El Cid
El Cid (1043-99), original name Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar Spanish nobleman and legendary hero. From his brilliant military exploits both for and against the Moorish rulers of southern Spain he earned the title ‘El Cid’ (“The Lord’). Many legends gathered around his name, and he became a prominent character in Spanish romance and drama. Over 200 ballads celebrating his achievements have survived.
