The Lay of the Cid

Rendered in vigorous English rhymed couplets, this early‑twelfth‑century Spanish epic brings the legend of Rodrigo Díaz, known as the Cid, to modern ears. The translation preserves the original’s rhythm of seven iambic feet, letting the battle cry and courtroom drama pulse with a musical momentum. Listeners are introduced to a world where honor, exile, and the clash of cultures shape a hero who straddles the line between knightly chivalry and plain‑spoken resolve.

The narrative opens with the Cid’s forced banishment from Castile, thrusting him onto the turbulent frontiers of the Iberian Peninsula. As he rides into battle against Moorish forces and navigates the treacherous politics of his own court, his skill with sword and word earns both allies and enemies. Amid the clashing swords and heated assemblies, the epic explores the Cid’s determination to restore his reputation, protect his family, and prove that true loyalty can survive exile.