Cortes and Quetzalcoatl: Debunking the Myth

For many years, a popular narrative has circulated suggesting that the Aztecs believed Hernán Cortes to be the deity Quetzalcoatl due to his physical resemblance to the mythological figure. However, upon closer examination of historical and scholarly evidence, this notion largely falls apart. This article seeks to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the belief in Cortes as Quetzalcoatl and explore the reasons why such a belief is neither supported by historical records nor by the depictions of Quetzalcoatl itself.

Origins and Symbolism of Quetzalcoatl

The Aztecs believed in Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, as a central figure in their mythology. Quetzalcoatl was often depicted as a Native priest, a man with a bird’s beak, Ehecatl (god of wind), or a rattlesnake covered in quetzal feathers. These depictions bear no resemblance to the appearance of Hernán Cortes, who was known for his long beard and blue eyes. The idea that the Aztecs were easily deceived by a fake god, primarily due to Cortes’s appearance, is more of a post-conquest invention rather than a genuine belief held by the Aztecs.

The Historical Context and Post-Conquest Sources

The story of Cortes being treated as a god by the Aztecs due to his physical appearance first appeared in post-conquest sources. This narrative was compiled by a Mexican priest who wrote to justify the Spanish conquest. The account does not surface until a generation after the conquest, adding further doubt to its authenticity.

These sources paint a picture of a primitive Aztec civilization that was easily impressed by Europeans, but it is important to note that such a portrayal is overly simplistic and lacks empirical support. The Aztecs were, in fact, a sophisticated civilization with their own complex religious and cultural practices. It is unlikely that such a significant figure as Quetzalcoatl would be confused for a conquistador like Cortes based purely on physical appearance.

Visual Evidence and Scholarly Analysis

Historical and archaeological evidence also supports the argument that the Aztecs did not mistake Cortes for Quetzalcoatl. Depictions of Quetzalcoatl predating the Spanish conquest do not show him with features like a beard or blue eyes. Most depictions of Quetzalcoatl either do not include a beard or, if they do, it is not a long beard as seen on Cortes. Additionally, the feathers often associated with Quetzalcoatl were bird quills, not human hair, which Cortes’s beard could easily be mistaken for. These visual differences further illustrate the lack of resemblance between Cortes and Quetzalcoatl.

Scholars have also noted that the attributes attributed to Cortes, such as his beard and blue eyes, were not characteristic of the idealized version of Quetzalcoatl. The Aztecs’ conception of their gods and deities was rooted in their cultural and religious traditions, and the physical descriptions of Quetzalcoatl did not align with the description of Cortes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Aztecs did not believe that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl based on any genuine resemblance between the two figures. The narrative portrayed in post-conquest sources is an oversimplification of the complex interplay of cultural, religious, and historical factors that influenced the Aztecs’ understanding of the arrival of the Spanish. The lack of support for this belief from historical records and the clear discrepancies between the visual representations of Quetzalcoatl and Cortes’ appearance indicate that the myth of Cortes as Quetzalcoatl is more of a convenient legend than a factual event.

The story of Cortes being treated as a god is a fascinating aspect of history, but it is essential to examine the evidence critically. By doing so, we can better understand the cultural and historical context of the Aztecs and their interactions with the Europeans, rather than relying on simplistic and often inaccurate narratives.