November 2023Nezahualcóyotl

Image with CaptionNezahualcóyotl,Warrior King and PoetBy Lupita Ramos, Language CoordinatorIn celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month we honor the achievements, resistance and perseverance of the Mexica people with the profile of a prominent historical figure before the arrival of Spaniards to the American continent.Acolmiztli Nezahualcóyotl (1402-1472) was an Acolhua prince, son of the monarch Ixtlitxóchitl and the Mexica princess, Matlalcihuatzin. At just 16 years old, Nezahualcóyotl was forced into exile when his father was assassinated by the Tepanecas who annexed the territory of Texcoco for their king, Tezozómoc. Nezahualcóyotl’s maternal family pleaded with Tezozómoc for years until he allowed the young man to return to his family in Tenochtitlán, where he began his academic and military education, becoming a warrior and lover of the arts.Using his diplomatic skills, Nezahualcóyotl formed alliances with neighboring peoples to overthrow the tyrannical government of Tezozómoc and reclaim his father’s throne. Motivated by his love of nature and aesthetics, Nezahualcóyotl dedicated himself to building palaces, gardens, dams, and aqueducts. It was also during his reign that the Chapultepec aqueduct was upgraded, although it would be destroyed by Hernán Cortés during the conquest.In addition to being a warrior and great architect, Nezahualcóyotl was also a lover of the written word. During his exile, he wrote poems to express his feelings, as well as his love for nature. Here is one of his beautiful poems in its original Nahuatl language and translated into English:PiltototsinPiltototsin, ¿paratle tikuika?Na nikuika pampa niyolpaki,na nikuika pampa nochipa tlanesi.Uan ta, ¿kenke axtikuika?Piltototsin, ¿paratle tikuika?Na nikuika pampa niyoltok,na nikuika pampa amo nikokojtok.Uan ta, ¿kenke axtikuika? Piltototsin, ¿kenke tikuika?Na nikuika pampa nikita tlanesi,na nikuika pampa onkaj tonati.Uan ta, ¿kenke axtikuika?”Little BirdLittle bird, why do you sing?I sing because I am happy,I sing because it always dawns.And you, why don’t you sing?Little bird, why do you sing?I sing because I have life,I sing because I’m not wounded.And you, why don’t you sing?Little bird, why do you sing?I sing because I see beautiful things,I sing because there is sun,And you, why don’t you sing?Did you know? Spanish words that originate from NáhuatlSpanish / Náhuatl / Englishaguacate / ahuacatl / avocadoapapachar / patzoa / cuddle, embrace with lovechocolate / xocolatl / chocolateelote / elotl / cornmole / molli / molepapalote / papalotl / kitetamal /tamalli / tamaleNovember CoverIntroducing DPL Indigenous Talking Circle CommitteeIndigenous Peoples Heritage MonthIndigenous Peoples Heritage RecommendationsNezahualcóyotlSand Creek MassacreLearn from History. Be Present. Change the Future.ChildrenStorytimeTeenLibrary Lightning RoundDIY and TechnologyCivil EngagementMoreBook ClubsNew York TimesFood and WellnessColorado Gives DayAuthor Visits and WritingMovies And MusicStrong Library, Strong DenverOlder Adults (50 +)DPL Locations