Exploring the real-life, little-known figure behind the paragon of civic and social virtues celebrated in the famous epic poem, this analysis focuses on Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar and paints a portrait of a man who was a genius in battle and a lover of adventure but who was also arrogant, insubordinate, and mercenary, fighting Christian and Muslim alike. In examining how the legend around this fascinating individual grew, the text also vividly describes many facets of both Spanish and Muslim medieval culture.