The legend of knight Cayo and the Camino de Santiago
Among the many stories that enrich the folklore of the Camino de Santiago, this Portuguese Jacobean legend of knight Cayo, inspired by the Aurea Legend, stands out as an example of devotion, mystery, and the connection between the sacred and the earthly, despite the different variations and interpretations that have emerged over the centuries.
The origin of the legend dates back to 44 AC, when the body of Santiago was transported from Palestine to Galicia. Santiago had begun the conversion of the Iberian Peninsula to Christianity, but upon returning to Judea, he was beheaded. His disciples then decided to bring him back and bury him in the northwest of the peninsula, where Santiago had spread Christianity during his apostolic mission.
During the journey, the boat passed by the Praia do Espinheiro (Espinheiro Beach), a vast sandy shore in Bouças (now known as Matosinhos), where a sumptuous wedding celebration was taking place – the union of the pagan Roman Cayo Carpo Palenciano, from Maia, and Cláudia Lobo, from Gaia. During the festivities (though it is not consensual that this particular event was their wedding), upon spotting the mysterious and highly adorned vessel on the horizon, Cayo’s horse, suddenly overcome with an impulse, galloped towards the sea, dragging the knight along. In another version of the story, it is Cayo who takes the initiative to approach the boat on horseback.
Horse and rider, advancing over the waters without sinking, disappeared into the sea, reemerging near the boat, miraculously constructed of stone. Cayo (and in some versions, also his horse) emerged from the waters with his garments completely covered in scallop shells. Some say this is why he appeared “matizadinho,” a term that has been linked to the origin of the name Matosinhos. However, there is no consensus on the direct connection between the term and the city’s toponymy.
Cayo asked the crew the purpose of their voyage, and they explained that they were Christian disciples of a man named James. They had fled great persecutions and were carrying their Master’s body to be buried in Galicia, Spain, where James had preached the Gospel. According to these men, the phenomenon involving Cayo and his horse might signify that he was chosen by the Lord, and the scallop shells were a sign that Santiago wanted Cayo to embrace the Christian faith.
Overwhelmed and amazed, Cayo was baptized right there with seawater. Upon returning to his family and friends, he converted them all to Christianity, inspired by the extraordinary deeds of Santiago.
The legend of knight Cayo is one of many stories that continue to inspire pilgrims, connecting the spirituality of their journeys to the popular traditions rooted in the Camino de Santiago. It not only recalls the memory of the apostle saint and reinforces the scallop shell as the most distinctive and recognizable symbol, but also evokes powerful images of transformation and devotion that continue to draw those who follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims.
More than a local curiosity, it is a reminder of the power of faith and the meeting between the human and the divine that characterizes this ancient path.
