Poem of the Cid: Analysis of Major Characters
The "Poem of the Cid" is a famed epic poem that narrates the life of Ruy Díaz, known as the Cid, a nobleman who experiences both exile and redemption in medieval Spain. Following his banishment by King Alfonso VI of Castile, the Cid embarks on valiant exploits to regain the king's favor and prove his loyalty. Throughout the story, key characters shape the Cid's journey, such as his daughters, Doña Elvira and Doña Sol, who suffer at the hands of their deceitful husbands, Diego and Fernando, princes of Carrion. The Cid's loyalty is also reflected in his relationships with his wife, Doña Ximena, and his loyal lieutenant, Minaya Alvar Fáñez, who plays a vital role in reconnecting him with the king. The narrative further explores themes of honor, revenge, and familial ties as the Cid confronts threats from both enemies and traitors within his own family. Ultimately, the Cid's story is marked by his rise to power, his efforts to secure a future for his daughters, and his peaceful demise as the lord of Valencia. This rich tapestry of characters and plots provides insight into the values and conflicts of the time, making it a significant work in Spanish literature.
Poem of the Cid: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: Cantar de mío Cid, early thirteenth century (English translation, 1808)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: The fief of Bivar, north of Burgos, Spain
Plot: Epic
Time: c. 1075
The Cid (seed), or Ruy Díaz (rrewee DEE-ahs), the lord of Bivar. Banished from Christian Spain by Alfonso VI of Castile, he enters, with a company of his vassals, on a series of heroic exploits designed to impress the king and cause him to revoke the edict of banishment. The royal favor is finally won, but only after the Cid becomes powerful enough to be a threat to the throne. A period of happiness and peace lasts until the Cid is forced to subdue his treacherous sons-in-law, Diego and Fernando, princes of Carrion. When the princes are banished, the Cid is free to marry his daughters to the rulers of Aragón and Navarre. He rejoices to count among his family two kings of Spain, and he finally dies in peace as lord of Valencia.
Alfonso VI (ahl-FOHN-soh), the king of León. He banishes the Cid from Christian Spain, then reinstates the hero when his growing power becomes a threat to the throne.
Doña Elvira (ehl-VEE-rah) and Doña Sol (sohl), the Cid's daughters, who are married to Diego and Fernando, princes of Carrion, by whom the noble ladies are robbed and beaten. They are finally married to the kings of Aragón and Navarre.
Diego (dee-A-goh) and Fernando González (fehr-NAHNdoh gohn-SAH-lehs), princes of Carrion and the Cid's cowardly sons-in-law. Resentful of the scorn heaped on them by the Cid's vassals, they seek revenge on their lord by ostensibly taking his daughters on a triumphant tour to Carrion. On the way, they beat and rob the ladies and leave them for dead. For this deed, the princes are stripped of property and honor.
Doña Ximena (hee-MEHN-ah), the Cid's wife.
Martín Antolínez (mahr-TEEN ahn-toh-LEE-nehs), a lieutenant to the Cid.
Minaya Alvar Fáñez (mee-NI-yah AHL-vahr FAHN-yehs), the Cid's chief lieutenant and friend, who is the liaison between his banished lord and Alfonso VI.
Félix Muñoz (FEH-leeks mewn-YOHS), the Cid's nephew, who rescues his uncle's daughters after they are robbed and beaten by their husbands.
Ramón (rrah-MOHN), the count of Barcelona, who is subdued and taken prisoner by the Cid.
Bucar (BEW-kahr), the king of Morocco.
Gonzalo Ansúrez (gohn-SAH-loyh ahn-SEW-rehs), the count of Carrión and the father of Diego and Fernando González.
García Ordóñez (gahr-SEE-ah ohr-DOHN-yehs), the lord of Grañón, who is the Cid's enemy.
Raquel (rrah-KEHL) and Vidas (VEE-dahs), moneylenders who are swindled by the Cid, after his banishment, in an effort to finance his force of loyal vassals.