dishonor Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, embodying selfishness and contempt.
Other Characters
The Princes of Navarre and Aragon, the Bishop, Moors (both allies and enemies), and various kings.
While these characters represent medieval values, their relationships reflect a degree of realism. For instance, the portrayal of Christian and Moorish interactions acknowledges that their relationship wasn’t always hostile.
Summary
Exiled by King Alfonso VI, El Cid bids farewell to his family and leaves Castile. Followed by loyal men, he conquers Moorish lands to regain the king’s favor. He conquers Valencia and offers it to the king, requesting the return of his wife and daughters. The king grants his request, pardons him, and proposes a marriage between El Cid’s daughters and the heirs of Carrión. Despite reservations, El Cid accepts. The marriage takes place, but the cowardly heirs of Carrión prove unworthy. Seeking revenge, they take their wives and wealth, abandoning and dishonoring Doña Elvira and Doña Sol in the Oak Grove of Corpes. El Cid appeals to the king, who convenes a court in Toledo. The heirs are forced to return El Cid’s possessions and fight a duel against his champions. El Cid triumphs, returning to Valencia with restored honor. Doña Elvira and Doña Sol later marry the princes of Navarre and Aragon.
Authorship and Manuscript
The Cantar de Mio Cid is anonymous. The only surviving manuscript, dating to the 14th century, resides in the National Library of Madrid. First published in print by Tomas Antonio Sanchez in 1779, it’s considered a cornerstone of Spanish literature. The poem’s ending suggests a copy date of 1207, with a possible copyist named Per Abbat. Theories of dual authorship exist, proposing a minstrel from San Esteban de Gormaz who began the poem around 1110, and another from Medinaceli who completed it around 1140. However, the artistic unity of the poem supports the theory of a single author, possibly a learned cleric inspired by oral and written accounts of El Cid, composing it in the late 12th or early 13th century.
Historical Context
Set during the Reconquista (1020-1101), the poem reflects the medieval period (5th-15th centuries). This era was marked by the coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews, strong religious influence, and constant military activity. The Reconquista refers to the Christian kingdoms’ gradual recapture of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, culminating in the fall of Granada in 1492. The Muslim presence in Spain, while marked by conquest, also enriched the peninsula’s culture, introducing advancements in astronomy, medicine, agriculture, and cuisine.
Medieval Society
Medieval society was hierarchical, with nobles enjoying significant privileges, including administrative positions often held despite the bourgeoisie’s superior education. Women had limited opportunities, primarily confined to domestic roles or religious life. Noblewomen, however, enjoyed more freedom. Economic disparity was vast, with the wealthy often indifferent to the plight of the poor. Knighthood was a coveted aspiration, achieved through rigorous training as a page and squire. The knighting ceremony involved symbolic rituals and vows of loyalty, service, and chivalry.
Structure of the Work
The poem is divided into three cantares (songs):
- Cantar del Destierro (The Song of Exile)
- Cantar de las Bodas (The Song of the Weddings)
- Cantar de la Afrenta de Corpes (The Song of the Affront of Corpes)
Each cantar is further divided into sections and subsections, ultimately comprised of individual verses.
Cantar del Destierro – Section 1
This section details the king’s banishment of El Cid. It includes three key phases:
- The Battle: El Cid defends the King of Seville against the King of Granada.
- Treason: Intrigue and accusations against El Cid lead to his exile.
- Soledad (Solitude): El Cid departs Vivar with his loyal followers.
The poem begins with El Cid’s successful defense of Seville, earning the gratitude of its king. However, enemies of El Cid manipulate King Alfonso, leading to his unjust banishment. El Cid accepts his fate and departs Castile, embarking on a journey that will test his courage, loyalty, and unwavering pursuit of honor.