If we Catalans were monarchists, like the British, James I the Conqueror would be a central figure in our popular imagination. But it has been several centuries since we lost our own dynasty. That is why we have embraced republicanism. The passionate Carlist substitute—traditionalist and rural—has also passed into history for over a century now. For all these reasons, only a mythical shadow and a shall we say friendly indifference remain of the Conqueror. What do people know about his life, his politics, his warrior ardor? Very little. And he is our great king.