The Poem of the Cid (The Song of the Cid)

A major theme of most medieval epics is knighthood—namely, what does it mean to be chivalrous and why is it important. While this may seem like an obvious medieval cliché, the epic text often reflects and communicates cultural values of its audience, envisioning the ideal knight and warrior in a variety of circumstances. The Cid is no exception; he is often simply referred to as “The Warrior” (33), and he embodies the quintessential characteristics of an ideal knight of the 12th century. The depiction of the protagonist also sets an example of medieval masculinity, demonstrating what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior for men.

The Cid’s actions and motivations throughout the text serve as a model of behavior for loyal servants of the king, often surpassing his own king in terms of valor. His unwavering loyalty to a king who has exiled him at a complicated moment in medieval Spanish history sets an example that is later contrasted with the cowardice and deception of the Carrión nobles. Throughout the text, the Cid’s objectives are to seek justice and to be welcomed back into the Spanish court.