Santiago Matamoros

The legend of the Battle of Clavijo, where the apostle St. James supposedly helped King Ramiro I defeat the Muslims. The legend, although historically debatable, was crucial to the formation of Spanish identity and the rise of the Camino de Santiago. It is argued that the legend condenses and mythologizes real events that occurred in Albelda during the reign of Ordoño I, son of Ramiro. The narrative emphasizes the cultural and religious impact of the legend, consolidating Santiago as the patron saint of Spain and encouraging pilgrimage to Compostela. This is based on different sources, including a 12th century transcription, contrasting them with the chronicles of the time.