El Cantar del Mio Cid - Resumen

The Rise of El Cid: A Historical Overview

Early Life and Background

• Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid Campeador, lived during the reign of King Fernando I in the household of his eldest son, Sancho II.

• In 1065, King Fernando I divided his kingdom among his three sons: Sancho received Castile, Alfonso was given León, and García got Galicia.

The Struggle for Power

• Sancho II aimed to conquer territories but first had to fight against the Kingdom of Aragon, which was not under family control.

• By around 1070, Sancho began a war against his siblings; he achieved victories with the help of El Cid, who turned potential defeats into wins.

Assassination and Aftermath

• In 1072, Sancho II was assassinated by a soldier loyal to Urraca. Following this event, Alfonso VI claimed lands from his deceased brother.

• El Cid worried for his safety after aiding Sancho against Alfonso VI but retained favor due to being a skilled soldier appreciated by the people of Castile.

Exile and Alliances

• Despite being removed as commander by Alfonso VI in 1074 due to jealousy over power dynamics, El Cid maintained connections through family ties.

• Accused of misappropriating funds while collecting taxes in Sevilla, El Cid was exiled without wealth or resources.

Gathering Support and Initial Campaigns

• During exile, El Cid rallied relatives and vassals like Minaya Alvar and Martín Antolínez to join him on campaigns against adversaries.

• They deceived moneylenders Raquel and Vidas into giving them loans under false pretenses involving sealed chests filled with sand instead of riches.

Farewell and Prophetic Visions

• Before leaving Castile for good, El Cid bid farewell to his family at a monastery where he promised to return despite their tears.

• On his last night in Castile, he received a vision from Archangel Gabriel assuring him that success awaited him on his journey.

Conquest Strategies

• Upon reaching Alcocer near Valencia with over 300 men, they prepared for an anticipated attack but devised clever tactics to surprise their enemies.

• By feigning retreat and luring out defenders from Alcocer’s walls, El Cid successfully led an assault that resulted in capturing the castle.

Continued Campaigning

• After returning briefly to Castile through Minaya's efforts with gifts for Alfonso VI—who did not revoke El Cid's exile—El Cid continued military actions against Muslim territories.

The Cid's Triumph and Family Dynamics

The Battle Against the Moors

• The Cid leads a successful campaign against the Moors to protect Valencia, showcasing his strategic prowess in battle.

• Following their victory, the spoils of war include 200 horses with saddles and swords, which are presented to King Alfonso as a gesture of loyalty.

Marriages and Concerns

• Despite initial doubts about marrying his daughters to the young princes Diego and Fernando of Carrión, the Cid ultimately defers to King Alfonso regarding their future.

• A grand banquet is held for the weddings, where many nobles express admiration for the Cid’s family connections through these unions.

Cowardice Revealed

• During an incident involving a lion, both princes display cowardice; Diego hides while Fernando seeks refuge behind a garden.

• The Cid chooses to overlook this cowardice despite his vassals' mockery of his sons-in-law's lack of bravery.

Revenge Plot by Princes

• Resentful over perceived insults from the Cid's vassals due to their cowardly behavior, Diego and Fernando plot revenge against their wives.

• They feign pride in their wealth and propose a trip back to Carrión under false pretenses.

Cruelty Unleashed

• Upon reaching Carrión, the princes cruelly strip their wives of possessions and physically assault them.

• Félix Muñoz follows suspicious signs leading him to rescue Doña Elvira and Doña Sol after they are left injured by their husbands.

Justice Served

• News of the princes' actions spreads quickly, prompting King Alfonso to hold a trial in Toledo for justice.

• At trial, it is ordered that Diego and Fernando return valuable gifts given by the Cid as restitution for their misdeeds.

Future Prospects for Daughters