Malitzen: Enslaved Interpreter for Hernan Cortés

Malintzin, born around 1500 in the Yucatan Peninsula, was enslaved and became fluent in Yucatec and Nahuatl. In 1519, she was given to Hernán Cortés as a peace offering and became his interpreter, aiding in the conquest of the Aztec empire. Despite her critical role, she remained a slave. After the fall of Tenochtitlan, she bore Cortés a son and later married one of his captains, gaining noble status. Her legacy is controversial, seen by some as a traitor, but her lack of freedom as a slave complicates this view.

What languages did Malintzin become fluent in during her early life?

How did Malintzin contribute to Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire?

What was the significance of Malintzin's relationship with Cortés after the fall of Tenochtitlan?

In what ways did Malintzin's status change after her marriage in 1524?

How is Malintzin viewed in contemporary culture, and what factors contribute to this perception?