Spanish Epic Poetry

• The texts provide information and context for several works of Spanish literature, including "El Poema de Fernán González," "El Cantar de mio Cid," "La Crónica" de Alfonso, "El Romancero Nuevo," "El Cantar de Sancho II, Cerco de Zamora," "El Cantar de los Siete Infantes de Lara," and "El Cantar de Ronsévalles," and discusses the broader characteristics of Spanish epic poetry

El Poema de Fernán González

• An epic poem from "Cantar de los Cantares" narrates the deeds of Fernán González, a key figure in 10th-century Castile
• It highlights Fernán González's virtues like courage, honor, and loyalty, and his role in uniting Castilian territories
• Set against the backdrop of Christian-Muslim conflicts in the Iberian Peninsula
• It exemplifies the narrative style of its time with rich language and poetry, contributing to Castile's cultural identity
• Fernán González is depicted as a leader who faced challenges from Muslims and rival Christian kingdoms, demonstrating bravery and commitment to Castile

El Cantar de mio Cid

• It's a foundational work of Spanish literature and the first major epic poem in Castilian
• Portrays Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, or El Cid, as a Castilian knight striving to regain his honor after being exiled by King Alfonso VI
• Divided into three parts: El destierro del Cid, la conquista de Valencia, and el regreso a casa, exploring loyalty, honor, justice, and identity
• It reflects medieval society and customs, depicting El Cid as a valiant figure in 11th-century Castile, highlighting themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for identity

La Crónica de Alfonso

• Also known as "Crónica de Alfonso X el Sabio," is a historical work about the life, times and customs of medieval society including culture and science
• Alfonso X, king of Castile and León in the 13th century, sought to preserve the history and customs of his era
• Alfonso X gathered scholars to compile information from various sources, reflecting life in the Middle Ages
• It covers politics, religion, science, and customs of the time, narrating battles, alliances, and the lives of key figures in the kingdom
• It promoted knowledge and education and is remembered as a symbol of the union of culture and power

El Romancero Nuevo

• Refers to a collection of ballads written by cultured poets during the 16th and 17th centuries representing an evolution of traditional medieval ballads
• Traditional ballads like "Romancero Viejo" originated in the Middle Ages through oral tradition from anonymous authors
• From the 16th century poets began imitating and recreating these ballads
• Unlike "Romancero Viejo", "Romancero Nuevo" has recognized authors like Lope de Vega, Góngora and Quevedo.
• While maintaining traditional themes such as love stories and epic deeds, it explores new themes, including courtly, historical, and mythological subjects
• The poets employ more refined language and complex literary devices like metaphors and wordplay
• Diffused through loose leaflets and major collections "Romancero General"
• It maintains a strong connection with medieval literature by recapturing romance form: octosyllabic verses with assonant rhyme
• Many romances in the "nuevos" era are inspired by epic medieval themes

El Cantar de Sancho II, Cerco de Zamora

• Sancho II of León, known as "Sancho el Fuerte," was the eldest son of King Fernando I who divided his kingdom upon death
• Sancho aspired to unify all territories under his rule, leading to conflict with his brothers
• Sancho besieged Zamora, controlled by his brother Alfonso VI
• Doña Aldora, Sancho II's sister, conspired with Zamora's inhabitants to betray her brother
• During the siege Sancho II was assassinated by Vellido Dolfos
• Alfonso VI, who already governed Castile, inherited the kingdom of León
• The death of Sancho II is a symbol of division and internal violence
• "El Cantar de Sancho II celebrated his bravery but also showed the tragic consequences of dynastic conflicts and family betrayals

El Cantar de los Siete Infantes de Lara

• A medieval song narrates the tragic story of the seven Lara brothers, members of a noble family who suffered a series of betrayals and revenges
• The father of the infants Fernán González was a respected man, one day the seven sons are involved in an altercation
• The infantes de Lara got into conflict with Count Gonzalo Gustios, and he plotted to kill them
• Gonzalo Gustios organizes an attack to kill the seven brothers, and while hunting they were ambushed and captured by Gonzalo's soldiers they were killed without compassion
• The death of the seven brothers of Lara shocks medieval society, their deaths were honorable
• Doña Sancha, mother to the infants, started a campaign to avenge her sons deaths
• Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (future Cid Campeador), intervenes in the fight, and justice is attained while the traitor, receives justice, with family honor partially returned

El Cantar de Ronsévalles

• A medieval epic poem forming part of the Carolingian cycle
• Narrates the battle of Ronsévalles in 778, when the army of King Carlos Magno was ambushed in the Pyrenees
• The poem is centered in hero Rolando, and in the treason and tragedy that surrounds the battle
• Charles the Great, King of the Franks, has been waging a series of wars on the Iberian Peninsula, trying to expand his empire to the south. After a successful campaign against the Muslims, the king decided to return to his kingdom, crossing the Pyrenees through the Ronsévalles pass
• Rolando is responsible for defending the mountain pass of Ronsévalles, Ganelón betrays Carlos's army and establishes a pact with the Muslim leader Marsilio who promises a reward for ambushing the Franks
• The Muslim army attacks the Frankish rearguard while at inferior numbers, Rolando faces adversity with courage and determination.
• In the heat of critical battle, Rolando sound his war horn the olifante, his temples are broken and he is aware that help will not come on time and Rolando and his men are defeated, with many of them dead, including Rolando himself
• Charles the Great returns to the Ronsévalles pass, only to find the bodies of his fallen people, among them that of his beloved nephew, that is a pain he feels immensely

La épica española

• Consists of stories and songs of heroic deeds, usually in the context of struggles for honor, kingdom, and defense of Christianity
• These are not just entertainment but are a means of transmitting values and legitimating power
• Spanish epic works generally center on heroes with qualities like valiance, loyalty, and honor and will face great adversity during the story
• Loyalty to the king, family, and religion are central
• Conflicts are often in the context of war
• Oral tradition and songs
• Nobility and kings are often focused on and highlighted
• The narratives highlight the fights for control of territory between muslims and christians