Tlaltecatzin of Cuauhchinanco
Tlaltecatzin was from the city of Cuauhchinanco (present day Puebla, Mexico).
| Tlaltecatzin | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1320 Cuauhchinanco |
| Died | c. 1409 |
| Occupation | Monarch, Poet |
According to Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl's writings in Obras historicas, Tlaltecatzin lived with Techotlala, who ruled Texcoco. During this time, Texcoco was becoming an important political and cultural center. It was said he spoke elegantly thanks to the nurse who raised him, Papaloxochitl.
Poetry
Tlaltecatzin has been remembered as a poet even though only one of his poems is known to survive. It was recorded twice in post-conquest documents. Several poets refer to him. The poet Chichicuepon from Chalco said, "Tlaltecatzin... lived happily..."
Poems attributed to Tlaltecatzin include:
- Tlaltecatzin Icuic, Cuauhchinanco (Song of Tlaltecatzin, Cuauhchinanco)
Fragment of Tlaltecatzin Icuic:
| Nicpiecon tepetl, canan itololoyan; xochintlahcuilo, aya. Ipalnemoani, incohuayotl. Toncahuililoc ye mochaan, titlatecatzin, tonaya tlatoa yan ca yiu oo, ohuiyya. |
Come to watch over the mountain, in some place is its history; with flowers, painted. The Giver of life, the community. You have been let at your house, you, Tlatecatzin, you heave sighs there, you speak. |
Tlaltecatzin making a discernment on how pleasant was being finally home for him.
References
- Leon-Portilla, Miguel (2000). Fifteen Poets of the Aztec World. Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press.