El Cid

In North Africa, the Almoravid ruler Ben Yusuf gathers all the emirs of Al-Andalus and chides them for coexisting with Christians. He declares his plan for Islamic world domination and orders a full-scale invasion. The emirs return to Spain with renewed hostility toward the Christian kingdoms.

Don Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar rescues a Spanish town on the way to his wedding. He captures two Moorish emirs and frees them on the condition they never attack Castile again. The act earns him the title El Cid and the loyalty of many emirs.

Rodrigo is accused of treason in a royal court, with Chimene's father supporting the charge. Gormaz challenges Rodrigo's father and is killed in a duel, with Chimene witnessing the event and vowing to avenge Gormaz.

Ferdinand appoints Rodrigo as his champion. He defeats Calahorra's defenders in single combat and wins the city for Castile. Rodrigo returns to the court as the king's champion.

Rodrigo forgives Count Ordóñez after he is captured by al-Mu'tamin. Rodrigo returns home with the intention to marry Chimene, hoping to provide for her. Chimene refuses consummation and withdraws to a convent, still entangled in love and duty.

King Ferdinand dies, leaving his sons Sancho and Alfonso to dispute the realm. Sancho imprisons Alfonso after a knife fight, and Rodrigo rescues Alfonso and brings him to Calahorra. Rodrigo must remain neutral to protect all of the king's children.

Ben Yusuf's fleet arrives at Valencia as he aims to land his invasion. He hires Dolfos to kill Sancho and frame Alfonso, sparking a crisis at Alfonso's coronation. Alfonso banishes Rodrigo as a consequence.

Chimene discovers she still loves Rodrigo and joins him in exile. Rodrigo builds a career elsewhere in Spain and the couple have twin daughters, starting a new phase separated from the Castilian court.

Years later, El Cid is recalled to defend Castile against Yusuf's invasion. He allies with the emirs and defeats domestic opposition to besiege Valencia.

Valencia endures a siege as al-Kadir shifts allegiance. The Valencians kill al-Kadir and open the gates, and the city offers its crown to El Cid, who refuses and sends it to Alfonso.

Ben Yusuf's invasion continues; Ordóñez is tortured and killed after capture. The battle goes well for the defenders until El Cid is struck by an arrow and returns to the city with a grave wound, facing a long recovery.

Doctors say the arrow could be removed but Rodrigo would be incapacitated. He insists Chimene let him ride back into battle, and King Alfonso pleads for forgiveness as Rodrigo dies. His body is propped upright on Babieca for a final charge.

Under an iron frame, El Cid's body leads a mounted charge with King Alfonso and Emir al-Mu'tamin on either side. The charge terrifies Ben Yusuf's forces, who flee and are annihilated as Ben Yusuf is crushed beneath Babieca's hooves.

With the army defeated, Christians and Moors join in prayer for the soul of the 'purest knight.' The film closes with El Cid's horse riding along the coast, honoring his enduring legend.