Anonymous · 1200 · overland
The great medieval Castilian epic, composed around 1200, recounting the deeds of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, El Cid. Unjustly exiled from Castile by his king, the Cid rides east into the frontier lands, winning battles and booty, until he takes the rich Moorish city of Valencia and rules it in triumph, only for a fresh betrayal to test his honour once more. The route crosses Spain from Castile to the Mediterranean and back.
- 1Burgos
Banished from Castile by King Alfonso, the Cid leaves his home near Burgos, where the frightened townsfolk dare not even shelter him, and rides into exile with his loyal band.
- 2Alcocer
Along the valley of the Jalon he campaigns through the Moorish frontier, taking towns such as Alcocer and growing rich and famous on the spoils of war.
- 3Valencia
After long siege he conquers the great city of Valencia by the sea, the height of his glory, and sends gifts to the king who exiled him, hoping for reconciliation.
- 4Corpes
His daughters are wed to the cowardly princes of Carrion, who, resenting the Cid, beat the women and abandon them in the oak wood of Corpes, a grievous insult to his house.
- 5Toledo
The Cid seeks justice at the king's court in Toledo, where his honour is vindicated, his enemies are beaten in single combat, and his daughters are wed at last to worthier men.