Stellar Reading Medieval Times

Chapter 6

THE ANDALUSIAN HORSE

abieca is one of Rodrigo’s prized possessions. She has

B saved his life twice by carrying him to safety. Why is

Babieca such a magnificent horse? She is an Andalusian.
The Spanish horse can be traced back to prehistoric times.
Cave paintings of horses have been discovered on the Iberian
Peninsula dating between 20,000 and 30,000 B.C. When the
Moors invaded Spain in the 8th century, they brought Barb horses
with them. These horses were bred with the native Iberian horses
in the province of Andalusia. Their offspring are considered the
foundation of the modern Andalusian.
The Andalusian dis-
played the ultimate in
courage, agility, and cunning
when it faced challenges dur-
ing warfare. The horse was
trained to be one with the
rider. This, combined with
quickness and intelligence,
made it the horse of choice
among the wealthier knights.
During the time of El Cid,
the Andalusian was prized
not only for its ability on the

battlefield, but also for its proud yet docile temperament. In

later years, when the knights were more heavily armored, the
Andalusian horse fell out of favor and was briefly displaced
as the most popular warhorse. However, with the introduc-
tion of firearms, the Andalusian again became the horse of
choice for cavalry officers.
The Andalusian soon became the “royal horse of
Europe,” present in every court. Grand riding academies
were formed in countries across Europe. It was in these
academies that dressage began and flourished. Dressage was
the natural development of the maneuvers of war into a more
peaceful art form. Training these fine horses to dance became
the art and pastime of royalty, and the Andalusian was the
unmatched master of this new skill. The Andalusian was
well suited for this art because it was sensitive and, above all,
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Chapter 6

intelligent. When it was

treated with respect and
care, the horse learned
quickly what was expected
of it.
One of the unique
physical characteristics of
these horses is that they are
born brown and, as they
mature, most turn white.
Hermana was brown
because she was still young,
and her coat had not yet
turned to white. Babieca is
brown when Rodrigo
receives her as a gift from
Prince Sancho, but later she
turns pure white.
Andalusian horses are rare today. There are only about 12,000 pure Andalusians in the whole
world. The Andalusian horses that are part of the show at Medieval Times are bred at Chapel Creek
Ranch in Sanger, Texas. The 241-acre ranch, owned by Medieval Times, has been breeding rare
Andalusians since 1992. When the horses are young, they are introduced to halters. By the age of two
years, they are ready for simple training. This includes lunging, which is teaching a horse to turn in
tight circles, work on long reins, and introduction to a saddle. By the time the horses are three, they are
finished with basic training and are transported to a Medieval Times location to become featured per-
formers.

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El Cid: Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6: BANISHMENT
hen I returned to Zaragoza after the vow I had made to El Cid never to fight against King

W Ferdinand’s subjects again, I kept my word. My father was angry at the vow I had taken,
but he soon saw opportunity waiting on the northern frontier, and our armies set out to
attack Aragon. The peace I had hoped for in that moment when I swore my oath to El Cid proved to
be as elusive as the smoke of our camp, which we watched ascend and disappear into the night sky.
It would seem that fortune had smiled on Rodrigo again, when he became the king’s champion,
but it did not take long for fortune’s wheel to turn again…

