El Cid and the Leper

While on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the young Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, later known as El Cid, encountered a leper trapped in a muddy quagmire. While his companions turned away in disgust and fear of the disease, Rodrigo dismounted his horse and pulled the man to safety. He did not stop there; he placed the leper upon his own mount and brought him to an inn. That evening, Rodrigo shared his meal from the same plate and allowed the leper to sleep in his own bed. In the middle of the night, a cold wind blew through the room, and Rodrigo awoke to find the man gone. In his place stood a figure of radiant light. The figure revealed himself as Saint Lazarus, sent to test Rodrigo's heart. For his humility and compassion, the Saint promised that Rodrigo would never be defeated in battle and that his name would be honored for centuries to come.