Written by Mr. Mouseburger 26th Aug 2005

Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar is the legendary warrior known as El Cid, who is fighting to keep Valencia under the control of his king in the wake of a Moorish onslaught, led by Ben Yussuf.

Rodrigo (from here on in referred to as the Cid) is something of a hero to the people who follow him, and they are dismayed when the Cid is hit in the chest with an arrow. Like all heroes though, he manages to fight on and come nightfall the Moors are once again repelled. The Cid is in bad shape though and his medics suggest that they can save his life by removing the arrow, but he will have to rest a few days. Knowing that if he is not there to lead his men, the city will fall, the Cid refuses and condemns himself to death.

Like all men, El Cid is a right wuss when there is a woman to nurse over him
Before dying though, the Cid makes his wife and the King (Alfonso) promise him that they will tether him to his horse so he can lead out his men. They both agree, and next morning the people of Valencia are relieved to see the Cid trotting out onto the field of battle beside Alfonso.


El Cid tries the latest in orthopedic lumbar support
The reaction of the Moors is somewhat less enthusiastic. Having thought they killed this talismanic leader, the Moors are distraught to see him charging at them on his steed. They rout and, as the narrator says, "the Cid rode out of history and into legend"


Now that is what i call an epic hero pose!