In this statement, Hernan Cortes describes a practice common among indigenous peoples where individuals worship various idols or gods for specific purposes such as victory in war, success in labor, and prosperity in other areas of life. Essentially, he highlights that people have different deities to petition depending on their needs and desires.
Cortes’s observation delves into the broader concept of how humans seek meaning and guidance through external sources, whether it be idols or modern equivalents like social media influencers or financial gurus. This practice reflects a deep-seated human tendency to rely on symbols and figures for comfort, direction, and validation in uncertain times. It underscores not just the act of worshipping but also the underlying motivations behind such actions: hope, fear, and desire for control over unpredictable circumstances.
Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador and one of the primary leaders in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. His observations about indigenous religious practices were part of his extensive documentation during this period, which provided Europeans with their first detailed accounts of Mesoamerican cultures. Through his writings, we gain insights into both the societal structures and spiritual beliefs of the native peoples he encountered.
