Don Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as El Cid Campeador, is considered a national hero in Spain. El Cid (the name comes from the Arabic meaning 'my lord'), was an essential figure in the long fight against the invasion of the 'Moors' in the Iberian Peninsula. A nobleman, military leader, and popular folk hero, El Cid had a profound impact in Spain's history and literature. His life, during a time when honor, faith and loyalty were very important, served as inspiration for the epic poem El cantar de Mio Cid that solidified his reputation as a national icon. This poem is considered one of the greatest works in Spanish literature and cemented the importance of Spanish as a universal language.

Click play to learn more about this legendary Spanish hero!