May 30th is the Feast Day of one of the greatest men ever to pick up a sword: Fernando III of Castile and León (1199-1252).
- Undefeated warrior who took back more territory from the Moors during the Reconquista than anyone else
- Named Athleta Christi by the Pope (sharing that honor with Skanderbeg and Hunyadi)
- Nicknamed "El Santo," later canonized by the Church
- Model king and lawgiver
- Father of the Spanish navy
- Descendant of El Cid, cousin of St Louis, ancestor of Isabella
The puzzling thing is that such a great man is so little known. I didn't learn of him until a couple years ago. Really gets one wondering why medieval heroes get buried in obscurity.
Saint Fernando, pray for us!

On El Santo's relationship with his father:
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On the war for the bells:
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On a challenge between three great Spanish knights:
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On the taking of a great city:
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On the king's insistence on fighting at the front of his men:
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On the king's willingness to do the lowliest duties:
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