Death of My Cid
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Snyder, Lee
Keywords
Medieval Spain, El Cid, Islam, Christianity
Area of Concentration
History
Abstract
This thesis consists of a literary and historical look at the life and times of Rodrigo Diaz, the successful Castilian warrior who became known to history as El Cid. Throughout the years there has been much controversy over whether he deserves his designation as Spain's national hero, or whether he was merely just a ruthless mercenary whose exploits have become enshrined in the cloak of legend. This work takes a middle approach, attempting to show that he did adhere to a moral code even if he was not the Crusading nationalist that some historians have made him out to be. The introduction shows that El Cid was a man of his times, yet he was also one who was faithful to his lord, despite the growing rifts between them. The fictional narrative presents two views of him, one as the peninsula's potential liberator, the other as its subjugator. Finally, the various appendices furnish historical information about what daily life was like in eleventh century Spain.
Recommended Citation
Shaheen, Tash, "Death of My Cid" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3306.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3306
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.