Dr. Ramirez
Chicano Literature
Spring 2005
Bernardino de Sahagun Florentine Codex
Chapters 21-29

Chapter 21
Moctezuma is placed in irons
Izquauhtzin tries to calm the Mexicans outside of the temple, prevent them from fighting the Spanish. He says "We are not the equals of [the Spanish]" (57).
No one can enter the palace
Indians who try to give food to the Aztecs in the palace are punished and are considered traitors
The Mexicans and Spanish fight for 7 days; the Mexicans lay siege for 23 days.
Mexicans cut off food.
Mexicans pursue the Spanish

Chapter 22
Cortes has gone to fight Narvaez; in this chapter he returns from the coast.
Cempoallans, Tlaxcallans, and Spanish troops make their way from the coast; they are covered in dust.
Mexicans hide themselves
When the Spanish arrive with Cortes, they fire their guns.
Mexicans attack the Spanish who have entered the palace

The crossbows are shot, the guns are discharged against the Mexicans; but the Mexicans learn to dodge bullets.
Mexican warriors ascend the pyramid with the intent of attacking the Spanish with wood; however, the Spanish ascend and besiege the temple.  The Spanish cast over the brave warriors who had launched an assault.

Chapter 23
Moctezuma dies.
Mexicans take the body of Moctezuma and Itzquauhtzin
The people have different responses to the two deaths.
Both bodies are burned.

Chapter 24
Spanish leave the palace with Tlaxcallans; they head to the canals
Mexicans pursue the Spanish and their allies
Mexicans follow the Spanish and attack them; the Spanish, the Tlaxcallans and women get stopped up in the canal.
Bridge made of bodies.
Spanish move to Petlacalco, Popotlan, and Otoncalpulco; Mexicans pursue
Spanish rest after their march and after incurring casualties in the canal

Chapter 25
People of Teocalhueyacan greet the Spanish
They "read" the arrival of the Spanish as the arrival of gods
Chapter is interrupted with an account of the canal and the stripping of the bodies in it.
Narration switches back to the Spanish in their settlement; the Spanish attack the people of Calacoayan
Spanish continue march

Chapter 26
The narration reflects on the hospitality of the people of Teocalhueyacan; these people resent the Mexicans and Moctezuma
Marina appears as a translator for Cortes
As the Spanish march, various settlements flee or hide. The Spanish set ablaze the temples of the Otomi

Chapter 27
Mexicans continue their pursuit of the Spanish; one of their attacks fails miserably.
Narration pauses to reflect on Aztec calendar and concept of time.
We learn that for 195 days, the Mexicans were at peace with the Spanish, and for 40 days they have been at war.
The Mexicans begin their worship anew

Chapter 28
The narration continues to discuss the "scores" or (roughly) the months that have passed since the Spanish arrival.
The narration mentions 18 scores, or a year since the Spanish had died in the Tolteca canal.

Chapter 29
A plague wipes out the Mexicans, though some people survive. This is smallpox, to which the Mexicans had little resistance
The Mexicans and Spanish engage in forays around the lake