Based mostly on biographies of bullfighters, and historical and literary reports, the possible unconscious psychology of the torero is discussed. This psychology seems to illustrate dramatically some sadistic, parricidal, masochistic, sexual and narcissistic dynamics. The article comments on the anthropomorphizing projections and magical thinking inherent in the bullfighter's profession, on the influence of the ego ideal on his behaviour, and on the most characteristic defences, such as isolation of affect, suppression and counterphobic mechanisms.