| 1 | [[WMG:[[center: [- ''Series/ElCid2020'' '''[[Characters/ElCid2020 Main Character Index]]'''\ |
| 2 | [[Characters/ElCid2020RodrigoDiaz Rodrigo "Ruy" DĂaz]] | [[Characters/ElCid2020KingdomOfLeon The Kingdom of LeĂłn]] | '''The ''Taifa'' of Zaragoza''' | [[Characters/ElCid2020ChristianKingdoms The Christian Kingdoms]] | [[Characters/ElCid2020MoorishTaifas The Moorish]] ''[[Characters/ElCid2020MoorishTaifas Taifas]]'' ]]]]-] |
| 3 | |
| 4 | ---- |
| 5 | |
| 6 | !The ''Taifa'' of Zaragoza |
| 7 | The ''Taifa'' of Zaragoza (''Saraqusta'' in Arabic) has been one of León’s most important vassals since they were subjugated through force of arms in 1060 by Fernando I, and swell León's coffers through yearly payments of ''Paria'' tributes. Thanks to the careful rule of its Emir, Ahmad al-Muqtadir, Zaragoza has enjoyed a golden age of economic and cultural splendor. However, the ''Taifa'''s wealth makes it a tempting target for other Christian kingdoms at the start of Season 1, particularly León's main rival, the Kingdom of Aragon. In Season 2, it must navigate the complicated political landscape created by Fernando’s children [[{{Realpolitik}} by whatever means necessary]]. |
| 8 | ---- |
| 9 | |
| 10 | * BadassArmy: Despite being few in number, Zaragoza's warriors are apparently skilled enough that their fame precedes them in the Christian kingdoms. So much so that, in Season 2, Sancho has Ruy request the aid of Prince Mundir and his Syrian Vanguard in his war against [[spoiler: his brother Alfonso and the kingdom of LeĂłn]]. |
| 11 | * MirrorCharacter: To the Kingdom of LeĂłn: Both are regional powers, and both are ruled by a capable monarch who secured his throne through force.[[labelnote:note]]What hasn't been mentioned yet in the series is that upon becoming Emir of Zaragoza, al-Muqtadir also had to war against two of his brothers who wouldn't recognize his authority, in many ways also making him a MirrorCharacter of Fernando.[[/labelnote]]The royal families from both kingdoms put on a united front but are plagued by rivalries behind the scenes, and both kingdoms have to deal with calls for religious militancy (Bishop Bernardo of LeĂłn and the Imams of Zaragoza, respectively). The main difference is that al-Muqtadir has been able to remain in control of both Zaragoza and his family and keep them mostly united. At least, for the moment. |
| 12 | * {{Realpolitik}}: They engage with this in both seasons, making them a force to not be underestimated despite their comparably weak military power. |
| 13 | ** In Season 1, they refuse to continue paying tribute until Fernando intervenes militarily to save them from Aragon’s invasion. |
| 14 | ** In Season 2, they deliberately [[spoiler: fan the flames of conflict between the three kingdoms of Castile, León and Galicia, with the end result that Sancho ends up gaining dominion over all three kingdoms after a war that leaves his combined armies more weakened than they were separately, ensuring he can’t pose an immediate threat to Zaragoza. At the end they get a tribute exemption of one year for helping Sancho in one battle that Sancho ''loses'', and even end up (if by sheer accident) steering Sancho to war against their rival Toledo and away from themselves]]. |
| 15 | * TeethClenchedTeamwork: With León in Season 1. Despite the two of them ostensibly being united against Aragon, it’s evident that the Leonese distrust their vassals, while the Moors resent León in turn. This trend continues in Season 2, where they’re initially reluctant to provide military aid to Castile. |
| 16 | * VoluntaryVassal: They’re León’s vassals at the start of the show, though "Voluntary" is perhaps a strong word considering that Fernando won their tribute through force of arms. Come Season 2, they become Castile’s vassals. |
| 17 | * WithFriendsLikeThese: Their co-operation with LeĂłn in Season 1 is [[TeethClenchedTeamwork less than amicable]]. Early in Season 2, they go back on their vassalage to Castile (thanks to Urraca’s scheming), requiring Sancho to send Ruy to intervene. Later on, they deliberately fan the flames of conflict between Sancho, GarcĂa and Alfonso, which eventually results in the brothers going to war against each other. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 20 | |
| 21 | !!The Royal Family of Zaragoza |
| 22 | [[folder:Emir al-Muqtadir of Zaragoza]] |
| 23 | !! Emir Ahmad ibn Sulayman al-Muqtadir bi-Llah of Zaragoza |
| 24 | !!!'''Played by:''' Abdel Hamid Krim |
| 25 | [[quoteright:259:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/muqtadir_image_5.png]] |
| 26 | [[caption-width-right:259:''"Enjoy our hospitality tonight. Only Allah knows what tomorrow will bring."'']] |
| 27 | Ruler of the ''Taifa'' of Zaragoza and Fernando’s vassal, al-Muqtadir is an urbane, cultured man and a patron of the arts. His rule has led to an age of prosperity for Zaragoza not seen since the time of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Yet behind his courtly manners is a quietly shrewd and driven man willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the continuing survival and prosperity of his state. |
| 28 | ---- |