For three long years after Rodrigo was made the king’s
champion, he fought at Prince Sancho’s side. There was always a
battle somewhere—sometimes it was defending the hard-won
Alcocer, sometimes it was fighting the Moors of Toledo along the
southern frontier, and sometimes it was even fighting against the
king’s brother Ramiro, as Aragon struggled to increase its borders.
Ironically, sometimes Rodrigo and I fought against the same foe,
he harassing Aragon from the west and I doing so from the south.
Prince Sancho and Rodrigo were visiting the city Calahorra
when word reached them that King Ferdinand had died. Rodrigo
and the prince departed at once to return to Burgos. It was fifty
dusty miles by horseback over rough roads, so it took them three
days to reach the capital.
When they finally arrived at the palace, the prince went
immediately to the chapel, where King Ferdinand’s body was
lying in state. The king was dressed in a rich red velvet robe embroidered with the golden emblems of
Castile and Leon, his face as pale as wax in the dim light of the candles that surrounded him. The
prince knelt reverently beside his father and began to pray.
“Do not fret, my son,” came the voice of the priest, as he laid a hand on the prince’s shoulder.
“His end was quick and peaceful.”
“My father would have liked to die in battle,” said Prince Sancho. “He believed that riding forth
at the head of his troops was the best end for a king.” The prince rose stiffly to his feet, exhausted
after the long journey. “Well, perhaps that will be my end when I am given the triple crown.”
A soft voice spoke from the shadows beyond the candle’s
light, “Ah, but dear brother, you will never be crowned king of
the three kingdoms. Father, in his final days, saw the wisdom of
dividing his kingdom among his three children. He left Castile
to you, but he gave Leon and Asturias to me. He believed that
this was the best way to avoid rivalry such as he had with his brother, King Ramiro.”
Prince Sancho whirled around to face Prince Alfonso. “And who could have made him believe
such a foolish thing? Only you and your poison tongue, Alfonso. Did you promise that if he left you
part of the kingdom that you would never raise arms against me? It’s too bad our father never knew
you as I do—that you are a natural liar and have never kept a promise in your life.”
“Watch what you say to me, Sancho,” said Prince Alfonso. “I no longer have to listen to your
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insults. I, too, will be a king now, of Leon and Asturias, and I will not tolerate your insolent tongue.”
Prince Sancho drew his knife, Alfonso drew his, and the two lunged at each other. Prince Sancho
had no fear of his brother, believing him to be a coward and having faced many foes in battle, but
someone had schooled Alfonso in how to use a knife, and he only narrowly missed putting out his
brother’s eye, as he slashed a ragged gash down the side of Prince Sancho’s face.
Prince Sancho would have killed his brother then, but Rodrigo caught his hand. “This is not the
way to honor your father, my lord. This is neither the time or place.”
During the pause, the old priest had stepped between the brothers, his hands raised, and cried,
“For shame! If your father could see you now, he would know that neither one of you is worthy of
becoming king. Now leave this holy ground and think of what your father would want from each of
you. He divided the kingdom to avoid this endless fighting between brothers; now I suggest you sit
down together and find a way to reach a peace between you.”
Both princes left the chapel at once, but it was clear that nei-
ther one of them intended to keep the peace.
The two Christian brothers fought each other for five long
bloody years. While Castile and Leon were at war, the
Almoravide emir, ben Yusuf saw his chance to strike out across
the sea from Africa. He called my father to war council in
Valencia. I was no longer bound by my oath to King Ferdinand
and his subjects since the king had died, so I was called to the
council too. I still felt bound by the oath I had made to the Cid,
however, and as long as he lived, I did not feel free to fight against
his country, no matter who was king. My father did not see things
as I did and so I was compelled to ride at his side.
In the palace at Valencia, the war council convened. Al-
Quadir, the Valencian caliph, was dressed in silks and jewels
beyond price. Beside him sat the austere ben Yusuf. He was
dressed all in somber black without any ornamentation, but he
wore a rather splendid scimitar at his side.
“Praise Allah! You are welcome, my brothers,” said al-Quadir. “The Emir ben Yusuf has impor-
tant news for our ears alone.”
“Allah be praised, our moment has finally come,” said ben Yusuf. “Ever since King Ferdinand’s
death, the two young kings have done nothing but quarrel. Allah in his wisdom has willed it so. And
now Allah shall ordain that one Christian brother shall slay another.”
“How will this happen?” asked al-Quadir.
Ben Yusuf clapped his hands, and a veiled figure stepped into the room. Ben Yusuf signaled the
man to unveil his face, and a Christian knight I recognized from the siege of Alcocer stood before us.
His green eyes glittered with a thin chill in the lamplight, and I did not like the man, though I did not
know why.
“He will do the killing,” said ben Yusuf. “Word will spread that brother has killed brother, and
then, in the confusion, when the kingdom has been split in two, we will come upon them in their weak-
ness, and we will destroy them”
“It is a master strategy, my Lord,” said al-Quadir. I can find no flaw in it. Let the Christians
destroy themselves, and we will swoop in like falcons on the weakened prey.”
“When the time comes,” said ben Yusuf, I will need a safe place for my armies to disembark.
You must hold Valencia.”
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“Have no fear, my Lord. I will do so.”

