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What do you think Moctezuma means when he says to Cortes, Now you have arrived on the earth?

A. Cortes has landed on a new continent.
B. Cortes is now considered a divine being.
C. Cortes is no longer in the spiritual realm.
D. Cortes is welcomed by the people of the earth.

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Moctezuma's statement 'Now you have arrived on the earth' to Cortés is likely acknowledging him as a divine being, in line with the Aztec belief that he might be the prophesied god Quetzalcoatl.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Moctezuma II says to Hernán Cortés, 'Now you have arrived on the earth', he is symbolically referring to Cortés reaching a significant destination - both in a literal and metaphorical sense. The statement can be interpreted in various ways, but given the historical context and the information provided, it is likely that Moctezuma is indicating that Cortés is now considered a divine being (Option B). This interpretation falls in line with the Aztec belief, as some thought Cortés might be the white-skinned god Quetzalcoatl, whose return was prophesied. The respect and reverence in Moctezuma's greeting suggest that Cortés's arrival was seen as a fulfillment of a religious prophecy, thus welcoming him not just to the land, but also in a spiritual and divine sense to his 'city, Mexico', to sit on his throne.

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