The Poem of My Cid (Spanish: Cantar de Mio Cid) is an epic poem of medieval Spanish literature. It is considered one of the most important works of Spanish literature and is the only surviving epic poem from the Middle Ages written in the Castilian language.
The poem tells the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid Campeador, a Castilian knight and military leader who lived in the 11th century. The poem recounts El Cid's rise to fame as a military leader, his exile from Castile by King Alfonso VI, his subsequent military successes against the Moors, and his eventual return to Castile and reinstatement as a hero.
The Poem of My Cid is written in a traditional epic style, with a regular meter and rhyme scheme. It is divided into three parts: the first part tells of El Cid's exile, the second part of his military successes against the Moors, and the third part of his return to Castile and reinstatement as a hero.
The poem is a valuable source of information about medieval Spanish history and culture. It provides insights into the social, political, and military aspects of life in medieval Spain, as well as the values and ideals of the time. The poem also contains many vivid descriptions of battles, sieges, and other military events.
The Poem of My Cid is a masterpiece of medieval Spanish literature and has been translated into many languages. It is considered a national epic of Spain and is widely read and studied in the country.