| 29 | * AbusiveParents: [[spoiler: Despite his [[FairForItsDay Fair For His Time]] parenting, when he learns that Amina slept with Ruy, he has her [[GildedCage locked up in her rooms]]. It’s implied that, had Ruy not demanded her as a hostage, she would have remained locked up for a ''long'' time]]. |
| 30 | * AmbiguouslyEvil: In his appearances he’s consistently acted as a ReasonableAuthorityFigure and has rewarded Ruy, and his companions, for their services. However, some of his actions definitely paint a picture of a more ruthless individual. |
| 31 | ** [[spoiler: In Season 1, he has Sádaba assassinate Ramiro despite Sancho not wanting his uncle to come to harm, though this can be excused as a [[GoodIsNotNice hard but necessary action]], given Ramiro’s belligerence]]. |
| 32 | ** [[spoiler: A straighter example comes in Season 2, when he has Abu Bakr fan the flames of discord among Sancho, GarcĂa and Alfonso, with the goal of goading them to war with one another]]. |
| 33 | * BatmanGambit: Towards Sancho in Season 1. He laces his courtesy with subtle and not-so-subtle jabs at the ''Infante'', aimed at wounding his pride and riling him up enough to ensure he and the Castilians will lead the charge against the Aragonese at Graus, ensuring that Zaragoza’s smaller forces remain intact until a critical point in the battle. [[spoiler: It pays off, with the result being Ramiro’s death and Aragon’s defeat]]. |
| 34 | * BewareTheNiceOnes: He’s courteous and well-spoken, and can be generous in his rewards, but he didn’t become Emir of Zaragoza by being nice all the time. See AmbiguouslyEvil. [[spoiler: By the end of the Season 2, he’s responsible for the death of Ramiro of Aragon, had Amina briefly locked up for her fling with Ruy, and deliberately pushes Sancho, GarcĂa and Alfonso into war with one another]]. |
| 35 | * BlingOfWar: Befitting him being a SharpDressedMan, he wears an elaborately-decorated helmet and ornate leather armour to battle. |
| 36 | * CulturedBadass: A patron of the arts and sciences and an experienced, quietly ruthless ruler. |
| 37 | * DeadpanSnarker: He has definite moments of this. One of the clearest examples happens during his first appearance, when he interrupts his wife and concubine having a heated discussion over the succession rights of their children: |
| 38 | -->'''Al-Muqtadir''': I am happy to see harmony reigns in my home. |
| 39 | * DeliberateValuesDissonance: He’s stated to have educated his daughter [[RebelliousPrincess Amina]] to be a free spirit, yet he’s incensed when he learns she had an affair with Ruy. [[spoiler: He has her locked away in her chambers, which her mother Naadira describes as effectively being a death sentence. He only releases her when Ruy demands (on Naadira’s request) that she accompany him to Castile as a hostage]]. |
| 40 | * ExoticExtendedMarriage: He has two female companions: His wife Naadira and his concubine Farah. |
| 41 | * {{Foil}}: To Fernando I of LeĂłn: Both men are the rulers of their respective states, responsible for guiding them into an age of prosperity and power, and are the heads of families where relations are not always amicable, and with a complicated relationship with their daughters. However, Al-Muqtadir has far fewer moments of being {{Jerkass}} and an UngratefulBastard than Fernando, is more careful and measured in how he deals with others, and appears to favour [[{{Realpolitik}} Realpoliticking]] over displays of military might. |
| 42 | * GoodIsNotSoft: [[spoiler: Courteous towards his guests he may be and nominally respectful of Sancho, he also has no qualms in having Sádaba kill Ramiro at Graus. After all, ''he'' didn’t swear to not harm him]]. |
| 43 | * [[TheGoodKing The Good Emir]]: An effective ruler who has thus far managed the complicated balancing act of maintaining his kingdom intact and relatively independent of the Christian kingdoms (payment of ''Paria'' tributes notwithstanding), while also bringing about a small golden age for his people. |
| 44 | * KnowWhenToFoldEm: In the first episode of Season 2, when Ruy has foiled the ploy to have Zaragoza pay its ''Paria'' tributes to LeĂłn instead of Castile by burning the Zaragozan silk fields to force a negotiation. Al-Muqtadir dismisses advice to retaliate against Sancho and Ruy, instead opting to pay the tribute while stating that the last thing the ''Taifa'' needs is to make an enemy out of both of them (particularly Ruy). |
| 45 | * TheMagnificent: Though not stated in the show, ''Al-Muqtadir'' means "The Powerful." (the full version, ''Al-Muqtadir bi-Llah'' can be translated as "The Powerful thanks to God."). |
| 46 | * ManipulativeBastard: Present in his dealing with Sancho in Season 1: While maintaining a façade of politness, he makes several remarks that are calculated towards riling up the HotBlooded ''Infante'' to ensure he and his forces take on the brunt of the fighting against the Aragonese. [[spoiler: He does it again in Season 2 when he has Abu Bakr inform Sancha that her husband was poisoned, aggravating the tensions within the family with the overall goal of provoking a CivilWar amongst Fernando’s sons]]. |
| 47 | * PetTheDog: |
