Diego Maldonado Research Paper

Diego Maldonado, a member of the famous Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez’s exploration team, made contact with an Aztec priest known as Ehecatl during the course of Cortez’s Spanish Conquest. This conquest was funded by the Spanish Governor of Cuba, Diego Velazquez, who had sent previous failed missions to the Yucatan (Palfrey). The two met after a very important Aztec religious celebration, during which human sacrifice occurred. “The actions I witnessed this evening are able to be described as nothing but barbaric,” muttered Diego Maldonado under his breath. Ehecatl, a menacingly quiet and respected figure in the community responded to his observation sharply, “Pale-Man, you do not understand the ways of our ancient gods. They will

Explain to me why it is necessary to kill strong, handsome men after honoring them all day? Why must you kill beautiful children who have done the community no harm? Why are whole scores of men killed simply for losing a game involving a ball? (Cartwright)” questioned Maldonado, exasperated and breathing heavily. “The strongest and most handsome people are of the most spectacular and appreciated offerings to the gods. Our favor is greatest when we give up our best to the will of the gods (Cartwright). Have you ever watched your entire crop be destroyed by plague? Have you ever seen the rains stopped and then be returned in such a force that you drown in them? These are the events that occur if sacrifice is not offered. Sacrifice occurs in order for my people to thrive, in order to keep them safe,” explained Ehecatl in a defensive manner. Maldonado considered Ehecatl’s argument, shaking his head and scratching his beard. None of the natives had ever tried explaining their ritualistic barbarism to him before, but of course, he had also never thought to ask. After giving Ehecatl’s standpoint a moment of thought, Maldonado decided that his point of view was irrelevant because it did not line up with his own religion. “There is no such situation in which human life must be forfeited to please any gods,” countered Maldonado. “Never would my Heavenly Father ask me to kill my fellow man for his