Malintzin has been one of Mexico’s greatest villains for 500 years. A native of Veracruz, she translated for Hernán Cortés, the conquistador who destroyed the Aztec Empire. But she did more than translate: she birthed his children, helped him win battles, and saved his life again and again as they trekked from the Maya coast to the heart of the empire. Through it all, she alone spoke for Cortés – and for everyone he met. Exploring the incredible life of this powerful woman who facilitated the conquest of Mexico with Dr. Jeffrey Richey, Katie considers whether anyone has a choice in how their path unfolds, and what is at the core of our identity.
A full transcript of this episode is available for download.
Listen to this story’s “companion episode” THE FLOWER IN THE WATER Zazil-ha, to hear the “other side” of this narrative of the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
A new documentary examining the mythology around Malintzin’s life is coming soon.
Images courtesy of Jeffrey Richey
Antonio Ruiz
combines surrealism and historical contemplation, depicting her body as the foundation on which Mexico’s colonial experience takes place.
José Luis Orozco
José Luis Orozco
Jeffrey Richey specializes in the social and cultural history of modern Latin America. His dissertation, “Playing at Nation: Soccer Competitions, Racial Ideology, and National Integration in Argentina, 1912-1931,” explored the impact of organized soccer and the popular sports press in nation formation and the dissemination of certain racial ideologies in early 20th century Argentina.
Music featured in this episode included
“El Tuxpeo”
Episode 37 Malintzin
free download
“Santa Maria yn ilhuicac cihuapille”
Episode 37 Malintzin
“Capricho Arabe”
Episode 37 Malintzin
free download
“Coco, “Misterio,” and “Morena”
Episode 37 Malintzin
free download