| 48 | ** After the Battle of Graus, he thanks his Castilian allies and rewards Ruy and his companions generously: He gifts Ruy a magnificent sword, while his friends are given a… [[{{Fanservice}} memorable night with]] ''[[FanserviceExtra many]]'' [[FanserviceExtra beautiful women]]. |
| 49 | ** It’s stated in Season 2 that he was surprisingly progressive when it came to Amina’s education, allowing her to be a free spirit as well as a very well-read and intelligent woman. [[spoiler: But as he states, her being a free spirit doesn’t mean she’s free from the responsibilities of her actions. Thus, when he learns of her affair with Ruy, he has her locked up in the palace]]. |
| 50 | ** In Season 2, [[spoiler: he berates Mundir for ordering Ruy’s assassination without his consent and calls it off, making clear that Ruy is not to be harmed]]. |
| 51 | ** [[spoiler: He agrees to release Amina from her imprisonment and allows her to travel unharmed to Castile as Ruy’s hostage, and later in the season asks that she be returned, implying he misses her. However, this is undercut by the fact that he wants her to spy on his behalf while in Castile, and that [[DeliberateValuesDissonance he’ll disown her if she lets Ruy touch her again]]]]. |
| 52 | * [[RealMenLoveJesus Real Men Love Allah]]: As is typical for his time period, he’s a religious man. Fortunately, he doesn’t appear ascribe to the intolerant rhetoric espoused by the Imams in Season 1. |
| 53 | * {{Realpolitik}}: Engages with this far more than the Christian monarchs, which is part of what makes him so formidable. In season 1, he forces León to come to Zaragoza’s aid against Aragon by suspending the payment of tribute and explicitly threatening to switch allegiance to Aragon if León does nothing. In Season 2, apart from initially reneguing on the payment of tribute to Castile in favor of León (which Urraca was also responsible for), [[spoiler: he’s also responsible for helping push the three brothers to war with one another in a bid to keep them weakened and divided while Zaragoza remains intact]]. |
| 54 | * ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Possibly the straightest example in the whole show: He listens to all opinions and suggestions that are presented to him, no matter how different they are, so as to consider all options. He gives his Leonese allies the chance to prove themselves, and shows gratitude later for their aid. In general, he strives to avoid making rash decisions based on his emotions or past resentments. |
| 55 | * RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: No major decision in Zaragoza happens without him, no major event happens without him being present and involved. It’s part of what makes him such an effective ruler. [[spoiler: When a decision is made without his say-so, namely Mundir ordering Ruy’s assassination, he goes into full TranquilFury mode and makes clear in no uncertain terms that he will ''not'' tolerate such actions, and that Mundir is on thin ice]]. |
| 56 | * SharpDressedMan: Whatever the occasion, he’s always well-dressed in fine robes. |
| 57 | * TheStrategist: He appears to focus more on overall political and military strategy than fighting on the front lines, which he leaves to his son, Mundir. Tellingly, while Fernando is presented as having been a [[WarriorPrince Warrior King]], al-Muqtadir at Graus stays far from the fighting, opting to remain on a hill and observe the battle before ordering a critical strike against the Aragonese. |
| 58 | * TranquilFury: In Season 2. [[spoiler: When he learns that Mundir ordered Sádaba to assassinate Ruy for sleeping with Amina and chews him out for it]]. He only raises his voice when necessary, and even then keeps it – and himself – rigidly in control, but it’s clear he’s ''furious''. |
| 59 | * TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard: Though this is mostly due to Arabic naming conventions. His full name, and title, is given as: "His Royal Highness AbĂş Yafar Ahmad ibn Sulayman ibn Hud al-Muqtadir bi-Llah, Emir of Zaragoza and Defender of the Peace." |
| 60 | |
| 61 | [[/folder]] |
| 62 | |
| 63 | [[folder:Prince Yusuf]] |
| 64 | !! Prince Yusuf ibn Ahmad of Zaragoza |
| 65 | !!!'''Played by:''' Samy Khalil |
| 66 | [[quoteright:211:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/yusuf_image_4.png]] |
| 67 | [[caption-width-right:211:''"Trust grows as slowly as a palm tree, but falls at the speed of a coconut."'']] |
| 68 | Al-Muqtadir’s eldest son, from by his concubine Farah. Groomed to inherit the Emirate of Zaragoza from his father, he's a well-educated man of culture, noted for his wisdom and intelligence despite his youth. |
| 69 | ---- |
| 70 | * DeadpanSnarker: As befits his more cultured nature, the verbal jabs he delivers are dry and understated. For proof, see his image quote. |
| 71 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: He’s introduced reading in the inner courtyard of the palace of Zaragoza before engaging in a brief battle of words with Ruy, establishing him as a more scholarly, calm, and thoughtful individual than his brother Mundir, who is more of a HotBlooded man of action than his brother. |
| 72 | * GentlemanAndAScholar: In contrast to Mundir, Yusuf is more intellectual and interested in scholarly pursuits. He’s also undeniably intelligent, and more affable than his brother. |
