Rodrigo "Ruy" Díaz | The Kingdom of León | The Taifa of Zaragoza | The Christian Kingdoms | The Moorish Taifas
The Taifa of Zaragoza
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 by whatever means necessary.- Badass Army: 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 his brother Alfonso and the kingdom of León.
- Mirror Character: To the Kingdom of León: Both are regional powers, and both are ruled by a capable monarch who secured his throne through force.note 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 León 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.
- Realpolitik: They engage with this in both seasons, making them a force to not be underestimated despite their comparably weak military power.
- In Season 1, they refuse to continue paying tribute until Fernando intervenes militarily to save them from Aragon’s invasion.
- In Season 2, they deliberately 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.
- Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: 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.
- Voluntary Vassal: 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.
- With Friends Like These...: Their co-operation with León in Season 1 is 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, García and Alfonso, which eventually results in the brothers going to war against each other.
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The Royal Family of Zaragoza
Emir al-Muqtadir of Zaragoza
Emir Ahmad ibn Sulayman al-Muqtadir bi-Llah of Zaragoza
Played by: Abdel Hamid Krim
"Enjoy our hospitality tonight. Only Allah knows what tomorrow will bring."
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.- Abusive Parents: Despite his
Fair For His Time parenting, when he learns that Amina slept with Ruy, he has her 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. - Ambiguously Evil: In his appearances he’s consistently acted as a Reasonable Authority Figure and has rewarded Ruy, and his companions, for their services. However, some of his actions definitely paint a picture of a more ruthless individual.
- 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 hard but necessary action, given Ramiro’s belligerence.
- A straighter example comes in Season 2, when he has Abu Bakr fan the flames of discord among Sancho, García and Alfonso, with the goal of goading them to war with one another.
- Batman Gambit: 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. It pays off, with the result being Ramiro’s death and Aragon’s defeat.
- Beware the Nice Ones: 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 Ambiguously Evil. 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, García and Alfonso into war with one another.
- Bling of War: Befitting him being a Sharp-Dressed Man, he wears an elaborately-decorated helmet and ornate leather armour to battle.
- Cultured Badass: A patron of the arts and sciences and an experienced, quietly ruthless ruler.
- Deadpan Snarker: 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:Al-Muqtadir: I am happy to see harmony reigns in my home.
- Deliberate Values Dissonance: He’s stated to have educated his daughter Amina to be a free spirit, yet he’s incensed when he learns she had an affair with Ruy. 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.
- Exotic Extended Marriage: He has two female companions: His wife Naadira and his concubine Farah.
- Foil: To Fernando I of León: 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 Ungrateful Bastard than Fernando, is more careful and measured in how he deals with others, and appears to favour Realpoliticking over displays of military might.
- Good Is Not Soft: 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.
- 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.
- Know When to Fold 'Em: In the first episode of Season 2, when Ruy has foiled the ploy to have Zaragoza pay its Paria tributes to León 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).
- The Magnificent: 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.").
- Manipulative Bastard: 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 Hot-Blooded Infante to ensure he and his forces take on the brunt of the fighting against the Aragonese. 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 Civil War amongst Fernando’s sons.
- Pet the Dog:
- 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… memorable night with many beautiful women.
- 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. 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.
- In Season 2, he berates Mundir for ordering Ruy’s assassination without his consent and calls it off, making clear that Ruy is not to be harmed.
- 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 he’ll disown her if she lets Ruy touch her again.
- 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.
- 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), 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.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: 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.
- Royals Who Actually Do Something: 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. When a decision is made without his say-so, namely Mundir ordering Ruy’s assassination, he goes into full Tranquil Fury mode and makes clear in no uncertain terms that he will not tolerate such actions, and that Mundir is on thin ice.
- Sharp-Dressed Man: Whatever the occasion, he’s always well-dressed in fine robes.
- The Strategist: 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 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.
- Tranquil Fury: In Season 2. 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.
- Try to Fit That on a Business Card: Though this is mostly due to Arabic naming conventions. His full name, and title, is given as: "His Royal Highness Abú Yafar Ahmad ibn Sulayman ibn Hud al-Muqtadir bi-Llah, Emir of Zaragoza and Defender of the Peace."
Prince Yusuf
Prince Yusuf ibn Ahmad of Zaragoza
Played by: Samy Khalil
"Trust grows as slowly as a palm tree, but falls at the speed of a coconut."
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.- Deadpan Snarker: As befits his more cultured nature, the verbal jabs he delivers are dry and understated. For proof, see his image quote.
- Establishing Character Moment: 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 Hot-Blooded man of action than his brother.
- Gentleman and a Scholar: In contrast to Mundir, Yusuf is more intellectual and interested in scholarly pursuits. He’s also undeniably intelligent, and more affable than his brother.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: 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 al-Muqtadir 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.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: To his brother, Mundir, a Hot-Blooded Warrior Prince who (aside from some Pet the Dog moments) is usually a Jerkass. Yusuf, on the other hand, is a Gentleman and a Scholar who (for now) has not fought in battle, yet appears to have more smarts and a calmer nature.
- Wise Beyond His Years: 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.
- The Wise Prince: The heir to the Taifa of Zaragoza and an intellectual who, unlike Mundir, isn’t ruled by Honor Before Reason.
Prince Mundir
Prince Mundir ibn Ahmad of Zaragoza
Played by: Adil Koukouh
"You can smell the stink of the Franks a mile off."
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.- Cain and Abel: Possibly. Amina is certainly convinced that he wants to kill her for her affair with Ruy. Thus far the show hasn’t confirmed either way, though he has most definitely wanted Ruy dead for it.
- The Cavalry: 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.
- Combat Pragmatist: When the army of León 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.
- Cultural Posturing: His Establishing Character Moment 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.
- Establishing Character Moment: 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.
- Every Man Has His Price: Alluded to when he offers his aid in exchange for the Paria tributes to be suspended for a full year, implying he has some personal interest in it.Mundir: My weakness isn't my pride, but my greed.
- Honor Before Reason: 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.
- Honor-Related Abuse: 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.
- Hot-Blooded: He’s quick to action, kind of a Jerkass, and a Warrior Prince. It’s something he and Sancho have in common. Not to mention that he responds to Ruy sleeping with sister with attempting to have him killed.
- I Gave My Word: Despite his jerkassery, when he gives his word, he keeps it. 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.
- Jerkass: Compared to his brother, Yusuf, Mundir comes across as a bellicose prick. Particularly since he thinks Ruy and Amina sleeping together merits one or both of them being killed to preserve his family’s honor.
- Jerkass Has a Point: When advising his father to sit out the war between 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 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.
- My Sister Is Off-Limits: His reaction to Ruy and Amina having an affair when they meet at Zaragoza? To order Sádaba to kill Ruy, without his father’s knowledge.
- Pet the Dog:
- In Season 1, after the Battle of Graus, he silently yet respectfully acknowledges Ruy as a warrior.
- In Season 2, he’s shown to be 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.
- Real Men Love Allah: He's a religious man, and is definitely the warrior of the family.
- Sibling Yin-Yang: With his brother, Yusuf. Yusuf is scholarly, a Reasonable Authority Figure, and overall an example of The Wise Prince. Mundir, by contrast, is a jerkish Warrior Prince who reacts with murderous Disproportionate Retribution to perceived slights against his family’s honor.
- Warrior Prince: He’s a fierce Front Line General 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.
- Worthy Opponent: He appears to view Ruy with a measure of respect, particularly after Graus. It’s possible this is why he has Sádaba, who is deadly, go after him when he orders Ruy’s assassination.
Princess Amina
Princess Amina of Zaragoza
Played by: Sarah Perles
"I won’t surrender to a dog having rejected so many lions."
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.- The Bard: While not a singer, she’s a skilled poet, and is seen in both seasons either writing or reciting verses.
- Betty and Veronica: She’s Veronica to Jimena’s Betty, being the more passionate and sensual of Ruy’s two love interests.
- Born in the Wrong Century: Something that’s 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.
- Daddy's Girl: Implied. It’s stated in Season 2 that al-Muqtadir raised her to be a free spirit, showing a surprising progressiveness regarding her upbringing. 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.
- Didn't Think This Through: 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: Her brother Mundir trying to assassinate Ruy and 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.
- Honor-Related Abuse: She’s on the receiving end of this in Season 2, once her tryst with Ruy is discovered. 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.
- Hidden Depths: 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. When she realizes he’ll never reciprocate and won’t stop loving another, she becomes a Woman Scorned.
- The Exile: 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.
- Ms. Fanservice: The biggest example thus far, getting the lion’s share of the show’s nude and sex scenes.
- Odd Friendship: 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 so much so that Oiubreda actively aids Amina in fleeing Castile towards the end of Season 2.
- Rebellious Princess: 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. Season 2 deconstructs this by showing what the consequences of such an attitude bring her.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Twice in Season 2. First, she flees Castile out of a combination of 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.
- The Tease: 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.
- Turncoat: In Season 2, her 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 Big Bad Slippage gets worse after conquering León…
- Woman Scorned: 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 León, thereafter aiding the Leonese.
- You Can't Go Home Again: 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.
Naadira
Naadira
Played by: Farah Hamed
- Exotic Extended Marriage: Is in one with al-Muqtadir. She’s his wife, and Farah is his concubine. Both have given him sons.
- Out of Focus: Thus far, she’s had only a few scenes in both seasons, and hasn’t gotten much focus thereafter.
- The Rival: 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 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.
- Top Wife: 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.
Farah
Farah
Played by: María Pedroviejo
- Almighty Mom: 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.
- Exotic Extended Marriage: In one with al-Muqtadir. She’s his concubine, while Naadira is his wife. Both have given him sons.
- Good Parents: 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 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.
- Hot Consort: Al-Muqtadir’s concubine and quite easy on the eyes.
- The Rival: 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 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.
The Court of Zaragoza
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr
Played by: Zohar Liba
"Glory awaits you, Boy of the Birds."
Al-Muqtadir’s Personal physician and astrologer. A learned and diplomatic man, Abu Bakr is sent to León to request aid from Fernando when Zaragoza finds itself threatened by invaders. It is on this voyage that he will meet young Ruy Díaz, and start to learn more of the young man’s star-written destiny…- Ambadassador: 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 verbally spars with Bishop Bernardo.
- 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.
- Beware the Nice Ones: As much of a Cool Old Guy 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.
- Cool Old Guy: A wise scholar, a capable physician, and an astrologer. He’s also genuinely kind to Ruy and impeccably courteous with everyone he deals with.
- Gentleman and a Scholar: 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.
- Light Is Good: He’s a Cool Old Guy who dresses primarily in white or light-tan robes.
- The Medic: 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.
- Odd Friendship: 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 Affectionate Nickname, Chico de los pájaros (“Boy of the Birds”), in reference to Ruy’s affinity for them.
- Passive-Aggressive Kombat: He’s not afraid to engage in this with Bishop Bernardo in Season 2, when they encounter each other at Sancho’s wedding feast.Bernardo: Young Ruy. Do not trust Arab wisdom. Never forget that the devil is also very wise.Abu Bakr: Then I must be very foolish. For me, nothing is more dangerous than living in ignorance.
- The Smart Guy: Physician, astrologer, diplomat… Season 2 also shows he’s capable of navigating Zaragoza’s political environment and even taking part in its Realpolitik.
- Spotting the Thread: 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. 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.
- What the Hell, Hero?: 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.
Sádaba
Sádaba
Played by: Emilio Buale
- Badass Boast: delivers one in Season 2 to Ruy before attempting to assassinate him. He can back it up, too.Sádaba: Your Baraka will not save you from me.
- Bald Head of Toughness: Not a hair on his head, and a dangerous assassin who can go toe-to-toe with Ruy and is responsible for killing King Ramiro of Aragon.
- Beware the Quiet Ones: Sádaba speaks sparingly, and is one of the most lethal warriors in the show.
- Composite Character: After filling for Sadaro in Season 1, he kind of replaces Faris, "the Moor of Medinaceli" in Season 2, whom El Cid fought in single combat in the mid-late 1060s. Though unlike Sádaba, El Cid killed him.
- Consummate Professional: 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, as Ruy finds out in Season 2.
- Dual Wielding: In Season 2, he wields a Moorish Jineta sword in one hand and a dagger in the other when he attacks Ruy.
- Hidden Depths: 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.
- Improbable Aiming Skills: Demonstrates this at Graus, where he kills Ramiro of Aragon by throwing a javelin into his eye with pinpoint precision.
- The Kingslayer: Kills Ramiro of Aragon at the battle of Graus.
- My Master, Right or Wrong: He serves the royal family of Zaragoza without question, no matter their commands. Whether commanded to kill Ramiro in battle or assassinate Ruy, he devotes himself to both tasks unflinchingly. He doesn't succeed with Ruy, but it's not for lack of trying.
- Professional Killer: The personal assassin to the royal family of Zaragoza, and very deadly.
- The Quiet One: He doesn’t speak much, and when he does it’s usually to the point. Even when he engages in Pre-Battle Banter in Season 2, it doesn’t last long.
- Race Lift: 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 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 One-Man Army.
- Scary Black Man: One of the most lethal characters in the show, played by an actor of Black African descent.
- The Stoic: He doesn’t emote much, preferring cold professionalism instead of overt displays of emotion, which only adds to his intimidation factor.
- Strong and Skilled: He’s shown to be both skilled and fast when he fights at Graus, in Season 1. In Season 2, when duelling Ruy, he’s able to match the younger man blow-for-blow while Dual Wielding, only backing down when menaced by a crossbow-wielding Alvar.
- Token Minority: The only non-white character in the show.
- Worthy Opponent: He appears to consider Ruy to be this. He saves the young man’s life before the Battle of Graus by killing Flaín’s assassin, Pedro Vela, stating that he wants him at his side for the battle. 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.
Joseph
Joseph
Played by: Angel Bonanni
"It's not "Baraka". It's a curse."
Al-Muqtadir’s Jewish Visir, and the most important minister in Zaragoza after the Emir and his family.- Actually Pretty Funny: 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.
- Agent Scully: 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.
- 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.
- Jerkass Has a Point:
- His interactions with Sancho in Season 1 are passive-aggressive 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.
- 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.
- Number Two: He’s Al-Muqtadir’s Visir, meaning his power in Zaragoza is second only to the Emir and his family.
- Sleazy Politician: Has shades of this in Season 2, particularly when he argues in favour of Orduño’s proposal to have Zaragoza change its allegiance to León in exchange for personal reward.
- Smug Smiler: Frequently has this expression when dealing with other people, particularly if they’re from outside the Taifa.
- Token Minority: The only Jewish character thus far seen in the show.
