The Poem of the Cid

"El Poema de Mio Cid", or "The Poem of the Cid", is the oldest preserved Spanish epic poem, thought to date to before the thirteenth century. The author of the poem is unknown, and there is some debate as to whether it can be attributed to one or many individuals. The story probably began as an oral tradition passed down by generation, recounting the exploits of an exiled soldier during the Spanish Reconquista who regained his honor in battle against the Moorish armies and in conquest of Va...