El Cid (1043–1099), born Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was a Castilian knight and military leader who fought in the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors. He is celebrated as a national hero in Spain for his bravery, loyalty, and leadership. El Cid is the protagonist of the epic poem Cantar de mio Cid, which tells of his deeds and adventures.
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616) is considered the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the most influential figures in world literature. He is best known for his novel Don Quixote, which is regarded as the first modern novel. Cervantes was also a soldier, playwright, and poet. He is considered a national hero in Spain for his contributions to literature and his portrayal of Spanish culture and identity.