La Malinche, also known as Malintzin or Doña Marina, was a native woman from the Nahuatl culture in Mexico. Born around 1500, she played a crucial role during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. As a translator and advisor to Hernán Cortés, she facilitated communication between the Spanish and indigenous peoples. Her contributions were significant in shaping the events of the conquest, as she helped Cortés navigate alliances and conflicts with various indigenous groups. La Malinche's legacy is complex; she is often viewed as a traitor by some and a victim of circumstance by others, reflecting the tumultuous history of colonial Mexico.