| 73 | * ReasonableAuthorityFigure: [[spoiler: When Abu Bakr is unable to convince Mundir to call off the hit on Ruy, he goes to inform Yusuf of the situation. Despite Ruy having had an affair with Amina – something even [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure al-Muqtadir]] [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness is unhappy about]] – Yusuf still informs his father of Mundir’s ploy at the same time he and his mother intercede on Amina’s behalf, saving Ruy from further assassination attempts]]. |
| 74 | * SiblingYinYang: To his brother, Mundir, a HotBlooded WarriorPrince who (aside from some PetTheDog moments) is usually a {{Jerkass}}. Yusuf, on the other hand, is a GentlemanAndAScholar who (for now) has not fought in battle, yet appears to have more smarts and a calmer nature. |
| 75 | * WiseBeyondHisYears: Gives off this vibe, as he’s able to make sharp observations to others in conversation, and appears to have a keen understanding of whatever situation he’s presented with, despite his youth and otherwise quiet nature. |
| 76 | * TheWisePrince: The heir to the ''Taifa'' of Zaragoza and an intellectual who, unlike Mundir, isn’t ruled by HonorBeforeReason. |
| 77 | |
| 78 | [[/folder]] |
| 79 | |
| 80 | [[folder:Prince Mundir]] |
| 81 | !! Prince Mundir ibn Ahmad of Zaragoza |
| 82 | !!!'''Played by:''' Adil Koukouh |
| 83 | [[quoteright:209:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mundir_image.png]] |
| 84 | [[caption-width-right:209:''"You can smell the stink of the Franks a mile off."'']] |
| 85 | Al-Muqtadir’s second-born son, from his wife Naadira. A hot-tempered and military-minded man, much more so than his brother Yusuf. His belligerence at court and his personal bravery on the battlefield are both indisputable. |
| 86 | ---- |
| 87 | * CainAndAbel: [[spoiler: Possibly. [[HonorRelatedAbuse Amina is certainly convinced that he wants to kill her for her affair with Ruy]]. Thus far the show hasn’t confirmed either way, [[MySisterIsOffLimits though he has most definitely wanted Ruy dead for it]]]]. |
| 88 | * TheCavalry: [[spoiler: Him and his Syrian Vanguard act as this at Golpejera, feigning a retreat at the start of the Leonese ambush before wheeling around and charging at a critical moment, giving the Castilians the necessary opening to retreat]]. |
| 89 | * CombatPragmatist: [[spoiler: When the army of LeĂłn ambushes the combined Zaragozan-Castilian army at Golpejera, he leads a feigned retreat with his men, only to reappear and charge the engaged Leonese, disordering them enough that the Castilians are able to withdraw]]. |
| 90 | * CulturalPosturing: His EstablishingCharacterMoment has him commenting derisively on how the "Franks" stink a mile away, alluding to the differences in personal hygiene between the Islamic and Christian cultures of medieval Spain. |
| 91 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: His first scene has him observing from horseback the Castilian allies entering Zaragoza’s lands and commenting disparagingly on their smell before angrily reprimanding both Sancho and Abu Bakr for not bringing enough men, establishing him right off the bat as a {{Jerkass}} whose main preoccupation is war. |
| 92 | * EveryManHasHisPrice: Alluded to when he offers his aid [[spoiler: in exchange for the ''Paria'' tributes to be suspended for a full year, implying he has some personal interest in it]]. |
| 93 | --> '''Mundir:''' My weakness isn't my pride, but my greed. |
| 94 | * HonorBeforeReason: [[spoiler: His wanting to kill Ruy – and possibly Amina – to preserve his family’s honor dips firmly into this. He orders Sádaba to kill Ruy against the advice of Abu Bakr and without his father’s knowledge, ''despite'' Ruy having aided Zaragoza, something that pisses off al-Muqtadir when he finds out. If he really does intend to have Amina killed, then it’s also despite the fact that his father doesn’t wish for her to die either]]. |
| 95 | * HonorRelatedAbuse: [[spoiler: May want his sister Amina killed for sleeping with Ruy. While the show hasn’t yet given an explicit confirmation of this, the fact that he tried to kill Ruy for having the affair and seemed satisfied with Amina being locked up in her rooms suggests it wouldn’t be out of character for him]]. |
| 96 | * HotBlooded: He’s quick to action, kind of a {{Jerkass}}, and a WarriorPrince. It’s something he and Sancho have in common. [[spoiler: Not to mention that he responds to Ruy sleeping with sister with [[MySisterIsOffLimits attempting to]] [[MurderIsTheBestSolution have him killed]]]]. |
| 97 | * IGaveMyWord: Despite his [[{{Jerkass}} jerkassery]], when he gives his word, he keeps it. [[spoiler: He fights loyally and bravely for Sancho at Golpejera after swearing to do so – albeit after freeing Zaragoza from paying the ''Paria'' for a full year – and is reluctant to abandon the Castilians after they retreat from the Leonese ambush, having to be convinced to do so by Ruy]]. |
| 98 | * {{Jerkass}}: Compared to his brother, [[TheWisePrince Yusuf]], Mundir comes across as a bellicose prick. [[spoiler: Particularly since he thinks Ruy and Amina sleeping together merits one or ''both'' of them being killed to preserve his family’s honor]]. |
