El Cantar de Mio Cid details the life of a El Cid, a soldier exiled by
King Alfonso VI because El Cid’s enemies accused him of stealing from the king (Bailey, Commentary).
El Cid battles Muslims in Valencia in order to regain his honor (Bailey, Commentary). Through the
militant propaganda of El Cantar de Mio
Cid, El Cid became the face of the Reconquista (Bailey, Commentary). El Cid promotes military
violence against the Muslims on several occasions; however, there are four
examples that clearly demonstrate the connection between Christianity and
opposition of Muslims (Bailey, Commentary). El Cantar de Mio
Cid aptly reflects the shifting political culture of the mid-twelfth
century. El Cid, though valiant in battle for the Christians, had previously
fought for Muslim leaders. At this times Christians unquestioningly opposed Islam as a religion and doubted Muslim's ethics. However, if political alliances were convenient, Christian leaders engaged with their Muslim counterparts. It is important to note that El Cantar de Mio Cid did not circulate widely until after the Reconquista, suggesting that the legend lacked  promotional value during the Reconquista. However, El Cid's presence as a Reconqusita icon and the excerpts describing military defeat of Muslims in defense of Christianity indicate that the author wrote the text with the intention of promoting the Reconquista, even if this was not the case.

Excerpt
one is a violent image of the military pursuits against Muslims. The promise to
God in line one indicates a strong connection to Christianity as well as a
religious motivation for the battle. Excerpt two suggests Divine Intervention,
with the mention of “the help of our Creator” (598). In excerpt three, the two
armies clearly demonstrate their distinct religious beliefs by calling out to
either Mahotment or Santiago, each of whom are central to the religious
doctrine of interest. Not only is the Apostle Santiago important to Christian
history, he acted as the face of the campaign-like promotion of the militant
Reconqusita. This reference most clearly marks the text as propaganda. Finally,
excerpt four not only praises Christendom, but portrays the Muslim army as lacking
in bravery and unable to defend themselves. The “Moors”, the Christian-derived
name for Muslims of al-Andalus, flee and cannot stave off the continued attack
from the Christians as they leave. This excerpts show military violence against
Muslims as a defense of Christianity. The reference to the Apostle Santiago
serves to further demonstrate the intent of the text as promotion for the
Reconquista.

1. El Libro de Conde Lucanor
2. El Cid the Historical Figure: Rodrigo Diaz