Cantar de Mio CidThe Legend of El CidBY: YOLTIC SANDOVAL

Cantar de Mio Cid

Composed between 1140 and 1207

Author is unknown

Poem with 3730 verses

SignificanceCantar de Mio Cidepitomizes the construction of the heroic Christian narrative due to El Cid’s exemplary actions portrayed through faith, family, country, and heroic war campaigns

Arab influenceMoorish culture flourished in the Iberian peninsula for over 700 years. It’s rich influence can still be seen today despite the Spanish effort to eliminate Moorish presence during the Reconquista.

Division and UnificationBefore Spain was unified in dethroning the Moorish presence, Spanish kingdoms and nobles fought amongst each other in order to gain land and influence over their respected realms.

Nobility and ChivalryInstead of dying in peaceful terms and disregarding the impending Moorish attack, El Cid epitomizes a faithful war hero in that his last wishes are to have God guide his men.

Fighting in God’s NameThe embellishment of the rhetoric was meant to represent the fear that the Moors had for the power of God and the eminence of El Cid’s heroic spirit. “fight with gallant courage. Then conquer kingdoms wide. Whate'er kind Heaven grant you”

Redistribution of Wealth“Here is a boot filled to the brim with gold and silver, to pay for one thousand masses” (Hamilton and Perry, 65).

FamilyEl Cid “is a simple Christian, a captain with a famous horse and a mighty sword, devoted to his daughter and his wife” (Barnstone, 55). A knight in shining armor rides his trusty steed into battle and returns to his loyal wife and family

Conclusion