| 99 | * JerkassHasAPoint: When advising his father to sit out the war between [[spoiler: Sancho and Alfonso]], he makes valid points about how not intervening in the conflict is a safer bet for the ''Taifa''. His offer to help [[spoiler: Castile]] on the condition that Zaragoza not pay ''Paria'' tributes for a full year also makes sense when one considers how exorbitant said tributes are. |
| 100 | * MySisterIsOffLimits: [[spoiler: His reaction to Ruy and Amina having an affair when they meet at Zaragoza? To order [[ProfessionalKiller Sádaba]] [[DisproportionateRetribution to kill Ruy]], without his father’s knowledge]]. |
| 101 | * PetTheDog: |
| 102 | ** In Season 1, [[spoiler: after the Battle of Graus, he silently yet respectfully acknowledges Ruy as a warrior]]. |
| 103 | ** In Season 2, [[spoiler: he’s shown to be [[IGaveMyWord true to his word]], fighting bravely for Sancho at Golpejera and being very reluctant to abandon the Castilians after they’re forced to retreat from Alfonso’s ambush, only doing so after being convinced by Ruy]]. |
| 104 | * [[RealMenLoveJesus Real Men Love Allah]]: He's a religious man, and is definitely the warrior of the family. |
| 105 | * SiblingYinYang: With his brother, Yusuf. Yusuf is [[GentlemanAndAScholar scholarly]], a ReasonableAuthorityFigure, and overall an example of TheWisePrince. Mundir, by contrast, is a [[{{Jerkass}} jerkish]] WarriorPrince [[spoiler: who reacts with ''murderous'' DisproportionateRetribution to perceived slights against his family’s honor]]. |
| 106 | * WarriorPrince: He’s a fierce FrontLineGeneral who thus far has fought directly at both Graus and Golpejera. Al-Muqtadir has to order him restrain his impulse to attack at Graus before finally allowing him to charge at the occupied Aragonese army. |
| 107 | * WorthyOpponent: He appears to view Ruy with a measure of respect, particularly after Graus. [[spoiler: It’s possible this is why he has Sádaba, who is ''deadly'', go after him when he orders Ruy’s assassination]]. |
| 108 | |
| 109 | |
| 110 | [[/folder]] |
| 111 | |
| 112 | [[folder:Princess Amina]] |
| 113 | !! Princess Amina of Zaragoza |
| 114 | !!!'''Played by:''' Sarah Perles |
| 115 | [[quoteright:214:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/amina_image.png]] |
| 116 | [[caption-width-right:214:''"I won’t surrender to a dog having rejected so many lions."'']] |
| 117 | Daughter of al-Muqtadir’s and his concubine, Naadira. Impulsive, headstrong, and sensual, she has gained a reputation in Zaragoza for being a source of continuous trouble for her father. When young Ruy arrives in Zaragoza, she is instantly drawn to the young warrior. |
| 118 | ---- |
| 119 | * TheBard: While not a singer, she’s a skilled poet, and is seen in both seasons either writing or reciting verses. |
| 120 | * BettyAndVeronica: She’s Veronica to Jimena’s Betty, being the more passionate and sensual of Ruy’s two love interests. |
| 121 | * BornInTheWrongCentury: Something that’s [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] by her father al-Muqtadir, when he notes that she’s a free spirit too far ahead of her time. This appears to be as much from her own personality as of her education and upbringing. |
| 122 | * DaddysGirl: [[ImpliedTrope Implied]]. It’s stated in Season 2 that al-Muqtadir raised her to be a free spirit, showing a surprising progressiveness regarding her upbringing. [[spoiler: However, al-Muqtadir himself makes it clear the limits of this. When he learns of her affair with Ruy, he first has her locked up, then threatens to disown her]]. |
| 123 | * DidntThinkThisThrough: Slept with Ruy in Season 1, more or less on the basis that, as a free spirit, she will do what she wishes and damn the consequences. In Season 2, those consequences are: [[spoiler: Her brother Mundir trying to assassinate Ruy and [[AmbiguousSituation possibly]] wanting her dead too, being locked up in her rooms by order of her father, and eventually her being sent to Castile as a hostage]]. |
| 124 | * HonorRelatedAbuse: She’s on the receiving end of this in Season 2, once her tryst with Ruy is discovered. [[spoiler: Her father has her locked up in her rooms before she’s released as a hostage to Castile, and her brother Mundir may want her dead for her affair]]. |
| 125 | * HiddenDepths: In Season 2, while her language is as poetic and flowery as ever, she’s also achingly sincere when expressing the depth of her feelings to Ruy. [[spoiler:When she realizes he’ll never reciprocate and won’t stop loving another, she becomes a WomanScorned]]. |
| 126 | * TheExile: [[spoiler: Becomes this in Season 2, first by being sent as a hostage to Castile on Ruy’s request, then when she flees Castile for León, and finally when she flees León with Sancho to take refuge in Toledo]]. |
| 127 | * MsFanservice: The biggest example thus far, getting the lion’s share of the show’s nude and sex scenes. |
| 128 | * OddFriendship: With Queen Alberta of Castile, AKA Oiubreda. The Anglo-Saxon noblewoman and the Moorish princess appear to bond in Castile, possibly over the fact that both are strangers in a foreign land, surrounded by people that don’t understand them [[spoiler: so much so that Oiubreda actively aids Amina in fleeing Castile towards the end of Season 2]]. |
