El Cid was an ideal Castilian warrior, a Spanish military and political leader, a Moorish military and political leader, and a highly paid mercenary. He offered his services both to the Christian Spaniards and the Muslim Moors at different times in his life. He had unique talents in the military and political fields that made his enemies fear him and made him both Spain’s and Castile’s national hero. His exile from Spain did not prevent him from using his talents and teaching his military and political strategies to others.