“And you, al-Muqtadir, you must come to al-Quadir’s aid and help him hold Valencia if it is
attacked,” said ben Yusuf in a harsh voice of command that I did not like.
“Have no fear, my Lord,” answered my father. “My son and I will come to al-Quadir’s aid if we
are called.”
On the long journey home, I did not speak. All I could think of was the treacherous Christian
who planned to kill his king and plunge his country more deeply into war and the fierce Almoravide
ben Yusuf. I did not relish the plot in which I found myself embroiled, and yet I did not know how to
extricate myself, and so, as the days passed, the knot of intrigue seemed ever to tighten about me.
Soon after the war council in Valencia, King Alfonso left his war-torn lands in Leon to take up
residence with his sister Uracca, in Calahorra. Knowing that the dispute was between King Sancho
and himself, Alfonso mistakenly believed that his brother would not ride against their sister’s city.
King Sancho and his army quickly besieged Calahorra, thinking that Alfonso was cornered at last
and could at least be starved out of the castle, even if he would not have the courage to fight his broth-
er on the field of battle.
One cold, very dark night, as Sancho was playing chess with Rodrigo in his tent, the king’s guard
hailed a messenger.
“Who is it?” asked King Sancho. Then he saw, beyond the guard, a face he knew well. “What do
you want here, Vellido?”
Vellido stooped as he entered the tent and made a low bow. Rodrigo also rose to his feet, his
hand moving discreetly to his sword.
“I come as an emissary from your brother, my Lord. Your brother wants peace more than you do.
He is tired of running from city to city and tired of seeing our land torn apart by civil war. He is
grieved in his heart that your father’s wishes have been thwarted in this way and that what he sought
most to avoid by dividing the kingdom is what has come to pass. King Alfonso is willing to give up
Leon and considerable territory in Asturias if you will allow him to keep certain key lands and castles
for his maintenance.”
“And why, after all these years, should my brother suddenly be willing to do this for me? Even
though my father trusted you, Vellido, I do not, and I trust my brother even less.”
“Sire, if you will meet with your brother, he will sign over the triple crown to you. Certainly,
you can lose nothing by speaking with King Alfonso after all these years.”
“‘King Alfonso’ is a title I will never acknowledge,” spat King Sancho angrily.
“You will not have to, my Lord. Your brother has agreed to renounce the title of king and
become Prince Alfonso again. He asks only that you conclude this business tonight.”
Those were the words that blinded Sancho to any danger that lay ahead, for in the pride of his
heart, he longed for nothing more than to be the only king of the triple crown. And though he knew a
life of little else, he too was tired of fighting.
Rodrigo tried to reason with the king, but the latter felt his goal was too close now to allow any-
thing to stop him. And so, he set out accompanied by a small group of armed soldiers. It was a fierce
night, the wind was high and loud, and the restless sky was split with flashing lightning.
Rodrigo felt tense and ill at ease as he rode with the king’s troops within the shadow of the castle
walls. As they waited at the gate for the portcullis to be raised, a brilliant flash of lightning lit the sky.
In that split moment, Rodrigo saw hidden shapes in the shadows beneath the walls, and before he
could call out, the air sang with the sting of arrows. Without thinking, he plunged his sword deep into
Vellido’s heart, but it was too late—King Sancho was down, three arrows in his back. All was
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chaos, a melee of whinnying horses, thunder, and the surprised cries of the fallen. Rodrigo suddenly
slumped over his saddle, shot twice in the arm, and Babieca carried him away.