| 129 | * RebelliousPrincess: While a member of the royal family of Zaragoza, she’s fiery and passionate and makes clear in Season 1 that her will is her own, and no-one else’s. [[spoiler: Season 2 [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructs]] this by showing what the consequences of such an attitude bring her]]. |
| 130 | * ScrewThisImOuttaHere: [[spoiler: ''Twice'' in Season 2. First, she flees Castile out of a combination of [[WomanScorned anger at Ruy]] and fear that Mundir will kill her once she’s returned to Zaragoza and defects to León. Then, after Sancho’s victory, she helps Alfonso flee León and guides him to Toledo, where they both take refuge]]. |
| 131 | * TheTease: Plays this role with Ruy in Season 1, flirting with him almost from the first moment they meet. This continues in Season 2, even when they start having a brief, physical relationship. |
| 132 | * {{Turncoat}}: [[spoiler: In Season 2, her [[WomanScorned anger at Ruy]] causes her to flee Castile and defect to León, and thereafter aiding Alfonso and Urraca against Sancho and Ruy. Considering, however, that Sancho’s BigBadSlippage gets worse after conquering León…]] |
| 133 | * WomanScorned: [[spoiler: Becomes this when she realizes that Ruy intends to return her to Zaragoza and will never fully reciprocate the feelings she has for him, despite them sleeping together. She curses him, and flees to LeĂłn, thereafter aiding the Leonese]]. |
| 134 | * YouCantGoHomeAgain: [[spoiler: Her father states in no uncertain terms that if Ruy touches her again, he’ll disown her. Her subsequent fleeing to León, and then to Toledo, likely has as much to do with her fear of her brother murdering her as of her father’s threat]]. |
| 135 | |
| 136 | [[/folder]] |
| 137 | |
| 138 | [[folder:Naadira]] |
| 139 | !! Naadira |
| 140 | !!!'''Played by:''' Farah Hamed |
| 141 | [[quoteright:223:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/naadira_image_8.png]] |
| 142 | Al-Muqtadir's wife, and the mother of his second-born son, Mundir. |
| 143 | ---- |
| 144 | * ExoticExtendedMarriage: Is in one with al-Muqtadir. She’s his wife, and Farah is his concubine. Both have given him sons. |
| 145 | * OutOfFocus: Thus far, she’s had only a few scenes in both seasons, and hasn’t gotten much focus thereafter. |
| 146 | * TheRival: To Farah. The two are seen arguing over the hereditary rights of their sons in Season 1, and she and Mundir both look satisfied when [[spoiler: al-Muqtadir orders Amina to be locked up for her affair with Ruy]]. Fittingly, when both are in the presence of the Emir, they tend to be on opposite sides. |
| 147 | * TopWife: She’s al-Muqtadir’s wife, which would lead one to think she’s this. However, it’s implied that Farah is the one who is favoured, as she gave birth to Yusuf, the first-born son and heir to the ''Taifa''. |
| 148 | |
| 149 | [[/folder]] |
| 150 | |
| 151 | [[folder:Farah]] |
| 152 | !! Farah |
| 153 | !!!'''Played by:''' MarĂa Pedroviejo |
| 154 | [[quoteright:222:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/farah_image.png]] |
| 155 | Al-Muqtadir's concubine, and the mother of his first-born son and heir, Yusuf, and of his daughter Amina. |
| 156 | ---- |
| 157 | * AlmightyMom: [[spoiler:Has no qualms about marching into a camp full of armed Castilian warriors to demand that Ruy secure Amina’s release from imprisonment. She even takes a moment to point out that the whole mess is Ruy’s fault. All without a trace of fear]]. |
| 158 | * ExoticExtendedMarriage: In one with al-Muqtadir. She’s his concubine, while Naadira is his wife. Both have given him sons. |
| 159 | * GoodParents: She and al-Muqtadir apparently brought Amina up to be a free spirit, showing a surprisingly progressive mindset for their time period. She also backs up her son in calling out [[spoiler: Mundir over his attempted assassination of Ruy. She also tries to defend Amina from being locked up over her affair, and when that doesn’t work, goes directly to Ruy to have him secure her release, preferring she live as a hostage than die slowly as a prisoner in her own home]]. |
| 160 | * HotConsort: Al-Muqtadir’s concubine and quite easy on the eyes. |
| 161 | * TheRival: To Naadira. The two are seen arguing over the hereditary rights of their sons in Season 1, and both she and Yusuf try to intercede on Amina’s behalf [[spoiler: when al-Muqtadir orders her to be locked up for her affair with Ruy]]. Fittingly, when both are in the presence of the Emir, they tend to be on opposite sides. |
| 162 | |
| 163 | [[/folder]] |
| 164 | |
| 165 | !!!'''The Court of Zaragoza''' |
| 166 | [[folder:Abu Bakr]] |
| 167 | !!Abu Bakr |
| 168 | !!!'''Played by:''' Zohar Liba |
| 169 | [[quoteright:240:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/abu_image.png]] |
| 170 | [[caption-width-right:240:''"Glory awaits you, [[AffectionateNickname Boy of the Birds]]."'']] |
| 171 | Al-Muqtadir’s Personal physician and astrologer. A learned and diplomatic man, Abu Bakr is sent to LeĂłn to request aid from Fernando when Zaragoza finds itself threatened by invaders. It is on this voyage that he will meet young Ruy DĂaz, and start to learn more of the young man’s star-written destiny… |
