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El Cid: God's Own Champion
El Cid, God s Own Champion is an inspiring biography of the extraordinary Catholic knight chosen by God to save his nation from Islamic aggression. Known by the honorary title of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz is a legendary hero who is directly relevant to modern times. Exiled by his king, insulted and maligned by those who should have supported him, he selflessly fought against seemingly insurmountable odds to save Christian Spain. Commanding the respect even of his enemies, upon his death a Muslim historian acclaimed him, a miracle among the great miracles of the Almighty. The Cid is an example of what can be achieved through devotion to duty, prayer, and trust in God.
186 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 22, 2014
A good biography of the life of Rodrigo Diaz of Vivar (Spain), known as "El Cid", a Knight who served and fought under King Ferdinand I, and his sons Sancho and Alfonso. A great military leader, he rallied the Christian knights to route the Islamic forces under Yousef in the latter years of the 11th Century. The life of El Cid, (although many facts were changed) was popularized by the movie El Cid starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren - en epic movie. El Cid did not die as portrayed in the movie. A good read.
February 8, 2020
The book is amazing! Recounting the tales of the Cid and his never having been defeated in battle. The hardships he endure even from his own king are staggering but he never lost the faith. If it wasn’t for the CID Spain would have been completely conquered by the Muslims. Good read!
February 21, 2021
I would give this 100 stars if I could.
This is a beautiful and moving look at the real man behind the name we all know.
Rodrigo Díaz was more than the legend we're all familiar with, and this book is a very easy way to get to know the saintly man who was at the same time an undefeated and deadly warrior.
The author makes for a delightful reading experience, occasionally inserting a pithy comment, such as my favorite, about El Cid's detractors who say that he could not have been so holy and such a warrior: "When such people say that such greatness is unattainable, it is best to remember that these are probably just failed men making excuses for their own mediocrity."
This was a thrilling and inspiring book, reminding me that there is so much greatness within our own unworthy grasps, if only we have the strength of character to reach for it.
I highly recommend this for everyone on earth.
This is a beautiful and moving look at the real man behind the name we all know.
Rodrigo Díaz was more than the legend we're all familiar with, and this book is a very easy way to get to know the saintly man who was at the same time an undefeated and deadly warrior.
The author makes for a delightful reading experience, occasionally inserting a pithy comment, such as my favorite, about El Cid's detractors who say that he could not have been so holy and such a warrior: "When such people say that such greatness is unattainable, it is best to remember that these are probably just failed men making excuses for their own mediocrity."
This was a thrilling and inspiring book, reminding me that there is so much greatness within our own unworthy grasps, if only we have the strength of character to reach for it.
I highly recommend this for everyone on earth.
August 9, 2017
It's a tough read. I enjoyed it, but felt it to be a bit thin on all accounts, spread like too little butter over too much toast. Where'd I read/hear that before? The story covers so much historical info and the back and forth, thusly making for thin characters and stories. I most certainly enjoyed the info, subject matter and learned a lot, not just about those times, but a reflection of today. So historical buffs, this is your book.
I am also proud that I read this book. How, actually to, it reads like Samuel 1, 2, Kings... in the Bible, following the story of David. I mean, the events and epic of it had major parallels and thusly, even the style.
I am also proud that I read this book. How, actually to, it reads like Samuel 1, 2, Kings... in the Bible, following the story of David. I mean, the events and epic of it had major parallels and thusly, even the style.
January 29, 2023
This is a well written history that often read like an adventure. Fitzhenry also cited his sources very well throughout his work. His respect and passion for the subject of Rodrigo Diaz is so infectious that it made me raid the bibliography for more reading!
March 29, 2022
The author is obviously a racist and lacks basic historical objectivity. He doesn't offer a historical retelling of the legendary El Cid as a hero of Spain, but the Christian section only, El Cid however was a hero for both sides, shed blood with Muslims as with Christians. The author is clearly biased against Islam and toys with the unfortunate bad blood between the two great religions. He is just looking to stir hatred. The book may be catholic publication, but that doesn't mean it's a religious book or it should've said outright in the beginning. El Cid was not a religious warrior by definition, rather a dedicated mercenary who found himself in a position to help his kingdom which happened to be Christian as he had fought before against it alongside his Muslim allies. It was all about politics not primarily religion as the author attempts to make it believers against infidels .
December 12, 2015
Most regrettably, I can think of only one word to describe this book. BORING. I am an avid reader and lover of anything both Catholic and historical, so it was with eager anticipation that I purchased this and the other two books by the same author. In truth I could not finish any of them. I attempted to read El Cid no less than four times, each time with a serious intent to finish, yet each time I was bored beyond endurance.
The book, although presumably well researched, provided nothing engaging. The author's attempts at dialog were puerile at best, and the chapters all seemed to drag without holding interest. One got the impression the author enjoyed lengthy descriptions of places and events and tools perhaps to flaunt his vocabulary or make the book long enough to bring to market.
I must say Fitzharold is to be lauded that he tried, which is why I give it two stars for effort, but sadly the book falls far short. I can only hope an author of talent someday is inspired to tell the tale of this great warrior. As far as this writer's work, however, I wish I had not wasted my money.
Might I suggest one read the phone book instead?
The book, although presumably well researched, provided nothing engaging. The author's attempts at dialog were puerile at best, and the chapters all seemed to drag without holding interest. One got the impression the author enjoyed lengthy descriptions of places and events and tools perhaps to flaunt his vocabulary or make the book long enough to bring to market.
I must say Fitzharold is to be lauded that he tried, which is why I give it two stars for effort, but sadly the book falls far short. I can only hope an author of talent someday is inspired to tell the tale of this great warrior. As far as this writer's work, however, I wish I had not wasted my money.
Might I suggest one read the phone book instead?
November 29, 2025
87/100 (= 5.1/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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In some ways even better than the first book (Pelayo)! Especially his humility and nobility in suffering and ill-treatment by his own king! That part of the story is almost more heroic than his perfect track record of victories in every battle. Again, so inspiring. This time so very much due to his character which is a perfect model for imitation! One slight qualm about the writing style. The author puts thoughts and words into his hero that sometimes seem a bit forced or anachronistic. It's only slight, and not overly jarring. When he quotes from older works and traditions, the words sound a lot better. Overall, amazing!
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In some ways even better than the first book (Pelayo)! Especially his humility and nobility in suffering and ill-treatment by his own king! That part of the story is almost more heroic than his perfect track record of victories in every battle. Again, so inspiring. This time so very much due to his character which is a perfect model for imitation! One slight qualm about the writing style. The author puts thoughts and words into his hero that sometimes seem a bit forced or anachronistic. It's only slight, and not overly jarring. When he quotes from older works and traditions, the words sound a lot better. Overall, amazing!
January 6, 2017
Great read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews