Rodrigo "Ruy" Díaz | The Kingdom of León | The Taifa of Zaragoza | The Christian Kingdoms | The Moorish Taifas
The Christian kingdoms
The militant and ever-divided Christian Kingdoms of Spain have been forming gradually over the years since the fall of the Visigothic Kingdom in the early 8th century CE. Though now primarily dominated by the Kingdom of León, other powerful kingdoms have formed on the peninsula, notably Aragon and Navarre. While one would think they'd be united in purpose against the Moorish Taifas, they're consistently more likely to war with each other than against the Muslim city-states of Spain. Come Season 2, the kingdoms are further expanded by the formation of Castile and Galicia after the death of Fernando I of León and the subsequent division of the kingdom amongst his three sons.
- Manly Facial Hair: As seems to be the general style in Medieval Spain, it's common for men to be bearded. Several characters in León combine it with Barbaruan Longhair.
- Proud Warrior Race: In contrast to the Moorish Taifas, the Spanish Christian kingdoms are noticeably warlike, with most possessing powerful armies and their kings having ambitions to expand their power. Even the notable exception to this rule - the Kingdom of Galicia - is surprisingly dangerous on the battlefield, despite its apparent weakness.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: All the heads of state thus far featured have been actively involved in the running of their kingdoms, including personally leading their armies to battle. Truth in Television for the time period too, as many kings of medieval Spain were as active as the ones depicted here.
- We ARE Struggling Together: They're the inheritors of the fallen Visigothic kingdom and, as staunch Christians, ostensibly opposed to the Muslim Taifas of Spain. Yet despite this, and despite all the talk of uniting in a holy war against the Moors, the Christian Kingdoms are often just as likely to go to war with each other, if not more likely. It's even lampshaded by King Fernando of León in Season 1. It's especially prevalent in Season 2, as Castile, León and Galicia go to war with one another with the Moorish city-states only being considered insofar as they can help or hinder their war efforts.
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The Kingdom of Aragon
Established by Fernando's brother Ramiro in 1035, the Kingdom of Aragon is one of the newest kingdoms of Christian Spain, and one whose power and territory is quickly growing at the start of the show. Fernando and Ramiro have a complicated relationship, and by extension so do their kingdoms, not helped by the fact that Aragon is on track to becoming a rival to León, with her eye on many of the rich Moorish Taifas who pay tribute to Fernando.- David Versus Goliath: They take on the role of Goliath in Season 1 at the Battle of Graus, with their larger and more aggressive army taking on Sancho and Zaragoza's smaller forces.
- Demoted to Extra: After playing the Outside-Context Villain in Season 1, they are reduced to a single mention in Season 2 (Joseph saying that Ruy's punishing campaign will cost them more than a decade of Aragonese raids). Historically, they allied with Navarre against Castile in the War of the Three Sanchos (1065-1067), and Zaragoza halting tribute in 1065 was possibly motivated by their unassisted victory over the Aragonese at Barbastro in the same year.
- Keystone Army: When Ramiro is killed at Graus, the entire Aragonese army becomes so demoralized that many of their soldiers simply stop fighting and drop to their knees to pray.
- Light Is Not Good: Their knights dress in white surcoats with Ramiro's cross-patée embroidered in black on the chest, and they are one of the primary antagonists of Season 1.
- Starter Villain: They essentially serve this role to Ruy in Season 1. Fernando and Ramiro's past enmity, coupled with Ramiro having his eye on several of the Taifas who pay tribute to León, turns them into one of the first foes that Ruy has to face on the battlefield.
King Ramiro I of Aragon
King Ramiro I of Aragon
Played by: Ginés García Millán
"Now is not the time for peace. Now is the time to strike."
King of Aragon, and its founder, Ramiro is the older, bastard-born brother of Fernando I of León. The boisterous and aggressive Ramiro holds a deep grudge against Fernando for the death of their brother, García, at Atapuerca. Now, fuelled by that grudge and emboldened by his successes, his ambition to expand his kingdom grows, a fact Fernando is all too aware of.- Ambition Is Evil: The bulk of his villainous actions in the story stem from his ambition to increase his kingdom's territory, wealth and power.
- Bastard Bastard: He's the bastard son that his father, the King of Pamplona, had with a noblewoman. As these other tropes indicate, he's also portrayed as an utter bastard.
- Beard of Evil: A thick, full beard, similar to Fernando's.
- Big Bad Wannabe: For all his ambitions and how he becomes a threat to León, his role in Season 1 essentially amounts to this: Ruy's foiling of Fernando's assassination means that the coup - which Ramiro would have aided - is over before it began, and his invasion of Zaragoza (as well as his attempt to have Sancho, Fernando's heir, killed) only ends in his own death and the defeat of his army, meaning he ultimately accomplishes nothing.
- Big Brother Bully: Was this when he was younger, telling a story in episode 1 about the time he and García trapped Fernando in a well when they were boys, and laughing at how Fernando was crying "like a girl" when they finally let him out.
- Big Brother Instinct: Averted when it comes to his younger brother Fernando, whom it's clear he still hates. Strangely, though, it seems to be played straight towards their deceased brother, García, as he speaks fondly and mournfully of him while drunk before angrily rebuking Fernando for his death.
- Boisterous Bruiser: Loud and extroverted, with a love for good wine and an appetite for war, he's a sharp contrast to the more reserved Fernando, and he seems to have passed it on to his son.
- Cain and Abel: He tries to be the Cain to Fernando’s Abel, only for the assassination and coup attempt to be foiled by Ruy at the tourney. He unwittingly winds up as the Abel when he dies later at Graus.
- Cool Crown: Has one, and like Fernando's, it's also decorated with gems.
- Died in Your Arms Tonight: He dies of his wound while being cradled in the arms of his son, Beltrán.
- Disc-One Final Boss: Set up to be a major player in the first episode, and later he invades the Taifa of Zaragoza, threatening León's holdings. He's then killed at the Battle of Graus before the final episode of the first season.
- Even Evil Can Be Loved: It's clear from their interactions that his son, Beltrán, loves him. So much so that when he sees his father's been mortally wounded, he immediately stops fighting to rush to his side, and is visibly grief-stricken at his death.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: He genuinely loves his son, Beltrán, and the two appear to have a good relationship. Ramiro's last act, as he lays dying, is to reach for Beltrán's face one last time. He also appears to have sincerely cared for his brother García, given how he speaks of him while at Fernando's banquet.
- Evil Uncle: Definitively becomes this at Graus when he orders Varo to kill Sancho, his own nephew. It's perhaps no coincidence that he dies shortly after giving this order.
- Eye Scream: Courtesy of Sádaba, who hurls a javelin into his eye at Graus, killing him. We even get a prominent shot of the bloody wound as he lays dying. The historical Ramiro reputedly died this way as well, though in that case it wasn't a javelin.
- Faux Affably Evil: While at León, he puts on a front of being boisterous and jovial, as well as promising peace with Fernando. It doesn't always hold up, as once he gets drunk enough his resentment and hatred for Fernando start bubbling to the surface. After promising peace and leaving León, he doesn't even pretend that he's going to uphold his promise.
- Foil: To Fernando of León: He's loud and boisterous where Fernando is more reserved. While Fernando has a difficult relationship with most of his children, Ramiro appears to be a Good Parent to his son, Beltrán. Ramiro thinks nothing of going back on his word to Fernando, as well as participating in the plot to depose him, while Fernando genuinely wants to keep the peace with Ramiro. Fernando didn't want García to die and sincerely regrets that he did, while Ramiro doesn't hesitate to try and kill Sancho.
- Founder of the Kingdom: The man who established Aragon as a kingdom, with him as its first king. Historically, Ramiro inherited the land when it was a county under the domain of the Kingdom of Pamplona, and through political maneouvering and military action, was able to secure it as an independent kingdom in 1035.
- Frontline General: Personally leads his army at the battle of Graus, and can be seen fighting on the frontlines. This ends up getting him killed, demoralizing his army while aptly showcasing why this trope is so risky. Also counts as a minor Historical Badass Upgrade, as the historical Ramiro oversaw the Battle of Graus from a command position at his camp, far from the fighting. Not that it saved him either.
- Good Parents: His relationship with his son Beltrán is everything that Fernando's own relationship with his children (particularly Urraca) is not: All their interactions point to Ramiro being a genuinely loving and supporting father.
- Green-Eyed Monster: It's fairly evident that many of his actions are motivated by jealousy that his younger brother got a larger and more powerful kingdom and a beautiful wife in Sancha, as well as the tribute of several wealthy Moorish Taifas.
- Historical Villain Upgrade: Arguably turned into this in the series, with his characterization largely being that of an ambitious and expansionist warmonger who, apart from his relationship with his son, has few redeeming qualities. Additionally, the show has him being involved in the initial plot to overthrow Fernando. As said plot never happened in Real Life, the historical Ramiro was not involved in it either. The show also omits the political savvy and charisma that the historical Ramiro demonstrated while establishing Aragon as an independent kingdom, giving him a minor case of Adaptational Dumbass.
- Hypocrite: Let's count the ways: Speaks fondly of his late brother García, laments his death and says he was a "Loyal brother", while being a member of a plot whose aim is to overthrow and kill his other brother, Fernando. Promises peace with Fernando before he leaves León, before immediately revealing he's going on the warpath. Blames Fernando for García's death and hates him for it, tries to kill his nephew at the Battle of Graus.
- Ignored Epiphany: At the end of the banquet before the tourney, a drunk Fernando and Ramiro reminisce, and Fernando tells Ramiro that it was Diego Laínez, not him, who killed García. This knowledge, and the fact that Fernando seems to honestly grieve for García, appears to give Ramiro pause as he repeats that the two of them are the last members of their family left. He seems to have forgotten this by the next day, and is willing to continue with Flaín's plan to depose Fernando.
- Karmic Death: Al-Muqtadir of Zaragoza, whose lands Ramiro invaded in order to claim its riches for his own, has Sádaba kill him. As an added bonus, his death comes shortly after he orders Varo to kill his own nephew, Sancho.
- Moral Myopia: Blames Fernando for García's death, and considers it an utterly despicable act of betrayal and kinslaying. For all this posturing, he appears to be perfectly happy to aid Flaín's plot to overthrow and kill Fernando at the tourney in the first episode. What makes it worse is that García didn't die at Fernando's hands (and Fernando was horrified when he fell), and even after learning this, Ramiro is still willing to go ahead with the plot. He's also willing to go back on his promises of peace and attack Fernando's vassals immediately after leaving León. And then he tries to have Sancho, his nephew, killed at Graus.
- Oh, Crap!: When he sees Sádaba about to hurl a javelin at him, he has a moment to roar in surprise and rage before suffering Eye Scream.
- Pet the Dog: He appears to be a supporting and loving parent, and treats his son Beltrán in a way that stands in stark contrast to Fernando's own relationship with his children.
- Two-Faced Aside: Tells his son, as they leave León at the end of the first episode, that he plans to go to war. And this, almost immediately after he'd pledged peace between his kingdom and Fernando's (see his image quote).
- Villain Has a Point: Points out to Fernando that the throne of León legimitately belonged to Sancha, not him, and that she shared power with him when he simply took what was, by right, hers. He's correct, and it's an important part of why Flaín and others in the conspiracy consider Fernando to be an illegimitate usurper.
Infante Beltrán
Infante Beltrán Ramírez of Aragon
Played by: Dani Tatay
- Abhorrent Admirer: Makes several flirtatious gestures at Elvira and Urraca, his cousins, while at León. Urraca is less-than-impressed, though Elvira seems to like it.
- Adaptation Name Change: Historically, Ramiro's son was named Sancho Ramírez. In order to enforce One-Steve Limit (and presumably avoid confusion with Sancho of León), the show changes his name to Beltrán.
- Anti-Villain: Serves his father out of genuine loyalty and fights for Aragon as its Infante, yet comes across as more sympathetic than Ramiro.
- Arrogant Kung-Fu Guy: Has the personality of a jovial, bragging jock, something that causes endless annoyance to his cousins. He's also an excellent horseman and a formidable warrior. It's worth noting that in his time in Season 1, he unhorsed Sancho twice.
- Big "NO!": Lets one of these out when he sees that his father has been mortally wounded at Graus.
- Boisterous Bruiser: Clearly inherited his father's exuberant personality.
- Even Bad Men Love Their Papas: He and his father get along very well, in stark contrast to Fernando's own relationship with his children. When he sees Ramiro dying at Graus, he immediately rushes to his side, and is devastated when he dies.
- Pet the Dog: Sincerely tells his father that he's glad he and Fernando have made peace. When Ramiro bluntly replies that he has no intention of keeping the peace and will instead go on the warpath, he looks noticeably surprised and unhappy. He also stops fighting when Ramiro dies and allows Sancho's forces to take and clean his father's body before giving it back to Aragon for burial.
- Prince Charmless: The Infantes of León consider him this, Urraca especially. It doesn't help that during his visit in León he's largely a boastful show-off.
- Token Good Teammate: He's this to the Kingdom of Aragon, particularly when compared to his father: Despite being a braggart, he's never cruel, nor does he seem to have inherited Ramiro's own hangups. He seems genuinely glad when he thinks that his father and Fernando have made peace, and Ramiro immediately shooting that notion down leaves him visibly troubled. After Ramiro's death, he also agrees to cease hostilities and accepts Sancho's offer to clean Ramiro's body and treat it with full honors before giving it to Beltrán for burial, instead of seeking revenge.
- Villainous BSoD: After his father's death, he's left kneeling on the battlefield in shock and grief, and can only barely manage a silent nod at Sancho's offer to give Ramiro appropriate Due to the Dead.
- Warrior Prince: The Infante of Aragon and one of the strongest and most skilled fighters seen in the show thus far.
- Worthy Opponent: He and Sancho seem to view each other as this, as even when they become openly hostile they still show a certain respect for one another, demonstrated when they clasp each other's forearms before the Battle of Graus.
Varo
Varo
Played by: Roberto Bonacini
- Ax-Crazy: There were subtle hints of it in Episode 1, but that subtlety goes out the window during the Battle of Graus, where he becomes a screaming berserker who seems to actively revel in the carnage he causes.
- Beard of Evil: A thick red beard compliments his brutal appearance.
- The Berserker: On full display at Graus, where he charges headlong into combat without fear and fights with almost psychotic abandon.
- Blood from the Mouth: As Ruy drives his sword into him, blood spews out from his mouth.
- Blood Knight: Appears to greatly enjoy battle, if his Psychotic Smirks and bloodthirsty screams are any indication.
- The Brute: Although he's Ramiro's personal champion, he fulfils this role to a T: He's big, strong, and frighteningly good at fighting.
- Death Glare: Gives Trifón a murderous side-eye glare during the tourney at the start of Episode 1.
- Dented Iron: True, he takes on several different opponents at the Battle of Graus and powers through the blows they manage to land on him. But by the time he reaches Sancho, he's visibly battered and bleeding. Ruy surprising him during his fight against Sancho seems to be the final nail in his coffin: fighting a new opponent who's not as tired or injured, and very skilled, puts him on the back foot immediately, and he's soon killed.
- Evil Redhead: Red-haired, and as brutal as they come.
- Hero Killer: The closest Season 1 has to one. In his screentime, he permanently maims Orotz, kills Trifón, and comes very close to killing Sancho.
- Impaled with Extreme Prejudice: Ruy runs him clean through with his sword after knocking him across the face with a chainmail coif.
- Implacable Man: He fights Orotz, Trifón, and Sancho at Graus. All three land solid hits on him, but he just shrugs them off and keeps coming. It takes Ruy stabbing him through the chest, then driving his sword in up to the hilt, to finally put him down.
- Merciful Minion. Very much a Downplayed Trope. When he has Orotz at his mercy, he opts to simply knock him out before moving to engage Trifón. Given that he'd just sliced off two of Orotz's fingers on his dominant hand - which Orotz later considers to be a Career-Ending Injury - it's easy to surmise that it wasn't done out of the goodness of his heart.
- Oh, Crap!: His expression, when Ruy impales him, is one of fear but mostly shock.
- Screaming Warrior: Bellows like a madman during the Battle of Graus, which complements his Berserker characterization.
- Strong and Skilled: He's physically strong, and when he fights Trifón at Graus he proves to be a skilled swordsman, able to use half-swording techniques to match him.
- Villain Respect: As he dies, he appears to give Ruy a respectful smirk, seemingly impressed that the young warrior bested him so handily.
- The Voiceless: Has no lines in the show, other than screaming during battle.
- The Worf Effect: Inflicts this on Orotz and Trifón during the Battle of Graus to show how dangerous he is, maiming the first and killing the second. He's then on the receiving end when he's surprised by Ruy and killed after a brief fight.
The Kingdom of Castile
Previously ruled by Fernando when he was count, Castile is often looked down on as a resource-poor and unimportant region in the Iberian Peninsula. Despite these apparent disadvantages, it rose to political and military importance when Fernando used it as the base from which he launched his conquest of León, increasing Castile’s influence significantly. In Season 2, after Fernando’s death, it becomes its own kingdom with Sancho, the eldest Infante of the Leonese royal family, crowned as its king. With this, the stage is set for Castile to play a pivotal role once again in the history of the Christian Kingdoms of Spain.- Back from the Brink: Starts Season 2 as an impoverished region of León, and under Sancho’s rule it quickly builds itself up as a military powerhouse to rival the rest of the Christian kingdoms. After the Castilians are ambushed and forced to retreat at Golpejera, Alfonso is convinced that León’s victory is only a matter of time. Ruy’s night attack not only routs the Leonese army, it also results in Alfonso’s capture and Sancho declaring himself king of León and the ultimate victor of the war between the brothers.
- Battle Cry: Hierro (“Iron”). It's chanted by Castilian warriors before the start of a battle, and used as a victory cry as well.
- Underdogs Never Lose: Castile is barren (Ramiro is Season 1 goes so far as to call it “León’s wasteland”) and considered a poor and underdeveloped region by everyone. Under Sancho, it turns into the most militarily-powerful kingdom on the Iberian peninsula. It ultimately ends up as the final victor in its conflict against Galicia and León.
King Sancho II of Castile
King Sancho II "The Strong" of Castile
Played by: Francisco Ortiz
"Sometimes, honor is the sickly offspring of convenience. More so in someone who has what he doesn’t deserve."
Click here to see him as King of León
First-born son of Fernando and Sancha and Ruy’s master. Young, fiery Sancho has had a lot of expectations placed upon him all his life, both by his father and by the kingdom, and is driven to not only match them, but exceed them. He starts the show as the eldest male Infante of the Kingdom of León before being declared King of Castile upon Fernando's death. His resentment at not being awarded the larger and more important Kingdom of León is what ultimately ends up driving most of Season 2's plot.
- Amazon Chaser: He discovers, to his surprise, that he actually likes the fact that his wife, Oiubreda, is stronger than him. It eventually results in the two of them having a genuinely loving marriage.
- Ambition Is Evil: In Season 2, his ambition to claim what he believes is his birthright and become king of all León leads to his Big Bad Slippage.
- Battle Couple: He and Oiubreda / Alberta eventually become this, once he allows her to accompany him on campaign and fight at his side on the battlefield.
- Big Brother Instinct: Or rather, Little Brother Instinct towards his older sister Elvira in Season 2. At least at first. When Mendes occupies Toro, his initial desire for retaliation is mostly fueled by rage that neither Alfonso nor García seem willing to act on her behalf to punish Mendes for his actions. This trope becomes less admirable when one takes into account that Elvira repeatedly insists she doesn’t want to be Lady of Toro, and he ignores her.
- Cain and Abel: Adopts the role of Cain twice over in Season 2: After defeating Alfonso at Golpejera, he’s all set to have him executed, although it’s clear he’s reluctant to do so. Then, when Urraca helps Alfonso escape, he goes on the warpath against her, fully intending to kill her and far less unhappy about it.
- Characterization Marches On: In Season 2, it’s said that Latin was never his forte. However, in Season 1 Sancho was able to flawlessly recite the Lord’s Prayer in Latin while fighting at the Battle of Graus. In fact, his inability to understand the language is one of the key elements that allows Urraca and Bernardo’s plan to free Alfonso to succeed, as Sancho doesn’t catch that Bernardo is actually reading a random Roman author to Alfonso instead of a friar's vows which renders the whole ceremony null and void. note
- Cool Crown: Receives his own unique crown on his coronation. He later claims the crown of León for his own in the Season 2 finale.
- Disproportionate Retribution: When he learns that the citizens of Zamora refuse to surrender, he’s so enraged he declares that he orders the city be besieged until everyone inside starves to death. Then, he’ll humiliate his sister before executing her last.
- Due to the Dead: When his uncle, Ramiro of Aragon, dies at Graus, he orders that his body be cleaned and prepared and given to his cousin Beltrán with full honors.
- Fatal Flaw: His Pride and Wrath remain constant flaws of his, and are major driving factors in making him jump off the slippery slope during Season 2.
- General Ripper: He’s fully become this by the end of Season 2, going on yet another war when he’s already King of León just to get revenge on Urraca, and willing to cruelly punish an entire city full of people for their defiance.
- Good Scars, Evil Scars: In Season 2, he gains a prominent scar on his cheek when García slashes him with his dagger during his invasion of Galicia.
- Historical Hero Upgrade: Done along with Historical Villain Upgrade: In Season 2, his campaigns against Galicia, and later León, are largely reactions to aggressions from both those kingdoms. In Real Life, Sancho's intention was always to re-unify the three kingdoms with him as king, and was a lot more aggressive as a result.
- Historical Villain Upgrade: Done along with Historical Hero Upgrade: After defeating Alfonso and taking León, he allowed Alfonso to become The Exile, and there's no real proof that he intended to execute his brother. His siege of Zamora was carried out because the city rejected his authority as king, and there's no indication that it was done because he wanted Revenge against Urraca, or that he would have subjected its citizens to the cruel fate he intends for them at the end of Season 2.
- Hot-Blooded: He tends to be governed more by his emotions, in particular his anger, than by his reason. It’s part of what makes him a fearless Warrior Prince, but also leads to him lashing out at anyone he believes has slighted or betrayed him, including Ruy.
- Interclass Friendship: With Ruy. The son of a disgraced, impoverished knight and the first-born Infante of León come from very different worlds, yet get on extremely well and are as close as brothers. At least, until Ruy considers that Sancho crosses the
Moral Event Horizon at Zamora, and abandons him in disgust. - Jerkass: All-too-often, his wounded pride or short temper will cause him to snap at those around him, and even Ruy isn’t immune to his outbursts. This aspect becomes especially prevalent during Season 2.
- Jerkass Has a Point: In Season 2. His paranoia that his brothers are maneuvering against him is actually accurate, as Alfonso later does exactly that by gaining the support of the Galician nobility and having them renounce Castile. His siege of Zamora is also motivated by the fact that Urraca later helps Alfonso (a living threat to his power and authority as King of Léon) escape unharmed under false pretenses. Not to mention the fact that Urraca is ultimately responsible for starting the war between the three brothers, though Sancho doesn’t appear to know this.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Has a temper, to be sure, but also a noble spirit. He’s willing to admit his mistakes and faults, and his genuine friendship with Ruy and Pet the Dog moments show that there’s a good man beneath his flaws. Unfortunately, as Season 2 progresses, his Heart of Gold gets smaller while his Jerk side gets stronger.
- Jumping Off the Slippery Slope: Does this at the end of Season 2. Having finally won the war against his brothers, taken León, and gotten everything he wanted, Sancho prepares to execute Alfonso. When Alfonso escapes, he crowns himself king without waiting for the church's blessing. Then he besieges Zamora to get his revenge on Urraca, both for her aiding Alfonso escape and for a lifetime of hostility. By the time he's declaring his intention to starve the people of Zamora to death and to humiliate and behead his sister, there's no doubt left that he isn't driven by anything other than Revenge Before Reason.
- Modest Royalty: Occasionally he will wear finery when the situation calls for it, but in general he eschews the richer clothing other royals and members of the nobility wear, and tends to wear simple, toned-down clothing that’s more practical than ostentatious. Once he becomes King of León, he starts to dress more richly, and it coincides with the culmination of his Slowly Slipping Into Evil.
- Motive Decay: He goes to war against Galicia in Season 2 ostensibly to defend his sister Elvira after she has to flee Toro from Mendes’ occupation. Soon after subjugating Galicia, he goes to war against León when Alfonso escalates tensions by having the Galician nobles renounce their loyalty to Castile. Once he has control of all León, he’s prepared to execute his own brother for the threat he potentially represents. When he goes to war against Urraca after she frees Alfonso, it’s increasingly clear that his main motivation has degraded from ostensible defending his family members to gaining absolute power and Revenge.
- Perfectly Arranged Marriage: To Oiubreda / Alberta. While Sancho is initially unsure about their marriage - particularly when it’s revealed that Oiubreda is an Amazonian Beauty - they end up having a passionate and loving marriage, helped in no small part to Sancho discovering he actually likes women who are stronger than him.
- Pet the Dog: Has several moments in the series that demonstrate his inner nobility, despite his Jerkass moments:
- He’s initially furious with Ruy for drugging him unconscious to spare him from fighting Jimeno. After the Battle of Graus, however, he unreservedly recognizes Ruy’s bravery and skill, and is the first to call him by the title Campeador.
- After the Battle of Graus, he personally goes to pay his respects to Trifón’s widow, speaking highly of her husband and giving her a gift of coin, then accepting two of her children into his service as pages. However, this is not a fully straight example as he refuses to accept a third child despite the woman’s evident desperation, only saying that a third would be too much.
- In Season 2, he keeps Orotz on his service as Master-at-Arms, despite the man’s missing fingers, never seriously contemplating the possibility of doing away with him.
- His surprisingly sweet relationship with his wife Oiubreda is evidence that he has a tender and caring side that he keeps hidden.
- The finale of Season 2 plays around with these moments: He promises to reward Ruy with lands and title... after executing Orduño and giving Ruy his holdings. It's only Ruy’s intervention that makes Sancho take Orduño on as a vassal instead.
- Later, despite being prepared to execute his brother Alfonso, he relents and allows him to take a Friar’s vows… But then he learns the whole ceremony was a sham and that Alfonso escaped with Urraca’s help. This drives him definitively to Jumping Off the Slippery Slope and adopting a Revenge Before Reason mentality.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: He’s a Frontline General and a Warrior Prince, and of all the monarchs thus far featured, he’s the most willing to throw himself into battle and is more than able to hold his own in combat.
- Real Men Love Jesus: Fiercely religious, and a memorable scene in Season 1 has him reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Latin while kicking ass at the Battlle of Graus.
- Revenge Before Reason: By the end of Season 2, this is his driving motivation, specifically against Urraca. Their lifelong enmity means that even when he’s King of León, with both of his brothers defeated and in exile, he starts yet another war in order to punish Urraca for her involvement in helping Alfonso escape.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: He and Alfonso are polar opposites: Sancho is a Hot-Blooded Warrior Prince, who sometimes doesn’t think things through and can be controlled by his Pride and Wrath. Sancho and Urraca also seem to outright hate each other, mostly for being Too Much Alike. Alfonso, on the other hand, is a statesman, careful in his actions, and has visible moments of being a Reasonable Authority Figure while also willing to dirty his hands with Realpolitik. Alfonso and Urraca arguably love each other too much.
- Slap-Slap-Kiss: His dynamic with Oiubreda on their wedding night. It’s intense enough that it leads to Sancho realizing he’s an Amazon Chaser, and one of the signs that their marriage is actually going to work out.
- Slowly Slipping Into Evil: Sancho is largely sympathetic at the start of Season 2. Yet as the season progresses, his paranoia and aggressiveness become increasingly prominent, particularly as he goes to war with both of his brothers (that said, Alfonso is the one engaging in Realpolitik to provoke a war between León and Castile, still making Sancho sympathetic). His noble nature steadily vanishes at the end of Season 2 until he's prepared to execute his own brother, slowly starve the rebellious citizens of Zamora to death, and humiliate and behead his sister Urraca.
- So Proud of You: A silent version of this, towards García in Season 2. When García manages to pin him down in battle and hold him at knifepoint, Sancho actually smiles approvingly, apparently impressed with how his little brother has taken a level in Badass.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Slowly but surely throughout Season 2. It goes hand-in-hand with his Slowly Slipping Into Evil, and is especially prevalent by the final episode.
- Too Much Alike: To Urraca, his older sister. They're both mutually hostile to one another and both more similar than they care to admit: They're first-born children (Urraca is the first-born child and older sibling, but Sancho is the first-born son) and are determined to obtain what they believe is their birthright. They're both convinced that they’re struggling against the whole world, and will make use of their talents to get what they want. To top it all off, towards the end of Season 2 Sancho starts developing a ruthless streak to rival or even exceed Urraca's.
- Warrior Prince: Is this as the Infante. He later becomes a Warrior King After the death of his father Fernando.
- With Great Power Comes Great Insanity: He’s noticeably more aggressive and paranoid after his coronation, convinced his brothers are scheming and maneouvering against him. Like his taking a level in jerkass, it’s particularly visible in the final episode, especially in his rage-fueled rant about his desire to starve Zamora to death before humiliating and executing Urraca.
Queen Alberta / Oiubreda of Castile
Queen Alberta of Castile / Oiubreda of Mercia
Played by: Amparo Alcaraz
- Action Girl: One of the straightest examples in the series, able to fight both as an archer and a brawler. This aspect of her is part of what makes her such a perfect match for the similarly action-oriented Sancho.
- Amazonian Beauty: Tall and noticeably athletic. Her stature is even Lampshaded by both Alvar and Ruy when she first appears.Alvar: She’s bigger than my horse!
- Battle Couple: Ends up becoming one with Sancho, which leads to further strengthening their Perfectly Arranged Marriage.
- Braids of Action: Has elaborate braids tied into her long hair.
- Brawn Hilda: Played With. Judging by Ruy and Alvar’s reactions when she first appears, she appears to be considered this In-Universe. However, while she’s certainly strong and has inclinations that would be considered mannish by her contemporaries, she’s not ugly at all, and is able to act the part of a dignified noblewoman when required.
- Fiery Redhead: Has long red hair, and is more than a match for her Hot-Blooded husband, Sancho.
- Funny Foreigner: Has definite elements of this: her appearance, mannerisms and speech, and her eagerness for battle are all traits that often leave the Spanish characters nonplussed or bemused.
- Gratuitous Foreign Language: Dips into Anglo-Saxon on more than one occasion throughout Season 2. Justified, as she's still learning Spanish.
- Hidden Depths: She and Amina become close friends in Castile, possibly bonding over the fact that they’re both strangers in a foreign land, surrounded by people who don’t fully understand them. Her helping Amina escape also indicates a strong devotion and loyalty to those she cares about.
- Historical Badass Upgrade: Not much is known about the historical Alberta other than her name and her marriage to Sancho. Her being an Action Girl is a product of the show, not history.
- I Have Many Names: Though not by her own choice. When she arrives in Castile, it becomes quickly apparent that "Oiubreda" is challenging for the Spanish characters to say, so she's called "Alberta" to keep things simple.
- The Lad-ette: Tall, athletic, and likes to fight. Interestingly for this trope, she can also be ladylike and regal when required, but seems most energised when kicking ass alongside her husband.
- No Guy Wants an Amazon: Played With and Defied. Initially, Sancho is put off by the sight of her, and the reaction of other characters (such as Ruy and Alvar) indicate that she’s seen as a Brawn Hilda in-universe. However, after their wedding night, Sancho comes to realize that he likes women who are stronger than him.
- Odd Friendship: The amazonian Anglo-Saxon noblewoman ends up becoming fast friends with the Moorish princess Amina. Despite the two seeming to be polar opposites, they’re often seen together in Castile. Their friendship is strong enough that when Amina flees Castile, Oiubreda helps her do so with minimal hesitation.
- Pelts of the Barbarian: Her armor is decorated with fur pelts, which helps her stand out from the other Castilian and Leonese warriors.
