“A Song of My Syd” ( Spanish: Cantar de mío Cid , the title “ A Song of Side ” is common in Russian translation editions) is a monument of Spanish literature , an anonymous heroic epic , written (after 1195 , but before 1207 ) by an unknown Hooglar singer .
| A song about my side | |
|---|---|
| Spanish Cantar de mío cid | |
| Genre | |
| Author | |
| Original language | Spanish |
| Date of first publication | |
The “Song of My Side” is close to historical truth to a greater extent than other monuments of the heroic epic; it gives a true picture of Spain both in the days of peace and in the days of war. She is distinguished by high patriotism .
The protagonist of the epos is the valiant Sid , a fighter against the Moors and a defender of popular interests. The main purpose of his life is the liberation of his native land from the Arabs . The historical prototype of Sid was the Castilian commander, a nobleman , the hero of the Reconquista Rodrigo (Rui) Diaz de Vivar (1040-1099), nicknamed Camppeador (“fighter”; “warrior”) for his courage.
Content
Writing History
The first fragments of the work began to take shape in the form of legends during the life of a nobleman in the XI century. The full text of the poem was composed in the middle of the XII century, more precisely in the 40s. The entire work was recorded at the end of the XII - beginning of the XIII century. The only surviving original is the manuscript of 1207, greatly corrupted. The poem was first published no earlier than the 18th century .
Contents
Part one. Expulsion of Sid. (verses 1-1086)
The first chapter of the poem is lost; its retelling is given in a brief prosaic form. On false charges, Sid was expelled from Castile by King Alfons VI . Rodrigo says goodbye to his wife, Dona Jimena , and daughters, Elvira and Sol. Being in adverse conditions, Sid collects a detachment of soldiers, scores a series of victories over the Moors, captures prey, part of which he sends as a gift to the king who has banished him, honestly fulfilling his vassal duty.
Part two. The wedding of the daughters of Sid. (verses 1087-2277)
Rodrigo captures Valencia and repels the attacks of the Almoravids. Having obtained a very solid booty, Sid gives part to the king and offers to unite. Touched by the gifts and valor of Sid, Alphonse VI forgives the exile and allows his family to move to Valencia. The king wooes his daughters, his noble infants de Carrion, for his daughters. The wedding lasts two weeks.
Part three. Insult in the Korpes forest (verses 2278–3730)
Sid's sons-in-law are treacherous and cowardly. Once, when Sid was sleeping, a lion burst out of the cage in the city. All subjects, except the infants, rushed to defend Rodrigo, the same hid. For this they were ridiculed. Infants suffer resentment and decide to take revenge. They take Sid's daughters to the forest, where they beat them half to death. Rodrigo Diaz decides to answer according to the law. In court, which is personally led by the king, the nobleman seeks a full return of property and a duel with the Infants, three by three. In a judicial duel , Sid's fighters win. Worthy suitors now marry his daughters - the infants of Navarra and Aragon . There is praise to Sid, who not only defended his honor, but also became related to the Spanish kings.
Discrepancy with the real prototype
Despite the fact that the work accurately reflects real events, it has a number of minor differences. Contrary to historical truth, Sid is depicted as a knight with vassals and not belonging to the highest nobility. In fact, the nobleman was a representative of the upper strata of the Castilian nobility. In the difficult time of exile, Sid was not so principled and served as a mercenary for both Christians and Moors. In the poem, this is omitted to idealize the image of the Reconquista fighter. Rodrigo Diaz was not as disinterested as shown in the work. As a typical feudal lord, he thought not only about the good of the king, but also about his own good.
Links
- A Song of My Side (PDF) (Spanish)