image of the Aztec and Mexico
CortŽs, H. (1998). Hernan CortŽs: from Second Letter to Charles V, 1520. gives a vivid image of the Aztec and Mexico. The author starts by first narrating about the majestic city of Temixtitlan. He describes it as a magnificent place filled with splendorous sightings and objects. It has not skipped the author that the particular province of the Mexico which has a circular configuration. The geographical layout of Mexico is nothing like the author has seen before. The author also discovers the potential for the success and blossoming of this great country.
Cortzs (1998) notes the culture of the locals. First, their workmanship is admirable attractive to the eyes. The locals have designed all their artifacts from wood and stone and managed to curve the idols’ images. The author depicts the locals as gifted people who have a strong faith and believe in their gods. The author, however, does not approve of the belief system of the locals. He describes their belief as being deceived that idols could, in any way, help them. He describes their idols as unclean and feels that the locals must be taught about God, the universal Lord of all heaven and earth.
The author describes how the people remained with him until he got rid of all idols in the region. The people were entirely cooperative and paid attention to whatever he said. The author felt that their human sacrifice culture was awful and did not serve the king’s interest. After explaining to the people the importance of human life, and the absolute need to stop killing, the people heeded to his teachings. “I forbade them sacrificing human beings to their idols as they had been accustomed to do; because, besides being abhorrent in the sight of God, your sacred Majesty had prohibited it by law, and commanded to put to death whoever should take the life of another.” (Cortzs, 1998, p.5)The author shows the cooperative nature of the people who decided to believe a stranger. After leaving the city, the natives cased to kill and never practiced human sacrifices afterward.
Cortes despised the idols and human sacrifice carried out by the Aztecs. Generally, the Aztecs could carry on the sacrifices of ordinary materials and goods. The sacrifices would be kneaded with the blood of hearts that had been ripped off alive humans. They honored the same gods from the ancient times in which he feels should come to an end. Different idols represented various forms of victories such as labor, war, and farm produce. The author, however, does not approve of this belief and is determined to change it.
The author feels that this is a good target for his conquest as the people are cooperative. Although the people are committed to their native belief and faith system, they do not pose so much of a resistance to their visitor and his teaching. The author narrates how he replaced the idols and temples with his Lord’s images and saints, “I put images of Our Lady and the Saints.” He is also positive that they must heed to his teaching regardless of their belief. “they must learn there was but one God” He also feels that they must follow his teachings as no one should worship any other god other than his God.
The author is entirely honest in his writing and demonstrates his own experience with the people of Aztec. Secondly, the author is writing to his majesty the king, it would make no sense to lie to the king about his experiences and the transformation he was making to the Aztec people. Besides, the author demonstrates his overall satisfaction that was led to the success of his conquest.