- Perfectly Arranged Marriage: With Sancho. While Sancho is initially unsure about their union - particularly when she’s revealed as an Amazonian Beauty - they end up having a passionate and loving marriage, helped in no small part to Sancho discovering he really likes women who are stronger than him.
- Pet the Dog: Has several moments in Season 2 which show that, as intimidating as she can be, she has a good heart:
- When Ruy’s mother dies, she sincerely offers him her condolences. She also does so in Spanish, despite it being a language she’s still learning and not yet able to speak comfortably.
- When Amina desperately pleads with her to help her escape Castile, she does so with almost no hesitation, and even personally knocks out a guard who could have prevented the escape.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: Initially sought after as merely a useful tool for Sancho to prop up his legitimacy and forge alliances with other European nobility, she proves to be more than capable of keeping up with her husband in war.
- Say My Name: Forces Sancho to call her by her true name on their wedding night (probably because she's annoyed by being called "Alberta"). Notably, he stops using her Spanish name and refers to her as "Oiubreda" from this point onwards.
- Slap-Slap-Kiss: Has this dynamic with Sancho, particularly on their wedding night. It’s actually an aspect of their relationship that Sancho enjoys, much to his own surprise.
- Statuesque Stunner: She’s taller than most of the female cast, and about the same size as her husband. She’s also not bad-looking at all.
- The Unpronounceable: Her name is this In-Universe, with Velarde getting it wrong twice before Sancho angrily declares that she’ll be known by the Spanish name Alberta, in order to minimize the confusion.
- Use Your Head: When helping Amina flee from Castile to León, she takes out a guard with a powerful headbutt.
- You No Take Candle: Her attempts to speak Spanish: At first, she speaks in broken, short sentences punctuated with her native Anglo-Saxon. Later on, she’s able to speak using correct grammar and vocabulary, but her speech is slow and halting.
The Kingdom of Galicia
The westernmost region of the Iberian peninsula, Galicia has a long history of facing Moorish invasions and being absorbed by – or trying to break away from – neighboring Christian kingdoms. In Season 2, Galicia once again becomes its own kingdom after Fernando’s death, with García, youngest Infante of the Leonese royal family, crowned as its king. While Galicia receives tribute from the wealthy Moorish Taifas of Badajoz and Seville, it cannot match the military power of either León or Castile, leaving the kingdom at a disadvantage when facing the challenge posed by its larger and more aggressive neighbors.- Butt-Monkey: Galicia starts Season 2 as a militarily-weak kingdom whose wealth depends on tributes from unreliable Moorish Taifas. Things don’t improve for them when García becomes king. García naming Nuño as his Privado pisses off the Galician nobility, leading to one of them – Mendes – invading and occupying Toro after being manipulated by Urraca. This eventually leads to Castile’s invasion, the death of Nuño, and Galicia being conquered and absorbed by its more powerful neighbors.
- Cornered Rattlesnake: Despite not having the military power to match Castile, they still prove to be a surprisingly formidable foe in battle, helped in no small part by García’s Rousing Speech and Level in Badass. They actually manage to come close to defeating Sancho and the Castilians.
- Everything's Louder with Bagpipes: Traditional Galician Gaitas are shown being played before battle, and they’re a prominent part of the soundtrack in the episode they appear in.
King García II of Galicia
King García II of Galicia
Played by: Nicolás Illoro
"I only want what is mine. What father left to me!"
Third-born son of Fernando and Sancha, and youngest of Fernando’s children. Despite his status and privilege, it’s clear that he still has a lot to learn, and a long way to go before he can measure up to his brothers. He starts the show as the youngest male Infante of the Kingdom of León before being declared King of Galicia upon Fernando's death, a test which nothing in his life has prepared him for.- The Baby of the Bunch: The youngest of Fernando and Sancha’s children, and the most inexperienced.
- Cain and Abel: He eventually becomes the Abel to Sancho’s Cain as Galicia and Castile go to war, though he’s able to survive both the war and his imprisonment.
- Character Development: In Season 2. He starts off an inexperienced ruler whose impulsive decisions result in him alienating, and then being bullied by, the members of his own nobility, as well as being subtly tormented by his attraction to Nuño. After Nuño’s death, he crosses the Despair Event Horizon and winds up taking a surprising level in Badass. Afterwards, he’s much more forceful and assertive in his dealings with his brothers than he previously was, particularly with Alfonso.
- Closet Gay: Season 2 reveals he’s either Straight Gay or bisexual. Unsurprisingly, considering his time period, he keeps this facet of himself hidden. He does declare his love for Nuño, though.
- Cool Crown: Like his brothers, he’s given an impressive and elaborate crown upon being crowned King of Galicia after Fernando’s death.
- A Day in the Limelight: He receives far more focus and Character Development in Season 2 than he did in Season 1.
- Establishing Character Moment: His first scene in Season 1 comes when a woman is brought to the court of León, accused of committing fraud by filing down coins and manipulating scales. García suggests hanging her to serve as a warning to others. However, the moment does not so much highlight García as cruel but inexperienced, opting for a show of power without fully considering how it will be viewed or whether it will be accepted by others. This will become a problem when he becomes King of Galicia.
- The Exile: His ultimate fate at the end of Episode 4 of Season 2. Having lost his kingdom and spurned by Alfonso, he’s left to wander León alone.
- Flat Character: Doesn’t receive much characterization in Season 1, though Season 2 remedies this.
- Inadequate Inheritor: He proves to be this to Fernando when he becomes King of Galicia. The first thing he does is impulsively name Nuño – whom he’s in love with – his Privado, going back on an agreement Fernando had made with the Galician nobility and angering them. The rest of his reign is spent being unable to control, or being bullied by, those same noblemen. He starts to regain a measure of control and respect when he leads his army against Sancho, but it doesn’t last long.
- Incompatible Orientation: With Nuño, possibly. García is in love with his former squire, and in Episode 3 he confesses his love and kisses him. Nuño seems more surprised than anything, neither reacting with hostility nor fully reciprocating. Despite this, Nuño remains steadfastly loyal to García until his death.
- Inelegant Blubbering: When Nuño is killed by Mendes and the other Galician nobles, he breaks down into wails of despair.
- Lying to Protect Your Feelings: Doesn’t tell Lisardo, Alvar and Ruy the full details of Nuño’s death, simply stating that he died serving his king while omitting the fact that he was murdered by Mendes, and the other Galician noblemen, in a fit of anger and jealousy. It’s possible he does this to avoid them seeking revenge against Mendes, whom he had successfully convinced Sancho to spare.
