This volume combines dozens of historical, Moorish, and romantic Spanish ballads with the story of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (1043-1099) - known as El Cid Campeador ("The lord-master of military arts") - a Castilian nobleman, military leader, and diplomat exiled from the court of Alfonso VI. El Cid went on to command a Moorish force that defeated the Christians at Sagrajas, and was later recalled to service by Alfonso VI and became his most valuable asset in the fight against the Moors.