The Poem of the Cid: A Medieval Epic of Honor and Exile
The Poem of the Cid
Topics
This epic poem explores themes of heroism, death, family, and honor within the social context of the Medieval Spanish court. It delves into the paramount importance of personal prestige and reflects the era’s palpable atmosphere of hatred and avarice.
Genre
The Poem of the Cid is a masterpiece of Spanish epic and swashbuckling poetry.
Setting
The story unfolds in 11th-century Spain, a land fragmented into various kingdoms, each ruled by its own monarch.
Key Features
Direct narrative style.
Sober, elegant, and precise language.
Realism and geographical fidelity.
High historical value.
Characters
Main Characters
El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar)
A virtuous, courageous, and intelligent warrior with deep religious piety and love for his family. Driven by an unwavering pursuit of honor, he overcomes exile and strives to regain the king’s favor, repair his daughters’ dishonor, and amass fortune and land.
King Alfonso VI
Initially banishes El Cid but gradually recognizes his loyalty and grants him forgiveness. As the highest authority, he demands obedience from his subjects but ultimately seeks justice.
Jimena
El Cid’s devoted and admiring wife, who steadfastly supports him through adversity.
Doña Elvira and Doña Sol
The daughters of El Cid and Jimena.
Supporting Characters
- Alvar Fañez Minaya (The “Mina”): Offers assistance and companionship to El Cid during his exile, acting as a messenger to the king.
- Martín Antolinez (The “Burgalés”): Provides provisions and joins El Cid’s forces. Entrusts El Cid’s coffers to Raquel and Vidas for safekeeping.
- Pedro Bermudez (The “Mute”): Fights alongside El Cid and is a cousin to Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.
- Raquel and Vidas: Trusted friends of Martín Antolinez, safeguarding El Cid’s wealth.
- Don Sancho: Protects El Cid’s family during his campaigns.
- Avengalvón: A loyal Muslim vassal under El Cid’s command.
These loyal vassals follow El Cid, offering unwavering support in battle and sharing in his pursuit of honor and riches.
Antagonists
Heirs of Carrión
Marry El Cid’s daughters, driven by greed, but ultimately dishonor them. They embody selfishness and disdain for others.
García Ordóñez (Count Don Garcia):
An enemy of El Cid.
Other Characters
- Infants of Navarra and Aragon
- The Bishop
- Moors (both allies and enemies)
- Kings of various territories
Literary Devices
- Anaphora: Repetition of a word at the beginning of each verse (e.g., “With the”).
- Hyperbaton: Alteration of the logical order of words (e.g., “Hence the silk fabrics clean the stained blood”).
- Conative Function Formula: “Well shall hear what he said now.”
- Epic Epithets: Descriptive phrases, especially for the hero (e.g., “who in good hour was born”).
- Binary Phrases: “Moors and Christians.”
- Pleonasms: Redundant expressions (e.g., “cry your eyes”).
Structure and Plot
Based on the historical figure of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the poem is divided into three cantos (songs):
The Song of Exile
Narrates El Cid’s banishment by King Alfonso VI, his departure from Castile, and his subsequent raids in Moorish lands. He sends a portion of his gains to the king, seeking forgiveness.
The Song of the Weddings
El Cid conquers Valencia and reconciles with King Alfonso, who arranges the marriage of El Cid’s daughters to the Heirs of Carrión. El Cid harbors suspicions about this union.
The Song of the Reproach of Corpes
Exposes the cowardice and greed of the Heirs of Carrión, culminating in their dishonorable treatment of El Cid’s daughters. El Cid demands justice, leading to a trial and a duel. The poem concludes with the announcement of the daughters’ remarriage to the sons of the kings of Navarra and Aragon.