The Cid is exiled because his enemies have turned King Alfonso against him. This, according to custom, gives Rodrigo the right to earn a living for himself and his followers, to claim authority over whatever territory he conquers, and even to wage war against his former lord. Essentially, by exiling him, Alfonso has relieved him of his obligations as a vassal.

These obligations revolve around fidelity, loyalty, and support. The Cid continues to act as a superbly successful vassal, sending Alfonso rich spoils from his conquered territories and humbling himself through his messengers. When restored to the king's favor, he defers to Alfonso's wishes, even when they conflict

The Cid's central duty in the poem, however, is as a vassal and champion of Alfonso. It is interesting to note that when Garcia Ordonez questions the Cid's exploits, Alfonso counters by saying that Rodrigo is doing him more honor that Garcia, by conquering, however savagely, Moorish lands. Even before he agrees to the Cid's return, Alfonso admits that the Cid is acquitting himself marvelously. When he does return the Cid to favor, he constantly acknowledges the greatness of his conquests. He even allows him to name the time of meetings, and in many ways treats him as an equal, rather than a relatively low-born vassal.

rls' clothes, beat them senseless with their riding crops, and left them to the wild animals of the forest. Luckily, one of the Cid's followers found them and took them home.

Like many if not most medieval literary works, the Poem of the Cid can be read on various levels and interpreted in several, often complementary ways. The preceding analysis emphasizes the superficial level, on which the focus is on the Cid's loyalty and greatness as a vassal. This is the traditional level of interpretation and was the official one during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco since it is a glorification of "The Leadership Principle."

This of course does not mean that the Cid is a coward. In fact, his bravery is legendary. However, he has achieved fame and honor, and allows his vassals to do the same. Minaya often asks for the distinction of leading a second wing of the attack in battle. The Cid's willingness to accept this plan proves Minaya's loyalty, especially since he never becomes boastful or arrogant, as well as the Cid's generous nature to his vassals.

der their late lord. I could expand much more on this level. The leitmotif of the poem is "What a worthy vassal if only he had a worthy lord!" The first level of the poem emphasizes the Cid's worthiness, and the second level the worthlessness of Alfonso.

Some topics in this essay:
King Alfonso, True Cid, Garcia Ordonez, Poem Cid, Almoravide Empire, Alfonso Cid, Alfonso Cid's, Cid Alfonso, Cid Finally, Muslims Cid, king alfonso, poem cid, cid's daughters, vassal cid, cid's vassals, historical context, level interpretation, ideal lord, alfonso treated, king king,