The Lay of the Cid: An Epic of the Spanish Reconquista

This is the epic Cid, who in the last quarter of the eleventh century was banished by Alphonso VI of Castile, fought his way to the Mediterranean, stormed Valencia, married his two daughters to the Heirs of Carrión and defended his fair name in parliament and in battle. Here in this national epic, we see not only El Cid the militaristic hero, but also the loyal subject, the man of faith, the loving father, in truth, aspects of his character that many do not see or care to pay enough attention to. Behold, the Christian hero who was pivotal to the Reconquista, recovering Christian lands lost to invading Islamic forces.