| 172 | ---- |
| 173 | * {{Ambadassador}}: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]], but present. He acts as al-Muqtadir’s ambassador in the first season, and while he’s not a physical badass, he’s able to successfully represent his ''Taifa’s'' interests while in León, and in the second season more than holds his own when he [[PassiveAggressiveKombat verbally spars]] with [[PoliticallyIncorrectVillain Bishop Bernardo]]. |
| 174 | * {{Astrologer}}: As well as being al-Muqtadir’s physician, he’s also an astrologer. It’s he who discovers Ruy’s unusually strong ''Baraka'', and is adamant that he not be harmed, as he believes that the young man is destined to do great things, and that by doing so he will help Zaragoza. |
| 175 | * BewareTheNiceOnes: [[spoiler: As much of a CoolOldGuy he is, it’s demonstrated in Season 2 that he’s not above dirtying his hands to further Zaragoza’s {{Realpolitik}}. He tells Sancha that Fernando was poisoned, knowing it will aggravate the already-visible tensions within the Leonese royal family, with the intention of provoking a war between Fernando’s sons]]. |
| 176 | * CoolOldGuy: A wise scholar, a capable physician, and an astrologer. He’s also genuinely kind to Ruy and impeccably courteous with everyone he deals with. |
| 177 | * GentlemanAndAScholar: He’s a very well-educated man, being both a physician and an astrologer, and in general appears to be one of the most learned individuals in the show. The “Gentleman” part is also evident in how flawlessly polite he is with everyone. |
| 178 | * LightIsGood: He’s a CoolOldGuy who dresses primarily in white or light-tan robes. |
| 179 | * TheMedic: Al-Muqtadir’s personal physician. Unsurpisingly, he’s shown to be an experienced and skilled doctor, as in Season 1 it’s he who accurately spots that Ruy’s stiletto wound is in danger of becoming infected, and is able to cure it. |
| 180 | * OddFriendship: With Ruy. The young, Castilian warrior and the aging Zaragozan sage appear to strike up a genuine understanding and friendship in Season 1 that is still alive and well in Season 2. Abu Bakr even calls Ruy by an AffectionateNickname, ''Chico de los pájaros'' (“Boy of the Birds”), in reference to Ruy’s affinity for them. |
| 181 | * PassiveAggressiveKombat: He’s not afraid to engage in this with Bishop Bernardo in Season 2, when they encounter each other at Sancho’s wedding feast. |
| 182 | --> '''Bernardo''': Young Ruy. Do not trust Arab wisdom. Never forget that the devil is also very wise. |
| 183 | --> '''Abu Bakr''': Then I must be very foolish. For me, nothing is more dangerous than living in ignorance. |
| 184 | * TheSmartGuy: Physician, astrologer, diplomat… Season 2 also shows he’s capable of navigating Zaragoza’s political environment [[spoiler: and even taking part in its {{Realpolitik}}]]. |
| 185 | * SpottingTheThread: Seems to have a talent for it. When he spots Ruy washing his stiletto wound in water in Season 1, he surmises that the wound is becoming infected and needs immediate treatment. [[spoiler: Later, at the end of the season, he spots Fernando’s favourite hound lying dead with foam around its mouth. This prompts him to secretly examine its organs, thus discovering that Fernando – who would regularly feed his dog his table scraps – was poisoned]]. |
| 186 | * WhatTheHellHero: [[spoiler: Delivers a justifiably angry lecture at Ruy on the return from Zaragoza for sleeping with Amina, which was the ''one'' thing he warned him not to do. He also warns him that Mundir now intends to have Ruy killed]]. |
| 187 | |
| 188 | |
| 189 | [[/folder]] |
| 190 | |
| 191 | [[folder:Sádaba]] |
| 192 | !!Sádaba |
| 193 | !!!'''Played by:''' Emilio Buale |
| 194 | [[quoteright:259:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sadaba_image_4.png]] |
| 195 | [[caption-width-right:259:''"[[ProfessionalKiller You will be next]]."'']] |
| 196 | Grim and taciturn, Sádaba holds a unique position in al-Muqtadir’s court and army, as this quiet warrior is trusted by the Emir of Zaragoza to carry out those tasks that others may be unwilling, or unable, to do. |
| 197 | ---- |
| 198 | * BadassBoast: delivers one in Season 2 [[spoiler: to Ruy before attempting to assassinate him]]. He can back it up, too. |
| 199 | --> '''Sádaba''': Your [[spoiler: ''Baraka'']] will not save you from '''me'''. |
| 200 | * BaldHeadOfToughness: Not a hair on his head, and a dangerous assassin who can go toe-to-toe with Ruy and is responsible for killing [[spoiler: King Ramiro of Aragon]]. |
| 201 | * BewareTheQuietOnes: Sádaba speaks sparingly, and is one of the most lethal warriors in the show. |
| 202 | * CompositeCharacter: After filling for Sadaro in Season 1, he kind of replaces Faris, "the Moor of Medinaceli" in Season 2, whom [[spoiler:El Cid]] fought in single combat in the mid-late 1060s. [[spoiler:Though unlike Sádaba, El Cid killed him.]] |
| 203 | * ConsummateProfessional: When he’s ordered to kill someone, he does so with quiet, thorough diligence, not engaging in any acts of sadism or cruelty and instead going straight for the most efficient kill. This holds true even if he respects his target, [[spoiler: as Ruy finds out in Season 2]]. |
