The Friar and the Knight: Bartolome de Olmeda and Cortez

Fray Bartolome de Olmeda was known as protector of the Indians. This story tells how he accompanied Cortez to Mexico and found his vocation among those that suffered under the new colonization. Written from the prospective of the good padre, Cortez is portrayed as a great leader and zealous Christian, but also as a human man with just as many weaknesses as abilities. Cortez’s men are enchanted by Montezuma’s city but just as horrified at the human sacrifice upon which it feeds. Although the story is based on true events, it reads like an adventure novel–for it certainly was an adventure.