Pierre Corneille’s El Cid

There are three great Spanish epic poems, and each of them tell tales of valor and honor in medieval times. However, the Cantar de Mio Cid stands out as the oldest and best preserved of these classic works of Spanish literature. Also called the Poema de Mio Cid, this legendary work recounts the struggles of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the famed el Cid, as he attempts to preserve his honor after being exiled by King Alfonso VI.

Interestingly, el Cid was a real person and a great warrior. The Cid, as he is known in English, was the commander of the royal troops of Castile, an important kingdom. Located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, which is the landmass that modern Spain and Portugal share, Castile was frequently in conflict with the Muslim Moors, who had once conquered almost all of Spain.

It is in this context that the real-life el Cid won his fame, becoming the national hero of Spain. Though he was a historical personage, many myths and legends were told about him. The Cantar de Mio Cid is just one of them.