Homonym: Malintzin (Interpreter)
Malintzin, also known as La Malinche, was a native Nahua woman who played a crucial role during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. She served as an interpreter, advisor, and intermediary for the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, facilitating communication between the Spanish and various indigenous groups.
Born around 1500, Malintzin was sold into slavery and eventually came into the possession of Cortés. Her linguistic skills, as she spoke both Nahuatl and Spanish, were vital in negotiations and alliances, significantly impacting the course of the conquest and the subsequent history of Mexico.