When Rodrigo awoke, he winced at the pain in his arm. He was light-
headed and unsure of where he was. There was a soft fur spread beneath him
and warm fire in a stone fireplace. He realized with a start that for the first time
in many months, he was not in a tent but inside palace walls. He saw a tall,
slender figure bending over some herbs and bowls of various sizes in the corner.
“Where am I?” His voice sounded strange, hoarse and unused.
The figure turned with a start. Framed in the firelight was the fair face
of the Princess Uracca.
“Rodrigo,” she smiled. “We have been so worried about you.”
Rodrigo struggled to rise but collapsed again as soon as he did so.
“Rodrigo, you must lie still. The arrows in your arm have been removed, but the wounds were
deep, and by the time we found you, you had lost a great deal of blood. The soaking you got in the rain
did not do you any good, either.”
“How did you find me, Highness?”
Uracca smiled. “It was that splendid horse of yours. She rode you right round to the south gate,
and when the guards called, “Who goes there?” she whinnied and snorted until they came down to see
what had happened.”
It was with a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach that Rodrigo remembered the fight in the
storm and the last sight he had had of King Sancho. “The King…?” He dared not finish the sentence.
Uracca’s smile faded. “Yes,” she said, “he is dead. But the man who led him to his bitter death is
dead too. Vellido died by your hand. My brother and I are grateful to you. Who knows where such
treason might have turned next.”
Rodrigo said nothing; he knew whose man Vellido had always been, and he also knew that
Vellido would never attempt such treachery unless moved to do so by another hand—a very wealthy
hand filled with plenty of Spanish gold.
For several days, Princess Uracca, attended by one of her ladies, visited each day and talked to
Rodrigo or read to him or sometimes, when he was tired, simply sat by his side, her head bent quietly
over her embroidery. Rodrigo would never know the simple happiness that Uracca knew in those tran-
quil hours.
Then one day, Rodrigo noticed an uneasiness about the princess that had not been there before.
Outside his room there seemed to be a great commotion about the palace, as though preparations for
some great event were taking place. When he tried to ask the princess, she changed the subject, said it
was just some tedious visitor from Aragon, or excused herself suddenly.
But Rodrigo could not be fooled. It was a great event, whatever it was, and the princess’s secre-
tiveness made him more curious than ever. One day, the princess did not come, the church bells were
clanging, and, as Rodrigo struggled to the window of his room, he saw the courtyard below laid with
elegant red Moorish carpets, which were used only for coronation ceremonies. With a flash of clarity
Rodrigo realized what the celebration was: a coronation for King Alfonso. He was to be given the
triple crown that King Sancho had desired so much.
An anger boiled up inside Rodrigo, and he quickly dressed in the scarlet tunic the princess had
left for him. It was far finer than anything that he had worn for years, but it was suitable for what he
had to do.
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When Rodrigo reached the courtyard, he saw it was filled with knights from the three kingdoms;
but the knights from Castile were gathered in the front. He saw in the distance some faces he knew
well, and he edged his way through the crowd until he was beside Father Jeronimo.
“Father Jeronimo, what is happening? Why are you here?” asked Rodrigo.
The priest turned in surprise. “Rodrigo? We all thought you were dead. How did you survive the
attack on King Sancho when everyone else died?”
“Babieca carried me to safety,” smiled Rodrigo.
“I always said that horse was the best soldier in the army,” laughed the priest, as he threw his arm
around Rodrigo.
Rodrigo winced at the pain in his arm as he repeated his question, “Why are you here?”
“All of the knights in King Sancho’s service have been summoned to swear allegiance to King
Alfonso. He has just been crowned in the cathedral and is coming here to demand our oath of fealty.”
Rodrigo looked the priest levelly in the eye and asked, “And do you plan to give it?”
Father Jeronimo sighed. “Yes, I do. The kingdom has been torn apart long enough. When I
gave up my church in Alcocer and decided to fight instead, I thought that I would never have enough
of fighting. But this Christian fighting against Christian—and brothers
too—it has the world’s oldest curse upon it. When brother fights with
brother, what can any man do?”
“And you do not worry that you may be swearing fealty to the very
man who killed the king you served?”
“Perhaps, in God’s wisdom, it was the only way to bring peace.”
“I will never believe that a brother’s murder is the will of God. I
will not be satisfied until Alfonso proves that he is innocent of his broth-
er’s blood.”
Father Jeronimo was about to say something more, when the trumpets sounded and the king’s
procession made its way to the dais, where the king was to speak. Rodrigo had not seen Alfonso for
five years, and the king seemed much more mature and commanding in stature than he had been
before. He seemed almost regal in his red robes and golden crown, but Rodrigo refused to let the
king’s appearance, however commanding, deter him from what he knew he must do.
King Alfonso took a parchment from the hand of a tall, mitered bishop, and read in a loud, clear
voice, “Before God and this assembly, I do freely forgive those who have warred against me. I prom-
ise to defend them and show them favor, even as I defend and show favor to those who were ever loyal
to me. This, my written oath, I entrust to this holy church.”
Alfonso rolled the scroll and gave it into the hands of the bishop with a bow. Then he turned
back to the crowd and continued speaking, “Castilians, God has called upon me to become your king.
I now call upon you to kneel before me in a sign of fealty.”
A ripple ran through the crowd as all the knights present kneeled—all but one. Rodrigo alone
refused to kneel before the new king.
King Alfonso scowled in anger as he saw Rodrigo standing in defiance of his express command.
“Rodrigo de Vivar,” he shouted, “why do you alone refuse me fealty?”
Rodrigo looked the king directly in the eye as he approached the dais. “All assembled here,
though none may say so, harbor the suspicion that you may have caused your own brother’s death.
Unless you can prove your innocence in this cause, you will have no loyal subjects. Your kingdom
will be torn by doubt and never find the peace that your father always wanted for it. Thus, I cannot
give you my fealty, nor own you as my liege.”
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The king was enraged at Rodrigo’s defiance, but he could sense the doubt begin to grow in the
crowd now that the forbidden thoughts had been spoken. “What will satisfy you of my innocence?”
“Your oath upon the Holy Book,” answered Rodrigo.
The king’s face turned red with anger. “You ask me to swear?”
“Sire, I do.”
Rodrigo had climbed upon the dais and taken the Holy Book from the priest who stood there.
King Alfonso glared into Rodrigo’s eyes, which met his fiery gaze with one of cold steel. All the
hatred and disappointment of the past years met in those locked eyes. “Do you swear that you had no
part in ordering King Sancho’s death?”
King Alfonso placed his hand upon the book. “I swear.”
The king tried to remove his hand from the book, but Rodrigo
slammed it back down. “If you are forsworn, may you die such a
death as your brother did, struck from behind by a traitor’s blow.
Now say amen.”
“Amen,” spat the king, as he pulled his hand away sharply.
The king was livid with anger, and the tension in the crowd was
palpable. No one knew how this standoff would end, and then Rodrigo surprised them all by kneeling
before the king and kissing his ring in humble submission. King Alfonso was not so easily forgiving,
however, and he pulled his hand fiercely from Rodrigo’s lips. Uracca hung her head, her heart heavy
with misgiving. It was from just this moment that she had tried to shield Rodrigo, and now it was ever-
lastingly too late. She felt a cold emptiness open up inside her, and she knew she would never know
happiness again.
It was not clear until the next day just how angry the king had been. His first royal act as king
was to banish Rodrigo, and the terms of his banishment were especially harsh. Throughout the king-
dom, heralds were sent to announce the king’s edict, which read:

