Whoever coined the phrase "there are two sides to every story- would love to read the conflicting memoirs of Spanish conquistador Bernal diaz and the account of an anonymous Nahua. The well known history of the sixteenth century Spanish conquest of Mexico is depicted from two very different perspectives. diaz centers his account on the material wealth and possessions that both the natives offer and the Spaniards return in gratitude. Filled with images of a valiant invasion of foreign territory that ends in amity, diaz's portrayal reveals a confident and almost arrogant tone. On the contrary, the Nahua focuses on the curiosity of his people towards this foreign race and its odd traditions. The anonymous author comes off ingenuous and fearful. By analyzing the event with accounts from both parties involved in the story, one ultimately gets a more accurate illustration of the people and the event itself.
Bernal diaz is quick to name the inhabitants whom he encounters as "Mexican Indians- and proceeds to label their leaders as "governors- and "chieftains."" This European shallowness is only furthered in his retelling of the presents the natives offered to his people, which include a golden wheel "said to be worth more than ten thousand dollars- and a golden helmet that "was worth more to [the Spaniards] than if it had contained $20,000- (89). diaz gives the impression that the Spaniards entered the new territory in a chivalrous manner, opening the Nahuas to a new light and making treaties with their leader. Cortés was told, according to diaz, that Montezuma "was pleased that such valiant men should come to his country- (90). Images of friendly diplomatic relations between the two groups fill the passage as the author systematically organizes his story to sound nearly like a fairy tale.
The Nahua writer's account is not so pleasant and elevating. From the start the author shows much interest in the details of the presents his people give to Cortés.
