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How do you think El Cid
felt when he faced his
exile, and what might he
have taken with him?”
How do you think El Cid
felt when he faced his
exile, and what might he
have taken with him?”
Facing his exile, El Cid probably felt a mix of anger, betrayal, and
resolve. Imagine being unjustly cast out by your king—a man
you’ve fought for—into an uncertain world. Yet, there’s also a
sense of determination to restore his honor.
As for what he might have taken: his sword, Tizona, would be a
must—symbolizing his strength and valor. He might also take a
keepsake from his family to remind him of his loved ones, and
finally, some supplies for the journey ahead. Survival and
sentimentality, all packed up for the road ahead. What would you
carry in such a situation?
“Imagine you’ve just been exiled
from your homeland, similar to how
El Cid was exiled by King Alfonso
VI.
You can take only three items with
you.
What would they be and why?
Cantar 1: The Banishment of the Cid from The Lay of
the Cid:
Characters
Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid): The protagonist, a noble
knight who is unjustly banished from Castile by King
Alfonso VI. He is determined to restore his honor and
provide for his family
King Alfonso VI: The king of Castile who banishes El Cid
based on false accusations
Doña Jimena: El Cid’s devoted wife, who remains behind
with their daughters at the monastery of San Pedro de
Cardeña
Cantar 1: The Banishment of the Cid from The
Lay of the Cid: Characters
Doña Sol and Doña Elvira: The daughters of El Cid
and Doña Jimena
Minaya Álvar Fáñez: A loyal knight and close
companion of El Cid who joins him in exile
Martín Antolínez: A man who helps El Cid secure a
loan to support his men during their exile
The Lay of the Cid (or El Cantar de Mio
Cid, "The Song of My Cid,") is a medieval
Spanish epic poem that is based on the
life of the historical figure Rodrigo Díaz
de Vivar, known as El Cid. While the
poem is rooted in real events and
characters, it also contains legendary
and fictional elements that were common
in epic poetry of the time.
El Cid was a real person who lived in the 11th
century and was a military leader and nobleman. He
did experience banishment and had a significant
impact on the Reconquista, the period during which
Christian kingdoms sought to reclaim territory from
Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. However, the
poem embellishes his life and deeds to create a
heroic narrative.
The Lay of the Cid is based on true historical events
and figures, it also includes fictionalized and
exaggerated aspects to enhance the story.
The story begins with El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar) being
unjustly banished from Castile by King Alfonso VI. Accused of
stealing money, El Cid is forced to leave his homeland. Despite
his loyalty and service, he must depart within nine days or face
execution. Accompanied by a few loyal knights, he secures a
loan from two merchants to support his men. Before leaving,
he visits the Abbey San Pedro de Cardeña to bid farewell to his
wife, Doña Jimena, and his daughters, Sol and Elvira,
entrusting them to the care of the Abbot. As he travels, more
followers join him, and he is encouraged by a dream in which
the Angel Gabriel assures him of future success
Cantar 1: The Banishment of the Cid from The Lay of the Cid:
Key events and themes of Cantar 1, focusing on El Cid’s
resilience, loyalty, and quest for justice.
Introduction and Exile:
The story begins with Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid) being
unjustly banished from Castile by King Alfonso VI due to false
accusations.
El Cid leaves his home in Vivar with a heavy heart,
accompanied by his loyal followers.
Securing Funds:
El Cid and his men need resources to survive in exile.
Martín Antolínez helps El Cid secure a loan from two Jewish
moneylenders, Raguel and Vidas, by pawning two chests filled
with sand, which they believe contain valuable treasures.
Farewell to Family:
El Cid visits the monastery of San Pedro de
Cardeña to bid farewell to his wife, Doña Jimena,
and their daughters, Doña Sol and Doña Elvira.
He entrusts their care to the abbot, Don Sancho.
Journey and Battles:
El Cid and his followers leave Castile and begin
their journey through various territories.
They engage in battles against the Moors, gaining
victories and spoils, which help to sustain them.
Building a Reputation:
As El Cid continues to win battles, his reputation grows.
He attracts more followers and gains the support of other
knights, including Minaya Álvar Fáñez.
Divine Encouragement:
El Cid receives a vision from the Angel Gabriel, who
assures him of success in his endeavors.
This divine encouragement strengthens his resolve to
restore his honor and provide for his family.
That’s All
for Now!