By edict of our most illustrious sovereign King Alfonso,

King of Castile, Leon, and Asturias, be it known that
Rodrigo de Vivar has outraged the royal personage and is
hereby exiled for life. He has been accorded nine days
from this day to depart from the realm. Alone and with-
out men-at-arms he shall travel. All his property, goods,
lands, and privileges are hereby forfeit to the crown. All
vassals of the King are forbidden to supply him with
food or shelter or to speak to him. Let no man give him
aid.

There was one who refused to obey the king’s edict, one
whose courage matched Rodrigo’s. As Rodrigo walked out
into the barren countryside, he glimpsed a welcome sight in
the distance. At a wayside shrine, there was Gimena waiting
with Babieca beside her.

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Reading Comprehension El Cid: Chapter 6

Read the following questions and circle the letter of the answer that best completes it.

1. Rodrigo and Prince Sancho return to Burgos because

a. King Ferdinand needs help defending Burgos from a Moorish invasion.
b. King Ferdinand has died.
c. all the battles have ended.
d. Gimena is waiting for Rodrigo.

2. Prince Sancho fights Alfonso because

a. King Ferdinand gave him control of Castile but gave Alfonso control of Leon and Asturias.
b. Alfonso probably told King Ferdinand he would not raise arms against Prince Sancho if he
left him part of the kingdom.
c. King Ferdinand never knew Alfonso was a liar who never kept a promise in his life.
d. all of the above

3. Prince Sancho does not kill Alfonso because

a. Rodrigo catches his hand just in time.
b. the old priest reminds him that King Ferdinand wished to end the fighting between the two
brothers.
c. he thinks it is unfair that no one had schooled Alfonso in how to use a knife.
d. a and b
e. b and c

4. Ben Yusuf plans to weaken King Ferdinand’s kingdom with help from
a. al-Mutamin.
b. Rodrigo.
c. al-Quadir.
d. Vellido Dolphus.

5. Al-Mutamin is uneasy after the Valencia war council because

a. he does not think it is right for Vellido to kill his own king and plunge his country more
deeply into war.
b. he will have to break his oath to El Cid if Valencia is attacked.
c. he does not think the plan will work.
d. a and b
e. a, b, and c

6. King Sancho agrees to see King Alfonso because

a. he feels they should end their fighting after all these years.
b. he trusts Vellido, and, more importantly, he trusts his brother.
c. he is tired of fighting and he wants the triple crown so badly that he ignores the possibility of
danger.
d. he knows it will be dangerous, but he is willing to fight his brother again if necessary.

