Scribd
Upload
13 views1 page

Factsheets

The medieval period, spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century, is divided into three phases: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages, each marked by significant cultural and social changes. Medieval literature features various genres such as epic poetry, romance, and morality plays, often focusing on themes of heroism, faith, and courtly love. 'The Poem of the Cid' exemplifies medieval epic poetry, telling the story of El Cid's loyalty, battles for honor, and the eventual restoration of his status after overcoming personal and familial challenges.

Uploaded by

Krissa Jean King
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views1 page

Factsheets

The medieval period, spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century, is divided into three phases: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages, each marked by significant cultural and social changes. Medieval literature features various genres such as epic poetry, romance, and morality plays, often focusing on themes of heroism, faith, and courtly love. 'The Poem of the Cid' exemplifies medieval epic poetry, telling the story of El Cid's loyalty, battles for honor, and the eventual restoration of his status after overcoming personal and familial challenges.

Uploaded by

Krissa Jean King
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

The medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, it spanned roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century in Europe.
 Dark Ages and the Age of Religion.
 “Medieval” is the Latin term for the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages can be split up into three periods.
1. Early Middle Ages- This period saw the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the emergence of various
Germanic kingdoms in Europe.
2. High Middle Ages- This era witnessed significant cultural, economic, and social advancements in Europe.
3. Late Middle Ages- This period was marked by significant events such as the Black Death, the Hundred Years'
War, and the beginning of the Renaissance.

Medieval Literature
 medieval literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including epic poetry, romance literature,
allegorical poetry, religious literature, and more.
 Literature in medieval times centered around religious stories, moral teachings, and romantic courtly love.
Medieval Literature Genres
 Chivalric Love Themes in Medieval Literature
 Heroes and heroines
 Arthurian romance
 Myth, monsters and the
 Morality Play imagination
 Fantasy  Language and Voice
 Travel literature  Faith and religion
 Fabliau  Gender and sexuality
 Medieval mysticism  Form and genre
 Epic
 Bestiary
 Allegory
 Dream Visions

"The Poem of the Cid" (Spanish: "El Cantar del Mio Cid") is one of the most significant works of Medieval Spanish
literature, and it serves as a prime example of the epic poetry of the period. Composed in the 12th century, it is
considered one of the earliest and greatest works of Spanish literature.

Summary of El Cid
The epic begins by celebrating the heroic deeds of the Cid. Although he has performed nobly in battle for King
Alfonso, others are envious of his success and, by lying, persuade the king to banish him. He spends three years, in exile,
fighting Alfonso's enemies. Finally, his friends persuade the king to repeal his banishment, and the Cid is welcomed back.
Despite his unjust banishment, El Cid remains loyal to his king and sets out on a series of adventures to regain his honor
and win back the favor of the king. He embarks on a series of military campaigns against the Moors in Spain, winning
several battles and earning a reputation as a formidable warrior and leader. Along the way, he also demonstrates his
generosity and magnanimity by helping those in need and forgiving his enemies when they repent.
Meanwhile, back in Castile, the Counts of Carrion seek to marry El Cid's daughters to advance their own social
status. El Cid agrees to the marriages, hoping to secure alliances, but the Counts mistreat his daughters and abandon them
in a humiliating manner. So, they arrange to take their wives on a journey to Cart-ion. On the way they stop in a lonely
place, strip the ladies, and beat them until they are bloody and senseless. The Heirs then leave them for dead in the Oak
Wood of Corpes. Fortunately, the ladies are found by one of the Cid's loyal kinsmen. El Cid seeks justice from the king,
who agrees to a trial by combat. El Cid's sons-in-law are defeated, and his honor is restored.
In the end, King Alfonso realizes his mistake in exiling El Cid and invites him back to his court, where he is
received with great honor and respect. The epic ends with the second marriage of the two daughters, this time to the kings
of Navarre and Aragon. Since these husbands are of higher status than the others, the marriage is an even greater honor for
the Cid.

You might also like