An exciting study of historical fiction with very interesting content. Rodrigo Díaz lived a vividly colored life in 11th century Spain. As an ambitious military leader, exile, and violent mercenary, he served Christian kings, fought against Christian princes alongside Muslim rulers, launched raids and killed Muslims, and eventually created an independent principality. Although Rodrigo as a man has long been dead, El Cid continues to live on: as a superhero, almost a saint, as the "spirit of Spain" according to military dictator Franco, and as a defender of medieval Spanish multiculturalism. Nora Berend reveals how El Cid has been transformed over the centuries, addressing the gap between truth and legend and examining how a military adventurer became a hero for people at opposite ends of the political spectrum. What is it about this man that attracts us? And why do we transform the most unsuitable people into heroes? Let the real El Cid emerge. Nora Berend’s new book covers almost a thousand years of history and fiction surrounding this 11th century warrior... and presents all the delectable ironies of history.