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Reading Comprehension El Cid: Chapter 6

7. After being wounded with arrows, Rodrigo is saved by

a. Babieca.
b. Princess Uracca.
c. al-Mutamin.
d. Vellido Dolphus.

8. When Rodrigo recovers, he learns that

a. King Sancho is dead and King Alfonso will get the triple crown.
b. Vellido Dolphus is dead.
c. King Alfonso is dead and King Sancho will get the triple crown.
d. a and b
e. b and c

9. At King Alfonso’s coronation, Father Jeronimo tells Rodrigo

a. he will never swear allegiance to King Alfonso.
b. he will give King Alfonso his oath of fealty to restore peace to the kingdom.
c. he wants to give up fighting and return to his church in Alcocer.
d. King Alfonso will apologize to all the knights in King Sancho’s service.

10. Rodrigo angers King Alfonso by

a. convincing the rest of King Sancho’s knights to refuse to kneel before him.
b. attacking the palace on the day of his coronation.
c. making him swear on the Bible that he was not responsible for King Sancho’s death.
d. escaping quietly from the palace so he will not have to swear his allegiance.

11. Rodrigo’s punishment is

a. execution.
b. loss of his property and exile from the kingdom for life.
c. community service.
d. imprisonment until he agrees to swear his allegiance.

12. As Rodrigo rides away, in the distance he sees

a. Babieca galloping toward him.
b. al-Mutamin coming to rescue him.
c. Princess Uracca with a few of his possessions.
d. Gimena leading Babieca beside her.

6.2
Vocabulary Medieval Times
El Cid: Chapter 6

Read the following sentences and see if you can figure out the meaning of the underlined vocabulary
words from the context. The sentences are listed in the order they appear in the story, so if you want
more context clues, you can look them up. Also, name the part of speech of each vocabulary word as it
is used in the sentence. When you finish, check your answers in the dictionary, and then write your
own sentence using the vocabulary word.

1. The peace I had hoped for in that moment when I swore my oath to El Cid proved to be as
elusive as the smoke of our camp, which we watched ascend and disappear into the night sky.
a. tangible b. intangible c. hazardous d. dirty
part of speech:
sentence:

2. Ironically, sometimes Rodrigo and I fought against the same foe, he harassing Aragon from the
west and I doing so from the south.
a. defending b. pestering c. escaping d. surrendering
part of speech:
sentence:

3. “Do not fret, my son,” came the voice of the priest, as he laid a hand on the prince’s shoulder.
“His end was quick and peaceful.”
a. rejoice b. help c. argue d. worry
part of speech:
sentence:

4. “I no longer have to listen to your insults. I, too, will be a king now, of Leon and Asturias, and I
will not tolerate your insolent tongue.”
a. royal b. respectful c. disrespectful d. noisy
part of speech:
sentence:

5. Prince Sancho drew his knife, Alfonso drew his, and the two lunged at each other.
a. leave b. thrust c. glared d. yelled
part of speech:
sentence:

6. My father did not see things as I did and so I was compelled to ride at his side.
a. forced b. free c. eager d. reluctant
part of speech:
sentence:

7. Beside him sat the austere ben Yusuf. He was dressed all in somber black without any ornamen-
tation, but he wore a rather splendid scimitar at his side.
a. gaudy b. lively c. severe d. impoverished
part of speech:
sentence:

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Vocabulary Medieval Times
El Cid: Chapter 6

8. Beside him sat the austere ben Yusuf. He was dressed all in somber black without any
ornamentation, but he wore a rather splendid scimitar at his side.
a. decoration b. honor c. exaggeration d. color
part of speech:
sentence:

9. “Ever since King Ferdinand’s death, the two young kings have done nothing but quarrel. Allah in
his wisdom has willed it so. And now Allah shall ordain that one Christian brother shall slay
another.”
a. forget b. request c. beg d. decree
part of speech:
sentence:

10. I did not relish the plot in which I found myself embroiled, and yet I did not know how to extri-
cate myself, and so as the days passed, the knot of intrigue seemed ever to tighten about me.
a. involved b. removed c. victimized d. fascinated
part of speech:
sentence:

11. I did not relish the plot in which I found myself embroiled, and yet I did not know how to
extricate myself, and so, as the days passed, the knot of intrigue seemed ever to tighten about me.
a. embroil b. explain c. enjoy d. free
part of speech:
sentence:

