The episode opens in the year 1065, in the Kingdom of Castile, where a young Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, later known as El Cid, is introduced. He is seen training in combat, showcasing his skills and determination. His father, a nobleman, is proud of him but also concerned about the political tensions brewing in the kingdom. The atmosphere is tense, hinting at the conspiracies that will unfold.

Rodrigo's father is summoned to a meeting with the king, Sancho II. During this meeting, the king discusses the growing threat from the neighboring kingdom of León and the need for loyalty among his nobles. The king expresses his desire to strengthen his position, and Rodrigo's father pledges his support, emphasizing the importance of unity against external threats. This moment establishes the stakes and the loyalty expected from the nobles.

As the meeting concludes, Rodrigo's father is approached by a group of conspirators led by Count García. They are plotting against King Sancho, believing that his rule is weakening the kingdom. Rodrigo, unaware of the full extent of the conspiracy, overhears snippets of their conversation, which plants seeds of doubt in his mind about the loyalty of those around him.

The scene shifts to Rodrigo's home, where he shares a tender moment with his mother and younger sister. His mother expresses her worries about the political climate and the dangers that come with being a noble. Rodrigo reassures her, promising to protect their family and uphold their honor. This moment highlights his internal conflict between duty to his family and the growing political intrigue.

Later, Rodrigo attends a banquet hosted by King Sancho, where nobles gather to celebrate. The atmosphere is festive, but underlying tensions are palpable. During the banquet, Count García makes a veiled threat against the king, which Rodrigo notices. This moment deepens Rodrigo's suspicions about the conspirators and their intentions.

As the night progresses, a fight breaks out between Rodrigo and some of the conspirators, who are mocking the king. Rodrigo's honor is challenged, and he defends the king's name, showcasing his loyalty. The fight escalates, and Rodrigo is forced to confront the conspirators, leading to a chaotic brawl that disrupts the banquet. This confrontation solidifies Rodrigo's position as a warrior and a protector of the king.

After the fight, Rodrigo seeks out the king to express his loyalty and concern about the conspirators. King Sancho, impressed by Rodrigo's bravery, acknowledges his potential and hints at a greater role for him in the kingdom's future. This moment marks a turning point for Rodrigo, as he begins to understand the weight of his responsibilities.

The episode takes a darker turn when Rodrigo's father is ambushed by the conspirators on his way home. They attack him, believing he is a threat to their plans. Rodrigo, sensing something is wrong, rushes to his father's aid but arrives too late. He finds his father mortally wounded, and in his final moments, his father urges Rodrigo to be vigilant and to protect their family's honor. This tragic event fuels Rodrigo's desire for vengeance and justice.

In the aftermath of his father's death, Rodrigo confronts the conspirators, seeking answers and retribution. He learns that Count García was behind the attack, which intensifies his resolve to thwart their plans. Rodrigo's emotional state shifts from grief to determination, as he vows to uncover the conspiracy and protect the kingdom.

The episode concludes with Rodrigo standing at his father's grave, filled with a sense of purpose. He pledges to honor his father's legacy by fighting against the conspirators and defending the kingdom. This moment sets the stage for his transformation into El Cid, a legendary figure destined to confront the challenges ahead.

In the first episode, El Cid, known as Rodrigo Díaz, is driven by a deep sense of honor and duty to his family and his kingdom. He feels the weight of responsibility to protect his loved ones and uphold his family's legacy, which fuels his desire to prove himself as a capable warrior.

The political conspiracy begins to unfold when tensions rise between the Christian and Muslim factions in Spain. Key figures, including the king and rival nobles, engage in secretive discussions and manipulations, leading to a plot that threatens the stability of the kingdom. El Cid becomes entangled in this web of deceit as he navigates his loyalty to the crown and his personal ambitions.

Jimena, who is introduced as a strong-willed and intelligent woman, plays a crucial role in the first episode by challenging traditional gender roles. She is not just a love interest for El Cid; she is also a voice of reason and a source of emotional support for him. Her relationship with El Cid is complex, filled with both affection and tension as they navigate their respective roles in a male-dominated society.

The duel in the first episode serves as a pivotal moment for El Cid, showcasing his skills as a warrior and his commitment to honor. It is not just a test of strength but also a demonstration of his moral values, as he fights not only for personal glory but to defend his family's name and uphold justice against those who would betray it.

El Cid's relationship with his father is foundational to his character development in the first episode. His father's teachings about honor, bravery, and loyalty resonate deeply with him, guiding his decisions and actions throughout the episode. The desire to live up to his father's legacy drives El Cid to confront challenges head-on, even as he grapples with the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in the political landscape.