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The Feminity of the Jewish Men in the Cantar de mio Cid Young-keon Seo The Cantar de mio Cid is one of the earliest epics. The work narrates the events relating to the life of Castile's military leader, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, or the Cid. The two Jewish moneylenders, Rachel and Vidas are very interesting characters. Through the speech, manner, decision and actions imposed upon the characters of Rachel and Vidas, the Cantar de mio Cid paints them as though they were more like the women of the day than the men. The idealized men in the society organized for war are the Cid and Christian Castilian warriors referred to 'varones'. Rachel and Vidas don't follow the norms of the main society which encourage men to do in a manly way. They, representing the whole Jews of the time, reflect the demasculinization of Jewish men in the Castilian society. The language of Rachel and Vidas lacks force; they are powerless and incapable, and their gestures obedient and docile. They prefer the home to the battlefield, and live together in the house. They live a safe and comportable life, possibly engaging in homosexual behavior. By medieval standards, these figures are feminine. (Pusan National University / sardana@hanmail.net)