12. Vellido stooped as he entered the tent and made a low bow. Rodrigo also rose to his feet, his
hand moving discreetly to his sword.
a. obviously b. unnoticeably c. threateningly d. politely
part of speech:
sentence:

13. “He is grieved in his heart that your father’s wishes have been thwarted in this way and that what
he sought most to avoid by dividing the kingdom is what has come to pass.”
a. granted b. misunderstood c. foiled d. carried out
part of speech:
sentence:

14. “You will not have to, my Lord. Your brother has agreed to renounce the title of king and
become Prince Alfonso again. He asks only that you conclude this business tonight.”
a. request b. announce c. give up d. accept
part of speech:
sentence:

6.4
Vocabulary Medieval Times
El Cid: Chapter 6

15. Without thinking, he plunged his sword deep into Vellido’s heart, but it was too late—King
Sancho was down, three arrows in his back. All was chaos, a melee of whinnying horses, thun-
der, and the surprised cries of the fallen.
a. disorder b. chorus c. herd d. celebration
part of speech:
sentence:

16. Uracca smiled. “It was that splendid horse of yours. She rode you right round to the south gate,
and when the guards called, “Who goes there?” she whinnied and snorted until they came down
to see what had happened.”
a. useless b. wonderful c. evil d. nervous
part of speech:
sentence:

17. Rodrigo would never know the simple happiness that Uracca knew in those tranquil hours.
a. chaotic b. dreary c. peaceful d. brief
part of speech:
sentence:

18. The King was livid with anger, and the tension in the crowd was palpable.
a. justified b. lively c. calm d. fuming
part of speech:
sentence:

19. King Alfonso was not so easily forgiving, however, and he pulled his hand fiercely from
Rodrigo’s lips. Uracca hung her head, her heart heavy with misgiving. It was from just this
moment that she had tried to shield Rodrigo, and now it was everlastingly too late.
a. doubt b. tranquility c. guilt d. heartburn
part of speech:
sentence:

20. His first royal act as king was to banish Rodrigo, and the terms of his banishment were especially
harsh.
a. execute b. knight c. welcome d. exile
part of speech:
sentence:

6.5
Stellar Reading Medieval Times
Discussion Questions El Cid: Chapter 6

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER 6

1. Why does King Ferdinand’s death cause so much contention between Sancho and Alfonso? Do
you think that the king made a wise decision in dividing his kingdom? Why or why not? Why
do you think that he chose to divide his kingdom?

2. Who do you think has taught Alfonso how to fight? How does this surprise Prince Sancho?
Why does Rodrigo stop Sancho from killing his brother? Why does neither brother choose to
honor their father’s wishes? Why do the two princes refuse to live in peace? Whom do you
think would make a better king, Sancho or Alfonso?

3. Why is al-Mutamin reluctant to go to the war council in Valencia? Why does his father insist
that he go? Whom do you think is right about the oath he took, al-Mutamin or his father?

4. How are al-Quadir and ben Yusuf very different men? Whom do you think is a better ruler?
Why has ben Yusuf called the war council? Why might he consider his war against the
Christians of Spain a jihad? What is his strategy for winning the war by trickery and by force?
Do you think he will win? Why or why not?

5. Why doesn’t al-Mutamin like ben Yusuf or al-Quadir? Do you think he will agree to fight with
them? Why or why not?

6. Why does Sancho besiege Calahorra? Why does Vellido come to King Sancho’s tent? Why does
King Sancho agree to go with him to Calahorra? How is Sancho betrayed? How is Vellido pun-
ished for his treachery? Do you think that Alfonso was involved in Sancho’s death, or did
Vellido act without his knowledge?

7. How does Rodrigo escape? Who helps him and why? Do you think that Rodrigo feels more
guilty or relieved that he escaped? Why are the days Uracca spends with Rodrigo the only hap-
piness she has known for years? Why do you think that Rodrigo never understands how the
princess feels about him?

8. Why doesn’t the princess tell Rodrigo about her brother’s coronation? How does Rodrigo react
when he finds out about it? What oath does King Alfonso ask the knights to swear? Why does
Rodrigo refuse?

9. What oath does Rodrigo force Alfonso to swear? Do you think he has the right to do so? Why
or why not? How is Rodrigo punished for his insolence? Do you think his punishment is fair or
unfair?

10. Why does Gimena forgive Rodrigo? How do her actions show that she has never stopped loving
him? How has fortune’s wheel turned again for Rodrigo?

