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The Lay of The Cid

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128 views3 pages

The Lay of The Cid

Uploaded by

rina.cepillo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Lay of the Cid (El Cantar de Mio Cid) is a Spanish epic poem that tells the story

of Rodrigo Díaz
de Vivar, also known as El Cid, a heroic figure in Spanish history. The main characters in the poem are:
Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid): The protagonist of the epic, a noble and skilled warrior who is exiled by
King Alfonso VI but seeks to restore his honor and gain wealth through his military exploits. He is
depicted as a loyal vassal, a loving husband, and a wise leader.
Doña Jimena: The wife of El Cid, who remains loyal to him throughout his exile. She represents virtue
and piety, and though she is separated from El Cid during much of the story, she supports him
emotionally and spiritually.
King Alfonso VI: The king of León and Castile who exiles El Cid but later reconciles with him. His
relationship with El Cid is complex, as he both punishes and rewards him at different points in the
story.
The Infantes of Carrión (Diego and Fernando): Two noblemen who marry El Cid's daughters, Doña
Elvira and Doña Sol, but later dishonor them by cowardly fleeing from battle and abusing them. Their
actions lead to a public trial, where they are humiliated and defeated by El Cid's men.
Doña Elvira and Doña Sol: The daughters of El Cid and Doña Jimena, who are married to the Infantes
of Carrión but are later mistreated by their husbands. They represent the theme of honor and familial
loyalty.
Alvar Fáñez: El Cid's nephew and one of his most trusted companions. He is a loyal warrior and often
serves as El Cid's representative in diplomatic matters
Muño Gustioz: Another of El Cid's loyal vassals, who plays a role in supporting his lord throughout the
epic.
Count García Ordóñez: A rival of El Cid who plays a role in his initial exile. He is an antagonist in the
story and contrasts with El Cid's loyalty and honor.
Minaya Álvar Fáñez: Another key warrior in El Cid’s army, serving as a commander and close friend.
He is often involved in battles and strategies alongside El Cid.
Búcar of Morocco: A Moorish king and one of the antagonists El Cid faces. El Cid defeats him in
battle, adding to his fame and honor.
These characters revolve around themes of loyalty, honor, betrayal, and justice, which are central to
the Lay of the Cid. The poem also reflects the historical context of the Reconquista, as Christian
forces battle Muslim rulers for control of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Lay of the Cid (El Cantar de Mio Cid) is one of the most important works of medieval Spanish
literature. It narrates the heroic deeds of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, a historical figure
who lived during the Reconquista period. The epic focuses on themes of honor, loyalty, betrayal, and
justice, depicting El Cid's journey from exile to restored honor.

Summary and Key Events:


Exile of El Cid:
The story begins with El Cid being unjustly exiled by King Alfonso VI of León and Castile. The reason
for his exile is rooted in courtly intrigue and accusations of disloyalty. In particular, Count García
Ordóñez, an antagonist in the poem, is involved in these accusations. Despite his loyalty, El Cid is
forced to leave his home and family, which includes his wife, Doña Jimena, and his two daughters,
Doña Elvira and Doña Sol.
El Cid's exile marks the beginning of his quest to regain his honor and the king’s favor. He assembles
a group of loyal followers, including his nephew and trusted lieutenant, Alvar Fáñez, and embarks on a
series of military campaigns.
Conquering Valencia:
During his exile, El Cid fights numerous battles against both Christian and Muslim forces. His military
prowess becomes legendary. One of his most significant accomplishments is the conquest of the city
of Valencia, a key victory that solidifies his reputation as an exceptional leader and warrior.
After taking control of Valencia, El Cid’s wealth and influence grow. His successful campaigns and
leadership attract many followers, and he uses these victories to provide for his family, who
eventually join him in Valencia.
Marriage of El Cid's Daughters:
With his growing wealth and reputation, El Cid's daughters, Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, are married to
the noblemen Diego and Fernando, the Infantes of Carrión. These marriages are arranged as a way to
further El Cid’s reintegration into high society and to strengthen his ties with the king.
However, the Infantes of Carrión turn out to be cowardly and dishonorable. They are depicted as
envious and resentful of El Cid’s success. In battle, they fail to prove their bravery and, ashamed of
their inadequacies, seek to take revenge on El Cid by harming his daughters.
Dishonor of El Cid’s Daughters:
The Infantes decide to dishonor El Cid by abusing his daughters. They take Doña Elvira and Doña Sol
to the forest, beat them, and leave them for dead. This act of cowardice and dishonor brings shame
not only to the Infantes but also to El Cid’s family.
Fortunately, the daughters are rescued by one of El Cid’s loyal men, Félix Muñoz, and the matter is
brought to the attention of King Alfonso. The Infantes' actions set the stage for one of the central
conflicts in the poem.
Public Trial and Duel:
El Cid demands justice for the wrongs done to his daughters. A public trial is held at the king’s court,
where the Infantes of Carrión are accused of dishonor. During this trial, El Cid’s men challenge the
Infantes to duels to restore the honor of El Cid’s family.
In these duels, the Infantes are soundly defeated by El Cid’s loyal vassals, proving the cowardice and
unworthiness of the Infantes. The victory of El Cid’s men not only restores his family’s honor but also
solidifies El Cid’s position as a just and honorable figure.
Reconciliation with King Alfonso:
Following the defeat of the Infantes, El Cid reconciles with King Alfonso VI. His honor is fully restored,
and he is once again welcomed into the king’s court. The king also arranges new marriages for El
Cid’s daughters to better and more honorable suitors: Princes of Navarre and Aragon, further
elevating El Cid’s status and cementing his legacy.
El Cid’s loyalty to King Alfonso is reaffirmed, and his position as a national hero is solidified through
his military achievements and personal integrity.
Major Themes:
Honor and Loyalty:
Honor is the central theme of the epic. El Cid's actions throughout the story are driven by his desire to
restore his honor after being exiled. His loyalty to King Alfonso, despite being wronged, demonstrates
his sense of duty and fealty.
The trial of the Infantes of Carrión serves as a public restoration of honor, emphasizing the
importance of reputation and justice in medieval society.
Justice and Retribution:
The public trial and duel provide a clear example of medieval notions of justice. The wrongs
committed by the Infantes are publicly aired, and justice is sought through combat. The epic conveys
a strong sense of divine justice, where the righteous are ultimately vindicated.
Family and Legacy:
The protection of his family’s honor is another driving force for El Cid. His concern for the well-being
of his wife and daughters underscores the importance of family ties and the continuation of one's
legacy.
The marriages of his daughters to noble princes at the end of the poem reflect the restoration of
family honor and the establishment of a lasting legacy.
Christian-Muslim Relations:
The poem is set against the backdrop of the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Muslim-held
territories in the Iberian Peninsula. El Cid's military campaigns against both Christian and Muslim
forces reflect the complex and fluid alliances during this period.
While El Cid is depicted as a devout Christian, the poem also portrays him as a pragmatic leader who
treats his Muslim allies and enemies with respect, acknowledging their bravery and skill in battle.

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