What is a spanish matador and what does he do?

The art of bullfighting is a national treasure in Spain. What part does the matador play in this much-cherished sport of the Spaniards?

On the European isle of Crete, which has been inhabited for more than eight thousand years, there lies an unearthed drawing that depicts several men and women meeting head-on with a charging, snarling bull, then jumping over the beast’s back. This tell-tale picture, circa 2000 B.C., is the oldest clue we currently have in dating the history of bullfighting.

During the war of the reconquista, or reclaiming, Christians and Moors fought each other furiously for eight hundred years, both sides refusing to give up a fight whose victor would eventually claim all of Spain. In times of much needed respite from battle, weary knights and soldiers would sometimes call a truce, and instead of killing one another hold hunting contests to see which side could capture and kill wild beasts, such as bears. The majestic Iberian bulls were the only beasts that would not run from the hunters, however; instead of running, the bulls would charge again and again, never turning to flee from the danger of an almost certain death.

In time, these bulls were brought into villages by wealthy landowners who greatly desired the chance to watch a battle between man and beast. By doing so, they become known as the creators of the modern sport of bullfighting.

The Modern-Day Matador

In 1724, bullfighting was declared out-of-bounds to the Spanish aristocracy, who had always fought mounted on horseback. Because the commoners wanted to hold on to the sport but had no money for horses, those who were still allowed to participate did so on foot, dodging the bulls with the speed and grace of their own two feet.

Today’s matador does much the same, with varying differences to his ancestors’ style.

When a bull is first brought into the ring of the stadium, the matador’s assistant will wave a yellow and magenta cape to draw the bull’s attentions to himself. During this period of the fight, the matador takes advantage of the time allotted him and quietly observes the bull’s nature, speed, and mood, three factors with which he must acquaint himself before presiding over the event.

With the matador’s approval, the next phase can begin. At the sound of a trumpet, several picadors (fighters) now enter the ring and throw spears into the bull’s back hide, weakening and slowing it. This process lasts ten to fifteen minutes, and afterwards yet another trumpet is sounded, alerting the matador to remove his hat; it is after this that the matador (top bullfighter) bows, dedicating the death of the bull to the audience for whom he is performing.

After his dedication, the matador is ready to begin the dance between himself and the bull. This ‘dance’ requires many years of practice that will build the skill and courage required to become a professional bullfighter. His first duty is to draw the attention of the animal by waving the muleta, the crimson colored cloth he may hold in either his left or right hand. By doing so the matador is daring the bull to charge him, and at a moment at which only he is aware, will quickly pull the muleta away from his body in fervent hopes the bull will follow. Because this portion of the fight wears down the bull’s energy and instinct and allows the captivated audience the opportunity to watch the matador’s style, talent and courage, it is the longest part of the event.

Once the matador has proven his supremacy, he begins the final step of the fight, the killing of the bull. To do so, he stands no more than ten feet from the animal and slowly moves the muleta, securing the bull’s fixation on it while he readies his espada (killing sword), which is always held in the right hand.

With the bull’s attention on the muleta, the matador moves in with his espada at just the right moment, throwing the sword between the shoulder blades. If he hits his mark, the bull will immediately fall and die very quickly. If he does not, if the espada strikes bone, the matador will use a tool called a descabello that will be used to stab the bull in the neck, severing its spinal cord and causing instant death.

Matadors are usually presented trophies from the president after the death and defeat of the bull. Depending upon the bullfighter’s skill, he may be awarded one or both ears, the tail or the hoof of the animal. Upon this act, the audience will wave white handkerchiefs, beckoning the matador to cast his trophies into the seats. In return, the much-pleased fans offer honor and their appreciation to the matador by lilting flowers at his feet.