Mesoamerica, the region encompassing present-day Mexico and parts of Central America, is rich in ancient cultures and civilizations that thrived before European colonization. One of the most iconic figures from Mesoamerican mythology is Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity. Quetzalcoatl has captivated the imagination of scholars, artists, and the general public alike, with legends that speak of his wisdom, influence, and ultimately his departure from Mesoamerica.
An intriguing aspect of this myth is the belief among some that Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire, was actually the reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl. This idea has shaped the perception of European colonization in Mesoamerica, implying that the Aztecs mistook Cortes for a revered deity. However, this article aims to debunk this myth and shed light on the true historical context surrounding Quetzalcoatl and Cortes.
The Legend of Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerican Civilizations
Quetzalcoatl’s presence extends beyond the Aztecs to earlier Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Olmecs and Teotihuacan. These civilizations revered this deity for his association with wisdom, creation, and cycles of life and death. The Olmecs depicted him as a human figure with serpent attributes, while Teotihuacan associated him with the morning star, Venus.
However, it was the Aztecs who fully embraced Quetzalcoatl’s legacy. In Aztec cosmology, Quetzalcoatl played a crucial role in the creation of humanity and civilization. He was believed to have shared his knowledge of agriculture, arts, and craftsmanship, elevating humanity to a higher level of civilization. His feathered serpent symbolism reflected the union of the earthly and divine realms.
Legends and myths further illustrate Quetzalcoatl’s influence on various aspects of Mesoamerican culture. One prominent myth tells of his journey to the underworld to retrieve the bones of humanity’s ancestors, which he used to recreate mankind. Another legend portrays him as a culture hero who taught the people how to grow maize, essential for their sustenance.
Quetzalcoatl’s Departure and Prophecy
Central to the Quetzalcoatl myth is the idea of his departure from Mesoamerica and the prophecy of his return. According to Aztec tradition, Quetzalcoatl felt ashamed of his human sacrifices during his reign and vowed to depart. He sailed eastward, promising to return in a future era.
However, there are different versions of Quetzalcoatl’s departure and interpretations of the prophecy. Some accounts suggest he left on a raft of snakes, while others describe him ascending into the heavens. These variations highlight the diversity of Mesoamerican cultures and their interpretations of the same deity.
The prophecy of Quetzalcoatl’s return had significant sociopolitical and religious implications in Mesoamerican societies. It fueled the belief in an imminent return of a white, bearded god, creating a sense of hope or, conversely, fear and uncertainty. This belief influenced various events, including political alliances and religious practices, in the centuries leading up to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Hernan Cortes: The Conquistador
Introduction to Hernan Cortes
Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain. His background was that of a noble family, but he chose a career in exploration and colonization. Motivated by adventure, wealth, and glory, Cortes embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of history in the Americas.
Cortes first arrived in the New World in 1504 and participated in expeditions to the Caribbean and Central America. He gained experience and wealth through these endeavors, shaping his reputation as an ambitious and cunning explorer.
The Aztec Perception of Cortes
The belief that the Aztecs mistook Cortes for Quetzalcoatl stems from a misinterpretation of the Aztecs’ view of deities and their religious syncretism. Contrary to European perceptions of singular, absolute gods, the Aztec pantheon consisted of numerous deities with overlapping attributes and symbolism. Moreover, the Aztecs recognized the existence of other cultures and their deities.
Primary sources from the Aztec perspective reveal their initial perceptions of Cortes. In his writings, Bernardino de Sahagún, a Spanish friar who documented Aztec culture and beliefs, recorded that the Aztecs initially viewed Cortes as an otherworldly figure due to his fair complexion and bearded appearance. These characteristics might have drawn parallels with their own prophecies of Quetzalcoatl’s return.
It is important to note that these initial perceptions were not indicative of mistaking Cortes for Quetzalcoatl but rather an example of how the prophecy influenced their interpretation of the situation. The nuances and complexity of Aztec religious beliefs and interactions with other cultures cannot be oversimplified.
