A Spanish national hero

DESCRIPTION OF A LEGENDARY SPANISH CHARACTER…

...who was born of the minor nobility, was educated in the royal Castilian court and became an important general and administrator, fighting against the Moors in the early Reconquista. Later exiled by King Alfonso VI, he left service in Castile and worked as a mercenary general for other rulers, both Moor and Christian. Late in life, he captured the Mediterranean coastal city of Valencia, ruling it until his death in 1099. (reference).

This is the description that my students have done for you to draw your pictures:

Our character is special because it mixes reality with legend. We will start with his description:

He was a brave and warrior man. He used to wear a beard like most of the men of his time. He is always pictured with an armor, a cape and his sword and helmet. His two most precious assets were his sword and his horse to which he even gave a proper name.

But he wasn´t only a warrior; he also was a family man with a wife and children. He comes from the northeast of Castile, a Spanish region and he is mainly known for his warrior exploits. Despite being considered a hero, he did not always have it easy.

We hope to be helpful with this description to elaborate your drawings.

Now you can find out:

1.- The name of his sword and horse.

2.- The name he was given as a national hero and its meaning.

3.- Something about him that it is part of the Legend.

4.- Where do you have to go to visit his tomb.