| 204 | * DualWielding: In Season 2, he wields a Moorish ''Jineta'' sword in one hand and a dagger in the other [[spoiler: when he attacks Ruy]]. |
| 205 | * HiddenDepths: Season 1 shows that he has a collection of miniature figures that he carefully paints by hand. However, there’s a creepy implication that they represent individuals he’s killed. |
| 206 | * ImprobableAimingSkills: [[spoiler: Demonstrates this at Graus, where he kills Ramiro of Aragon by throwing a javelin [[EyeScream into his eye]] with pinpoint precision]]. |
| 207 | * TheKingslayer: [[spoiler: Kills Ramiro of Aragon at the battle of Graus]]. |
| 208 | * MyMasterRightOrWrong: He serves the royal family of Zaragoza without question, no matter their commands. Whether commanded to kill [[spoiler: Ramiro]] in battle or assassinate [[spoiler: Ruy]], he devotes himself to both tasks unflinchingly. [[spoiler: He doesn't succeed with Ruy, but it's not for lack of trying]]. |
| 209 | * ProfessionalKiller: The personal assassin to the royal family of Zaragoza, and ''very'' deadly. |
| 210 | * TheQuietOne: He doesn’t speak much, and when he does it’s usually [[TerseTalker to the point]]. Even when he engages in PreBattleBanter in Season 2, it doesn’t last long. |
| 211 | * RaceLift: His historical inspiration, recorded as Sadaro or Sadada, was a Romance-speaking Muslim who dressed as a Christian and infiltrated the Aragonese army during the Battle of Graus [[spoiler:in order to assassinate the King of Aragon]]. Obviously Sadaro was most likely white to accomplish this. Sádaba is black, and trades the infiltration talent for being a OneManArmy. |
| 212 | * ScaryBlackMan: One of the most lethal characters in the show, played by an actor of Black African descent. |
| 213 | * TheStoic: He doesn’t emote much, preferring cold professionalism instead of overt displays of emotion, which only adds to his intimidation factor. |
| 214 | * StrongAndSkilled: He’s shown to be both skilled and fast when he fights at Graus, in Season 1. In Season 2, when duelling [[spoiler: Ruy]], he’s able to match the younger man blow-for-blow while DualWielding, only backing down when menaced by a crossbow-wielding [[spoiler: Alvar]]. |
| 215 | * TokenMinority: The only non-white character in the show. |
| 216 | * WorthyOpponent: He appears to consider Ruy to be this. He saves the young man’s life before the Battle of Graus by killing [[spoiler: FlaĂn’s assassin, Pedro Vela]], stating that he wants him at his side for the battle. [[spoiler: When ordered to kill him in Season 2, he approaches him openly and engages in a one-on-one duel. Though it becomes clear that Ruy is outmatched, he still gives him the chance to defend himself]]. |
| 217 | |
| 218 | [[/folder]] |
| 219 | |
| 220 | [[folder:Joseph]] |
| 221 | !!Joseph |
| 222 | !!!'''Played by:''' Angel Bonanni |
| 223 | [[quoteright:255:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/joseph_image.png]] |
| 224 | [[caption-width-right:255:''"It's not "Baraka". It's a curse."'']] |
| 225 | Al-Muqtadir’s Jewish Visir, and the most important minister in Zaragoza after the Emir and his family. |
| 226 | ---- |
| 227 | * ActuallyPrettyFunny: Early in Season 1, Ruy responds to Zaragoza’s scornful defiance during the negotiations regarding the payment of its ''Paria'' tributes by pouring water from his cup onto Joseph’s long pipe, extinguishing it. Rather than being offended, Joseph instead looks wryly amused by Ruy’s defiance. |
| 228 | * AgentScully: Towards Ruy’s ''Baraka''. He explains in Season 2 that, as a Jew, he doesn't believe in the concept. Later he outright calls it a curse. |
| 229 | * {{Jerkass}}: While he’s never overtly hostile to anyone, he often comes across as snide, condescending, and passive-aggressive when dealing with the Christians of León and Castile, particularly Ruy and Sancho. |
| 230 | * JerkassHasAPoint: |
| 231 | ** His interactions with Sancho in Season 1 are passive-aggressive [[{{Jerkass}} jerkassery]], yet he makes a good point that Zaragoza pays substantial tribute precisely so that it can count on León’s protection when it’s attacked, as happens when Ramiro invades. |
| 232 | ** In Season 2, he warns against trusting Ruy and is vehemently against Abu Bakr’s faith in his ''Baraka''. Considering that Ruy’s punitive burning of Zaragoza’s silk fields caused them (in his own words) "More damage in a single night than ten years of Aragonese campaigns", his hostility is understandable. |
| 233 | * NumberTwo: He’s Al-Muqtadir’s Visir, meaning his power in Zaragoza is second only to the Emir and his family. |
| 234 | * SleazyPolitician: Has shades of this in Season 2, [[spoiler: particularly when he argues in favour of Orduño’s proposal to have Zaragoza change its allegiance to León in exchange for personal reward]]. |
| 235 | * SmugSmiler: Frequently has this expression when dealing with other people, particularly if they’re from outside the ''Taifa''. |
| 236 | * TokenMinority: The only Jewish character thus far seen in the show. |
| 237 |
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FollowingContext Characters / ElCid2020TaifaOfZaragoza
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