Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar lived in Spain during the 11th Century. He was brought up near a Carthusian monastery. Rodrigo was destined to become a legendary military leader and diplomat known as El Cid Campeador, a Spanish hero. Like many legends much of the story is steeped in myth and a number of versions arise.
Babieca, El Cid's Charger
A number of versions surround the story of how Rodrigo came to own his magnificent white charger. One version is that it was a gift from his godfather, a monk by the name of Pedro El Grande who was like a second father to the boy. When Rodrigo came of age his godfather granted him the pick of a herd of Andalusian horses. Carthusian monks were renowned for their horsemanship. They reared a breed of horse which was reputed to be the best across the Spanish Peninsula so when the boy chose a frail, sickly white foal his godfather is alleged to have cried out 'Babieca' meaning stupid, astounded at the boy's lack of judgment. Rodrigo stuck with his choice and called the foal Babieca.
Another version of the story tells how Rodrigo captured a magnificent white stallion during a fight with the Moors. El Cid Campeador, as Rodrigo was now known, called for the stallion to be brought out for him to try, but it was as much as the grooms could do to saddle the magnificent beast. Ignoring calls for him to be careful, El Cid, clad in light armour leapt upon the horse's back. The stallion leapt forward like an arrow release from a bow, bucking and rearing in an attempt to unseat his rider. Eventually the stallion was broken and over the coming months became a firm favourite of El Cid's. As much as he loved the horse he offered the animal to the King, Alfonso of Castile saying, 'There isn't another charger in the whole wide world as good as he and who should have the best if not the King?' At which point he leapt upon the white charger and touched him gently with his spurs. Babieca leapt forward changing direction time and again at the lightest touch of the reins. Finally El Cid brought the horse to a standstill in front of the King and said, 'Now he is yours, if you wish my king.' After staring at El Cid for a while the king slowly shook his head. 'No,' he said. 'It would be a shameful thing if I were to part such a magnificent horseman from such a fearless steed. Mount, mount again, my Cid.'
A third version of the story tells how the King gave Rodrigo the white horse. A knight wished to become the King's champion and challenged El Cid. Wishing to see a fair fight, King Alfonso gave Rodrigo the horse, Babieca from his own stable.
El Cid's Final Battle
Which ever version of the story is true; Babieca grew into a magnificent white charger who went on to carry his master into battle for thirty years. Perhaps the most memorable battle in which Babieca carried his master was El Cid's last.
Having been fatally wounded in a skirmish with the Moors, El Cid Campeador, which in Arabic means My Lord, the Champion of Warriors, made his way back to camp. Unfortunately El Cid died of his wounds. Knowing that the Moors would attack in earnest knowing that the 'one who filled them with dread' was dead, El Cid's body was dressed in his armour. He was placed on the back of Babieca, his sword, 'Tizona' was tied to his hand and 'he' led his men at full gallop towards the massed enemy's army.
As El Cid rode towards the Moors looking neither to his right or his left, the enemy panicked thinking he had been raised from the dead. In a hail of arrows they fled to their ships.
After the battle, Babieca carried the body of his master to Castile, escorted by 1200 knights, where King Alfonso VI paid his respects to the fallen hero.
El Cid was originally buried in the monastery of San Pedro de Cardena. His faithful charger Babieca was never ridden again and died 2 years after his master at the age of 40.
Babieca was buried in front of the monastery gates and 4 elms were planted over his grave.
El Cid's sword, Tizona is currently on display at the Museum of Burgos.
Sources:
- The Quest for El Cid by Richard A. Fletcher
- Artbycrane.com
- Playwithhorses.com
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