History -- Behind The Mask of ZorroThe legend of Zorro was inspired by the early California bandito, Joaquin Murrieta. A colorful and romantic desperado with Robin Hood charisma, Murrieta defended the oppressed against intruders who stole their land and gold. For his ability to elude his pursuers, some called him "The Fox," or "El Zorro." In the heady days of the California gold rush, when Easterners making a mad dash for gold figured it was easier to steal Mexican claims than to dig