The motto of Sevilla- Why?

So we now know that the motto of Sevilla is "No me ha dejado" but why? and where did this originate?

Well, there are a couple tales. The first being involves a feud between King Alfonso X and his son Don Sancho who was trying to usurp his father in the 13^th century. The people of Sevilla did not turn against their King and he was grateful for their loyalty. To show this gratitude, he created this logo and had it put on a flag to be used as the cities new flag. So essentially the King is in constant proclamation to his people, “She (Sevilla) has not abandoned me”. 

A flag with the NO8DO logo seen in a room of the Royal Palace.

Who was King Alfonso X and his son? What other significance do they hold? King Alfonso X was king of Castile and Leon from 1252 to 1284. His first Son Ferdinand III died and his second son struggled with recognition as the heir from his father and the papacy. His father gave some lands and inheritance to grandsons. This feud between father and son is what caused Sancho to try to usurp his father and establish himself with the people. However, according to this legend, this did not work and the people in Sevilla did not leave their King. Now history tells a different story. According to Key Figures in Medieval Europe: an Encyclopedia, “Breaking with his father, Sancho, with the consent of the states… assumed royal authority, though did not take the crown. A desultory civil war followed until the death of Alfonso X on April 4, 1284. Unreconciled and disinherited by his father, Sancho IV, nevertheless, was acclaimed as king and crowned in Toledo.”

NO8DO seen engraved on street lights all over the city.

So with the feud unresolved did the people ever really stand by their King? Was is really necessary for him to make this proclamation if their loyalty was not really in question? We will never know.
And what of the other legend? Well that is a much less romantic one. Essentially it is said that

Ferdinand III proclaimed this as he reclaimed the city from the Moors back in  1248.
I personally prefer to believe the legend of King Alfonso X. This is a much more romanticized story of a passionate and loyal people. The ideal of a King who respects his people and values them is very heartwarming and genuine. I love the idea of this King showing his gratitude and love by giving this symbol to the people. Which has now become so iconic for the people that it still gives them a love and respect of the past. It helps carry on their loyalty and love of the city into the future.