- Out of Focus: Like Elvira, he doesn’t get much to do in Season 1. Season 2 makes up for it by giving him more scenes and a bigger role to play.
- Please Spare Him, My Liege!: Is able to convince Sancho to spare Mendes after he’s captured in Galicia, pointing out that he’s guilty only of fighting for his king. This, despite the fact that Mendes is directly responsible for Nuño and Velarde’s deaths. Even Mendes seems surprised by this.
- Rank Scales with Asskicking: Attempted in Season 2, and to his credit, he does surprisingly well. He manages to briefly capture the Standard of Castile, unhorses Sancho, and even gives his brother a prominent scar on the cheek with a dagger while grappling with him. It’s telling that as soon as he’s captured, the Castilians are quickly able to gain victory, implying that the Galician's fierceness in battle was inspired in large part by his own efforts.
- Rousing Speech: Gives an effective one to his army, daring them to be badass, before the battle against Sancho and the Castilian host in Episode 3 of Season 2. He even says that, if they don’t fight to conserve their independence, they'll remember him as “The last king of Galicia.” (which was true for the historical García).
- Sheltered Aristocrat: In Season 1. Despite being involved by Fernando in affairs of state, he appears much less savvy than either of his brothers, both of whom have either more knowledge of the law and of statecraft (Alfonso) or more experience in battle (Sancho).
- Spare to the Throne: The youngest of Fernando’s children, and the least likely to inherit royal power in Season 1. At least until Fernando names him King of Galicia before dying.
- Those Two Guys: With Elvira in Season 1, being the two Infantes who are focused on the least. This changes in Season 2.
- Token Good Teammate: At least, when compared to his brothers. Sancho’s Hot-Blooded aggressiveness leads him to become a General Ripper as he goes down the path of Revenge, eventually Jumping Off the Slippery Slope. Alfonso, while A Lighter Shade of Grey, shows signs of becoming a manipulative and Machiavellian monarch. By contrast, García remains more a victim of his family’s squabbles than anything.
- Took a Level in Badass: The clearest and most unexpected example in Season 2. After Nuño's death, he personally leads his army against Sancho while giving his men a Rousing Speech. He fights Sancho one-on-one in battle – which Alfonso doesn’t dare to do at Golpejera – and manages to give him a scar. Overall, despite his previous mistakes as a ruler, he comes amazingly close to defeating his brother. Afterwards, when held prisoner in León, he goes on a hunger strike and demands Alfonso release him and return Galicia to him. In Urraca's own words: "He grew up."
- Unexpected Successor: After Fernando’s death he becomes King of Galicia, which is especially surprising to him since, as the youngest of Fernando’s children, his chances of inheriting any royal authority were low. This turns out to not necessarily be a good thing.
Nuño
Mendes
Mendes
Played by: Luis Iglesia
- Asskicking Leads to Leadership: Played with. When Castile invades Galicia, he fights on the front lines and can dispatch unnamed Mooks easily enough, but he’s beaten by both Velarde and Orotz in straight-up fights, only killing Velarde by slashing him in the back when he’s distracted.
- Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: When García names Nuño his Privado over any of the Galician noblemen, a resentful Mendes becomes unpredictable and uncontrollable. Thanks to Urraca’s manipulation, he occupies Toro, ramping up tensions between García and Sancho, then later murders Nuño during a heated argument. Later, perhaps inspired by García, he fights against Sancho, then pledges fealty to Castile when captured (after García convinces Sancho to spare him), and finally breaks that oath and switches his allegiance to Alfonso.
- Composite Character: Personifies the unruly Galician noble class, taking his name from Nuno Mendes and his main actions from Froila Arias ((allegedly) murdering García's main ally in Galicia and paying homage to Alfonso despite Sancho being named King).
- Eyepatch of Power: Has a nifty eyepatch-and-beard combo.
- Karma Houdini: Kills Nuño and mortally wounds Velarde, yet García intervenes to save his life. He then goes back on his word and swears fealty to Alfonso, and still appears to not have suffered any major comeuppance by the end of Season 2.
- My Master, Right or Wrong: Played With. At first, it seems the trope is Averted, as when García names Nuño his Privado, Mendes occupies Toro without paying heed to his king and openly displays contempt for him, even murdering Nuño in a fit of rage. However, during the battle against Castile, he ends up fighting fiercely at García’s side, possibly inspired by the young man’s Dare to Be Badass Rousing Speech.
- Pet the Dog:
- When García pleads with Sancho to spare his life, he seems honestly shocked. After accepting Sancho’s offer of clemency, he bows respectfully to García.
- A downplayed example comes later, when he and the other Galician nobles go back on their oaths to Sancho and swear fealty to Alfonso: the expression on his face as he does so indicates he’s actually less-than-happy about doing so.
- Spared by the Adaptation: Subverted. Though named after Nuno Mendes, who died at the Adapted Out Battle of Pedroso, he is a rather close depiction of Froila Arias who lived through the second season's events.
- Ungrateful Bastard: García intercedes on his behalf so that Sancho will spare him as long as he swears fealty. What does he do in less than a year? Go back on that and swear fealty to Alfonso, which enrages Sancho.
- Villain Has a Point: He points out to García that the deceased Fernando had promised the Galician nobility that one of their own would be named Privado, so as to give them a direct hand in managing their newly created kingdom. García’s impulsive decision to give the position to Nuño not only betrays his father’s word, it winds up being the catalyst for much of what happens later.
- Villainous Valour: Despite being an overall unpleasant individual, he’s willing to fight on the front lines with the warriors of Galicia.
- Walking Spoiler: His role in the series can’t really be discussed without bringing up the fact that he kills Nuño, one of Ruy’s friends, and is a key part in instigating the war between Galicia and Castile, and later Castile and León.
The Kingdom of León
The largest Christian kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula at the start of Season 1, as well as the most powerful and wealthy. At the beginning of the series, León is ruled over by Fernando I "The Great.", who came to power after a fratricidal civil war that resulted in the death of his the previous king, Bermudo III, and later the death of his brother, García Sánchez of Navarre. In Season 1, León must contend with both the kingdoms of Aragon and Navarre, as well as a conspiracy of Leonese nobles who wish to depose Fernando. Season 2 then shows that the greatest threat to the kingdom may just be Fernando's own children.- See The Kingdom of León page.
