El Cid (epic poem)

"El Cid" is an epic poem from the 12th century, representing a cornerstone of Spanish literature. It narrates the life of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, a Christian knight who becomes a national hero for his military prowess during the Reconquista, the period when Christian kingdoms sought to reclaim territory from Muslim rule in Spain. The poem highlights themes of honor, loyalty, and heroism, depicting El Cid's adventures, his battles, and his struggles for justice, ultimately serving as a cultural symbol of Spanish identity and values in a time of conflict and coexistence.