The long-standing narrative that the Aztecs mistook Hernán Cortés for the returning god Quetzalcoatl has been ingrained in historical discourse. However, recent scholarship suggests that this belief was likely fabricated by the Spanish conquerors to justify their colonization of the Aztec Empire. In reality, the Aztecs perceived Cortés and his men not as divine beings but as foreign invaders, prompting a complex response characterized by caution, curiosity, and strategic resistance.

When Cortés and his expedition arrived in 1519, their presence coincided with prophecies foretelling the return of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god. This synchronicity may have momentarily intrigued Emperor Moctezuma II and others, leading to speculations of a divine connection. Yet, as the Aztecs observed the Spanish actions motivated by conquest and exploitation, they quickly discerned their true intentions.

Rather than passively succumbing to deception, the Aztecs engaged in negotiations, tactical maneuvers, and armed conflicts in a concerted effort to protect their empire from this formidable threat. The portrayal of Cortés as Quetzalcoatl conveniently served the Spanish agenda, enabling them to cloak their conquest in divine legitimacy and absolve themselves of moral culpability for the ensuing colonization.

This myth has overshadowed the resolute resistance displayed by the Aztecs and the intricate cultural exchanges that transpired between the two contrasting societies. By perpetuating the narrative of Cortés as Quetzalcoatl, the colonial chronicles have molded historical interpretations, obscuring the bravery and autonomy of the Aztecs in the face of Spanish imperialism.

The enduring potency of the Cortés-Quetzalcoatl legend serves as a poignant reminder of how history can be manipulated to advance the victors’ narratives. By shedding light on the Aztec perspective and their active resistance to colonization, we can challenge entrenched myths and honor the agency of indigenous peoples in shaping their own destinies amidst the turbulent currents of history.