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1519 Hernan Cortés, the Spanish conquistador, sails from Cuba to what is now known as Mexico. The natives of Mexico believe the Spaniards to be fair-skinned gods. Shortly after arriving, La Malinche is given to Cortés and quickly learns to speak Castillian Spanish. She is placed in a central role as Cortés' translator and mistress. La Malinche, now called Marina among the Spanish, translates for Cortés in his meeting with the Aztec leader Moctezuma. After claiming to be friends and gaining access to the villages, Cortés and his men massacre the inhabitants. One of the main goals is to impose Catholicism.