Don Rodrigo Díaz of Vivar enjoyed the favor of Don Alfonso, King of León and Castile, until others spoke ill of him. When he was banished from the kingdom, he set out forthwith to do great deeds. So great were his victories in war that he was given the name "Cid Campeador," which means "the Lord Champion." At last he set out for the Spanish city of Valencia, held by the Moors, and conquered and entered it. This was so great an achievement that he was restored to the king's good graces. Immediately after this the Moors, under the King of Morocco, attacked the city, but the Cid routed them and earned even greater renown for himself. He then proceeded to send gifts to the king. His emissaries were his nephews Minaya Alvar Fáñez and Pedro Vermúdez.

This great Spanish hero is reputed to be a real person who lived in the eleventh century. The author of a twelfth century poem about him is unknown, but it is claimed that much of it is reasonably true to fact. Since then many poets and dramatists have told his story.

From Hero Tales From Many Lands