The True Story of the Conquest of New Spain by Bernal Díaz del Castillo

The speaker introduces a classic Spanish literature book, 'La Verdadera Historia de la Conquista de la Nueva España' by Bernal Díaz del Castillo, emphasizing its global impact and relevance to Mexicans. The book was published in 1632, over 50 years after the author's death, highlighting the author's dedication to documenting real-life experiences and emotions.

Bernal Díaz del Castillo, born in 1496 in Medina del Campo and died in 1584 in Santiago de Guatemala, was a key figure who accompanied Hernán Cortés during the conquest of Mexico. The book, written in the mid-16th century when Díaz was 72 years old, provides a firsthand account of the conquest, reflecting the perspective of the Spanish victors.

The book delves into themes of conquest, barbarism, massacres, cultural clashes, traditions, and religion during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. It portrays the perspectives of both the victorious Spanish conquistadors and the suffering of the native populations, including enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples.

The book highlights the struggles faced by Spanish soldiers who returned to Spain after the conquest, finding a changed political, social, and historical landscape. Instead of being hailed as heroes, many soldiers faced challenges reintegrating into a society that had evolved during their absence, leading to personal and societal conflicts.

Many war veterans, despite being eligible for honors, were neglected and abandoned. It is crucial to note that in 1522, Francisco López de Gómara published a work titled 'Historia General de las Indias,' although he never set foot in the American territory. This publication aimed to glorify Hernán Cortés and other key figures, with Bernal Díaz del Castillo offering a slightly different perspective in his work 'Verdadera Historia de la Conquista de la Nueva España,' highlighting the harsh realities of conquest.

The book is written in the first person, detailing the exploratory journeys of the conquistadors from Yucatán to what is now known as Mexico. It narrates the challenges faced, unfulfilled expectations, and encounters with the unknown, providing a vivid account of the emotions and struggles experienced during the conquest.

The narrative of the book transports readers to a world of magical realism, akin to Gabriel García Márquez's Macondo. It vividly describes the fears, emotions, and encounters of the Spanish explorers in a land unknown to them, capturing the hostility, character, and cultural clashes between the Europeans and the natives. The description of encountering the unfamiliar, such as the awe-inspiring Popocatépetl volcano, showcases the clash of perceptions and beliefs between the two worlds.

The writing in 'Bernal Díaz del Castillo' is described as extremely rough, yet it allows for a deep analysis, observation, and feeling of the old Castilian language. Despite being a true, raw story, there are ironic moments, such as when the Spaniards mistakenly believed the natives' tools were made of gold, leading to humorous attempts at bartering. These instances provide a unique and enjoyable reading experience, showcasing a simplicity in expression and a touch of irony within the historical narrative.

In 'Bernal Díaz del Castillo,' the author portrays a sensitive perception of the historical events, evoking feelings of nostalgia, discontent, uncertainty, and impotence among Mexicans. The narrative reflects on the conquest of New Spain, emphasizing the stages of war, conquest, suffering, and disease. Through a nostalgic lens, the author immortalizes the memory of those lost and forgotten in the New Spanish territory, capturing the beauty and complexity of the past while provoking indescribable emotions in the readers.

One of the main objectives of 'Bernal Díaz del Castillo' is to immortalize the memory of individuals lost and forgotten in the New Spanish territory. The narrative delves into the details of native rituals, customs, and traditions, offering an unparalleled insight into their reactions and behaviors. By understanding and reflecting on history, the author prompts readers to avoid repeating past mistakes, emphasizing the significance of embracing historical literature to gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and societal evolution.

'Bernal Díaz del Castillo' holds immense importance for Mexicans, Spaniards, and history enthusiasts worldwide, urging them to cherish and immerse themselves in the true history of the conquest of New Spain. The narrative serves as a reminder that those who fail to acknowledge their history are doomed to repeat it, highlighting the value of historical novels and literature in fostering a profound appreciation for cultural heritage and the lessons embedded in the past.