The Lay of the Cid,

The Lay of the Cid

Level
A2
Words
43,942
Chapters
4
Reading time
about 5 hours
Translation
instant AI translation as you read

Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary

The Lay of the Cid is a medieval Spanish epic poem recounting the exploits of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid. It tells of his exile, his victories in battle, and his efforts to restore his honor. The poem is characterized by heroic deeds and vivid descriptions. Although written in verse, this prose translation offers clear narrative lines. It provides learners with an introduction to epic storytelling and historical vocabulary.

Learn English with The Lay of the Cid

  • Suits learners around level A2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
  • 4,176 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
  • Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.

How it works

  1. Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
  2. Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
  3. Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.

More about the method

Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.

Questions about this book

Can I read The Lay of the Cid in English for free?

Yes. The first chapters of The Lay of the Cid open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.

How much English do I need?

The text is estimated at level A2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.

Is there audio?

Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.