Final answer:
The name Quixote gave to his horse is Rocinante. The story of Don Quixote and his horse follows their attempts at chivalry and addresses themes of idealism and reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name Quixote gave to his horse is Rocinante. This detail comes from the classic Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. The protagonist, Don Quixote, is a knight-errant on a quest to perform chivalric acts in the name of his imaginary beloved lady, Dulcinea. Rocinante is described as a lean, tired horse; yet, he is a loyal companion to his idealistic master in various fanciful adventures. For example, Don Quixote famously mistakes windmills for giants, believing it to be his duty to vanquish them, which is one of the many absurd situations that unfold due to his grand illusions and aspirations.
Additionally, the term "quixotic" describes someone who is idealistic or unrealistic in a noble but impractical way, akin to Don Quixote himself. Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, complement each other and go through numerous changes during their journey, which parallels the transitions that 17th-century Spain was undergoing. The story of Don Quixote endures due to its blend of humor, satire, and depth in exploring the human condition.