6.6
Writing Medieval Times
Article El Cid: Chapter 6

WRITING AN ARTICLE
Your class is going to put together a newspaper called the Medieval Times. The rousing action in El
Cid should give you plenty of stories to write about.

The purpose of newspaper writing, or journalism, is to inform people about newsworthy recent
events or to let people know about upcoming events they might want to attend in their community. To
write an effective newspaper article, you need to gather your facts: who, what, where, when, how, and
why. The first four might be answered in your first sentence; the how and the why may take the rest
of the article.

masthead

price
issue date
June 1062 1-888-WE JOUST one ducat

headline
Calahorra Saved!
Rodrigo de Vivar named King’s new champion
By Valorous Sportsman
Calahorra this 15th day of June
byline Anno Domini 1062: The field was lit
with the morning sun and from the
stands the brightly colored banners
fluttered in the breeze as the knights
of the realm gathered to do battle
today at the special tournament called
by King Ferdinand I. The tournament
date line was convened to settle the disputed
ownership of the city, Calahorra,
between the kingdoms of Aragon and
Castile.
Said King Ferdinand, “This is a
much more civilized way to settle the
matter, rather than dragging everyone
off to war and leaving our borders
undefended against a Moorish attack.”
Broken Hearts
Aragon, was a skilled and well-prac-
The stands were filled with the ticed fighter and the two were to be
elite nobility of Aragon and Castile.
and Betrayal
locked in a battle to the death, the vic-
Gracing the spectators on the torious knight claiming the city of
Castilian side, along with King Calahorra for his king.
Ferdinand, were the Infantes: Prince As the Master of Arms shouted By Doña Corazon
Sancho, Prince Alfonso, and the the question, “Why have you come to Burgos this 16th day of June Anno
Princess Uracca. this place at this time?” Domini 1062: As everyone in the
As the royals held their collective The two knights responded in uni- Castilian crowd cheered for Rodrigo
breaths, their new and untried cham- son, “We have come to do battle for de Vivar to vanquish the Aragonian
pion, Rodrigo de Vivar took the field. the city of Calahorra. We will fight to champion Don Martin yesterday, there
His opposing foe, Don Martin, repre- the death, giving no quarter and was one notable exception, Doña
senting the neighboring kingdom of receiving none!” Gimena. All Castilians in the know
Many in the crowd questioned the are aware that Gimena was engaged to
table of Inside the Times abilities of Rodrigo. In knightly cir- her childhood sweetheart, Rodrigo de
Medicine Matters. . . . . . . .4 cles, he is considered a valiant fighter, Vivar, until their stars crossed in the
but this was his first major tournament, heavens, and their hopes turned to
contents Squiry Enquiry . . . . . .
Doña in Distress . . . .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.5
.6 and with the stakes so high, many dust.
Frontline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 thought an experienced knight would On what was to have been their
Are You Chivalrous?. . . . . .8 be more assured of victory. Why, they wedding day, Rodrigo passed a town
continued on page 3 continued on page 2

6.7
Writing Medieval Times
Article El Cid: Chapter 6

Newspaper articles are written on the inverted pyramid model. You begin strongly, with the most
important part of the story; then you fill in the background; you conclude with the least important
details. Space is always an issue in newspapers, and editors start chopping from the bottom paragraph
up if there isn’t enough room.

Writing Situation: King Sancho’s assassination, Rodrigo’s escape, and King Alfonso’s coronation are
all major news events for the people of Castile. Rodrigo’s forcing the king to swear he is innocent of
his brother’s death, and Rodrigo’s banishment, are also big news, as is the disappearance of Gimena
and Babieca from the kingdom.

Directions for Writing: Imagine that you are a top reporter for the Medieval Times, and write an arti-
cle about one of these events. Reread the story for facts and usable quotes. You may have to imagine
what the characters might say to you if you could interview them.
Once you have the facts you need for your story and a few good quotes that you think will add

➔
interest, organize your ideas as follows:

Lead

Answer who, what, where, and when in your lead sentence,

but be sure to make it interesting enough to “hook”
your readers so they will want to read more.

➔ Body

Explain why and how the incident happened.

If there is a backstory, write it.
Use quotes, facts, and answers
to interview questions
to support you article.

➔ Conclusion

Conclude with the least important facts

or perhaps with a “hook” to get your reader
to buy the next edition to find out
the rest of the story.

Download pictures for your newspaper article at www.medievaltimes.com

6.8