Post-Conquest Influence on the Quetzalcoatl Myth
Toribio de Benavente and Bernardino de Sahagún
After the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica, two Spanish friars played a vital role in documenting indigenous cultures, myths, and beliefs. Toribio de Benavente, also known as Motolinia, and Bernardino de Sahagún dedicated their lives to understanding and transmitting knowledge about Mesoamerican civilizations.
However, their writings contributed to the perpetuation of the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth. Influenced by their Eurocentric perspectives and cultural biases, the friars interpreted indigenous beliefs through the lens of their own understanding. This led to placing undue emphasis on the alleged similarity between Cortes and Quetzalcoatl, reinforcing the myth in European narratives of conquest.
European Perspective and Interpretation
The perpetuation of the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth was not solely the result of indigenous interpretations. European artists and writers also contributed to its popularization, driven by motivations unique to the European experience of colonization.
Diego Durán and Bernal Diaz del Castillo, two Spanish chroniclers, wrote extensively about the conquest of Mesoamerica. Their accounts, influenced by the prevailing mindset of divine providence and the desire to portray European heroes, depicted Cortes as the embodiment of Quetzalcoatl. Through their works, the myth gained further traction both in Europe and later in the Americas.
European artworks and literature from the 16th and 17th centuries often depicted Cortes as Quetzalcoatl. Paintings and sculptures illustrated the conquistador with Quetzalcoatl’s attributes, perpetuating the idea that the Aztecs had mistaken him for the god.
The Myth’s Implications and Consequences
Impact on Indigenous Populations
The perpetuation of the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth had profound psychological and sociopolitical effects on indigenous populations in Mesoamerica. It reinforced the notion of European superiority, as the conquistadors were believed to possess godlike qualities that the indigenous people were expected to revere and submit to.
Moreover, the myth influenced indigenous resistance movements and religious syncretism during and after European colonization. Some indigenous communities rejected the myth, perceiving it as a tool of manipulation. Others incorporated the figure of Quetzalcoatl into their own beliefs, adapting and reshaping the myth to serve their purposes.
Distorting the True History of European Colonization
The perpetuation of the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth distorts the true history of European colonization in Mesoamerica. By simplifying the complex dynamics of conquest and denying agency to the colonized, this myth perpetuates colonial ideologies and reinforces Eurocentric narratives.
Accurate historical narratives are essential in dismantling colonial ideologies and giving voice to previously marginalized perspectives. By understanding the true history, we can appreciate the complexities of Mesoamerican cultures and histories, as well as the resilience and agency of indigenous peoples.
Debunking the Quetzalcoatl Myth: Understanding the Complex History of Colonization
Uncovering the Truth
The Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth can be debunked through a careful examination of historical evidence. Linguistic analysis reveals that the Nahuatl word “teotl” has been incorrectly translated as “god” or “deity.” In reality, “teotl” referred to a broad concept of the sacred and divine, including ancestral spirits and powerful forces of nature.
Appreciating the context in which these cultural meanings were established allows us to move beyond the simplistic interpretation of Cortes as a god-like figure and understand the nuanced perspectives of the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples.
Appreciating Indigenous Perspectives
Centering Indigenous perspectives is essential in reevaluating the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth. Contemporary Indigenous scholarship challenges and corrects the historical distortions perpetuated by Eurocentric narratives.
Indigenous scholars provide critical analysis and interpretations that aim to reclaim and reshape cultural narratives. Their contributions shed light on the true complexities of Mesoamerican cultures and emphasize the resilience and agency of Indigenous peoples throughout history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cortes-as-Quetzalcoatl myth influenced perceptions of European colonization in Mesoamerica. However, a thorough examination of the historical record reveals the myth’s inaccuracies and the need to debunk it. The legend of Quetzalcoatl extends beyond the specific interpretation of Cortes, encompassing centuries of cultural significance. By understanding the true complexities of Mesoamerican cultures and histories, we can move towards a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the history of colonization in Mesoamerica.
Debunking such myths is crucial to fully appreciate the agency and resilience of indigenous peoples, allowing us to reimagine a world where historic narratives are reclaimed and diversity is celebrated.