Doña Marina, also known as La Malinche, was a key figure in the early 16th century during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Born around 1500, she was a native woman who played a crucial role as an interpreter, advisor, and intermediary for the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Her linguistic skills and knowledge of local cultures helped facilitate communication between the Spanish and indigenous peoples. Her contributions significantly impacted the interactions between the two groups, leading to both cooperation and conflict. Doña Marina is often viewed with mixed feelings; some see her as a traitor to her people, while others regard her as a victim of circumstance. Her legacy remains a complex part of Mexican history.