The Poem of the Cid (The Song of the Cid)

The Cid’s beard is a symbol of strength, maturity, and masculinity in the text. The Cid is referred to as “the bearded Warrior” (65), as it is a distinguishing feature on the man. The beard is a basic symbol of masculinity, for a boy cannot yet grow a beard. For the Cid, it is much more than a sign of his masculinity, however. The fact that no man has pulled on it or cut it demonstrates that the Cid has never been “dominated” by another in battle or elsewhere, and it is a source of pride for him. Conversely, the Cid mocks Don García at court, reminding him of a time when “every single Moorish boy” (219) took their turn pulling Don García’s beard after his defeat. If the beard symbolizes a man’s strength, to pull on it would be an enormous insult and humiliation.

Throughout the epic, the Cid’s beard seems to grow as his reputation does, becoming a symbol of his increasing success and stature. As the Cid’s beard keeps growing in tandem with his victories, he decides to let it grow “because of [his] love for King Alfonso” (91), with the beard doubling as a symbol of his loyalty.