Masterpieces of Medieval Spanish Literature

The Song of the Cid

The manuscript of the Song of the Cid is dated 1207 and signed by Per Abbat.

Plot and Structure

The plot is divided into three distinct parts:

• The Song of Exile

  Alfonso VI banishes the Cid. The Cid parts with his subjects, leaving his family in a convent. He fights in the Battle of Alcocer, from which he emerges victorious and conquers Valencia.

• The Song of the Wedding

  El Cid recovers the crown of Valencia for Alfonso VI, who in turn offers the wedding of the Cid's daughters, Elvira and Sol, to the Infantes de Carrión (Leonese nobility). Although the Cid doubts the union, he eventually consents to the marriage.

• The Song of the Affront of Corpes

  A lion escapes, and the Infantes flee to León, leaving the Cid's daughters alone. The Cid seeks revenge before the King, which is granted through a trial by God. The Cid's knights win, leading to new marriage covenants for the daughters with the princes of Navarre and Aragón.

Theme and Structure

The central theme is honor lost and recovered by the Cid, alongside his ascent of the social ladder. The work features an irregular metric structure with assonance rhyme organized in runs, containing an indefinite number of verses with the same rhyme.

Narrative and Stylistic Features

• Different perspectives: The narrative uses objective reporting without personal opinions, as well as subjective opinions to involve the listener.
• Alternate styles: It shifts between direct style (exact words) and indirect style (retouched by the author).
• Stylistic features: The use of epic epithets (long sentences that dignify the hero), an archaic attitude in the use of language, and paradoxical elements.

Gonzalo de Berceo

Gonzalo de Berceo is the first Castilian poet known by name. He authored important poems regarding the lives of saints (such as Santo Domingo de Silos) and poems dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Miracles of Our Lady).

Miracles of Our Lady

In Miracles of Our Lady, Berceo recounts 25 miracles performed by the Virgin to help sinners, whom she "humanized." These stories begin with an allegorical introduction, a locus amoenus. The characters are predominantly religious and humble people. The structure consists of three parts: the presentation of the character, the Virgin saving them, and a final moral.

The Archpriest of Hita

Juan Ruiz, known as the Archpriest of Hita, wrote his work while in prison, though it is unclear if this refers to a physical jail or the "prison of the world." His only surviving work is The Book of Good Love.

The Book of Good Love

This work is a false autobiography of love, detailing affairs with various women. The narrative is constantly interrupted by stories, fables, jokes, and digressions, such as the tale of Don Melón and Doña Endrina or the battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma. While his real intention remains unknown, it is widely believed he wrote to entertain.