The Kingdom of Navarre
One of the oldest Spanish Christian kingdoms, the Kingdom of Navarre was previously ruled by García Sánchez, brother to Fernando I of León, until he died at the Battle of Atapuerca in 1054. Despite being smaller than León, Navarre has often threatened its territory in border clashes, and now that García's son rules the kingdom, it seems likely that trend will continue.- Adaptation Name Change: At this point in history, it was known as the Kingdom of Pamplona, and would not become the Kingdom of Navarre until the 12th Century. Presumably, the name change happened because the Kingdom of Navarre is more well-known, and immediately recognizable, than its predecessor.
- Hufflepuff House: Doesn't get as much focus or characterization as the other kingdoms, and to date has only played a prominent role in a single episode in Season 1.
- Out of Focus: They play an important role in Fernando and Diego Laínez's lives before the main events of the series, and their invasion of Leonese lands in the second episode of Season 1 results in Ruy's duel against the Navarrese champion Jimeno, which also starts him down the path to fame. However, they haven't played much of a role in the series after that.
- Opportunistic Bastard: As soon as Ramiro invades Zaragoza, they attempt to reclaim the lands lost to León in their last war against Fernando, knowing he won't be able to effectively divide his forces between two fronts.
The King of Navarre
The King of Navarre
Played by: Ivan Baena
"I've had a debt to collect for some time."
The son of the late García Sánchez III, the young king of Navarre is fuelled by the desire to avenge his father’s death and recover the lands lost to Fernando I after the battle of Atapuerca.- Cool Crown: One which he inherited from his father.
- Evil Redhead: Perhaps not evil, but he is an invader threatening León and a Smug Snake to boot. He also has a neatly-kept Beard of Evil.
- I Gave My Word: After Ruy bests and kills his champion, he holds to his word of withdrawing his army and leaving the lands he claims to León, though he's obviously unhappy about it.
- No Name Given: He's never referred to by his name in the show, with the Infantes only calling him "Cousin". Historically, he was Sancho Garcés IV of Pamplona. Presumably, he's not named so as to avoid confusion with the Infante Sancho of León.
- Revenge: Wants to both avenge the death of his father at Atapuerca, and reclaim the lands that Fernando took from Navarre after that battle.
- Smug Snake: Has a smug smirk during his negotiation with Sancho, particularly when he haughtily nominates Jimeno to duel Sancho on his behalf, and he sports the same smirk during the Combat by Champion that follows. In general, he seems utterly assured of Jimeno's invincibility and his own eventual success. When Jimeno loses and is killed, he's left in speechless shock.
- This Cannot Be!: Does a silent version of this after his champion, Jimeno, is killed. His expression is one of both shock and utter disbelief.
- Villain Has a Point: His desire to avenge his father is understandable, and his invasion is primarily aimed at reclaiming lands that originally belonged to Navarre.
- You Killed My Father: His driving motivation for invading the lands of León is to avenge the death of his father, García, at Atapuerca.
Jimeno
Jimeno
- Bald Head of Toughness: As the king of Navarre's champion, he's improbably strong and a skilled combatant who can both joust and duel on foot. He's also completely bald, and complements his look with a Beard of Evil.
- The Champion: The King of Navarre's champion, and such a tough opponent that he can be considered a Wake-Up Call Boss to Ruy.
- Charles Atlas Superpower: Sends a fully-armoured Ruy flying back several feet after landing a powerful blow with both his weapons on his shield.
- Combat Pragmatist: Ruy manages to disarm him of his sword at one point in their duel, he simply responds by punching him. Given how strong he is, it's enough to send Ruy sprawling in a daze.
- Dual Wielding: When he and Ruy dismount after a brief joust, he does this, using an axe in one hand and a sword in the other.
- Giant Mook: A large and physically powerful warrior. The King of Navarre even Lampshades how imposing he is.
- High-Pressure Blood: When Ruy yanks the axe he used to deal the killing blow out of Jimeno's head, he gets covered in his blood.
- Implacable Man: An axe lodged in his head doesn't stop him. He immediately reacts by tackling Ruy and trying to strangle him to death, possibly in an attempt at Taking You with Me. Ruy has to pull the axe out to let the blood flow out freely, finally stopping him.
- Punch-Clock Villain: Is the champion to the King of Navarre, and in contrast to Varo, simply does what is required of him without showing any particularly cruel or sadistic tendencies.
- The Quiet One: Doesn't speak much in his appearance, outside of yelling cheers at the men of Navarre when he's sure he's won the duel.
- Starter Villain: He's the first opponent Ruy has to face in Combat by Champion, and by Season 2 the duel has become sufficiently famous that beggars sing of it in the streets of León.
- Strong and Skilled: He demonstrates Charles Atlas Superpower levels of strength at one point, and is able to meet Ruy equally in a joust and later on foot. This combination actually makes him come surprisingly close to winning his duel. Ruy is able to win by feigning helplessness, then catching him unaware with a surprise strike.
Posthumous Characters
King García Sánchez III of Navarre
King García Sánchez III of Navarre
Brother to Fernando of León and Ramiro of Aragon. García Sánchez warred with his younger brother Fernando and faced him at the decisive battle of Atapuerca where, to Fernando’s horror, he was killed. The event would not only haunt Fernando for years after, it would also inextricably mark the fate of Diego Laínez and that of his son, Ruy Díaz.- Big Brother Bully: According to the story Ramiro tells in episode 1, he and Ramiro once trapped Fernando in a well when all three were boys for a presumably significant length of time, reducing little Fernando to tears.
- Cain and Abel: He ended up being the Abel to Fernando's Cain, though if Fernando's comments in Season 1 are true, he tried to be the Cain first.
- Frontline General: Fought at the frontlines in Atapuerca, and got killed for it by Diego Laínez.
- Gory Discretion Shot: His death-wound is not shown explictly. Insteady, we see Diego slashing up at him, followed by a shot of García hitting the ground and his crown rolling away.
- He Who Must Not Be Seen: Sort of. He's only briefly seen at Atapuerca, and not in any way that allows the audience to get a good look at him.
- Posthumous Character: Died at the Battle of Atapuerca in 1054, before the opening shot of the series.
- Small Role, Big Impact: Only appears in the first episode of Season 1, but his death still haunts Fernando. The act of killing him resulted in Diego Laínez being disgraced and impoverished, and Ruy has to work his way up from the bottom to redeem his father's name. Finally, a significant part of the second episode of Season 1 is centred on García's son leading an invasion into Leonese lands to both avenge his death and reclaim what was lost to Fernando.
- Ungrateful Bastard: According to Fernando, he was given half the lands of Castile for helping him take León, and he still ended up invading out of jealousy to try and take more.
