Babieca

Babieca is the legendary and famous warhorse of the 11th-century Spanish knight El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar). In his youth, El Cid was allowed to choose a horse from his guardian's stables. El Cid did not choose a magnificent Andalusian white stallion, but an inferior small grey horse. When his guardian heard of his choice, he cried out: Babieca! (fool!). The horse was given the name Babieca, but it grew into a magnificent battle steed. It helped El Cid in countless battles and victories, and after his death became a symbol of loyalty and heroism in Spanish history and folklore.