The Journey of Cabeza de Vaca
Over the last century, America has produced two dominant and nearly opposite myths of
its early explorers: the noble, courageous bringer of light and civilization to the barbarous
world; and (more recently) the invader, who is greedy, violent, and sometimes even
depraved. How might these very different myths of the explorer suit the different times in
which the myths have flourished? Based on the excerpt from his account, how might
Cabeza de Vaca be located between these opposite extremes?
In the 15th and 16th centuries the Indians were not treated well by the explorers. As Alvar
Nez Cabeza de Vaca states in his 1542 writings. “They (Indians) respected us and held us
precious, as the former had done, and even a little more, at which we were not a little
astonished, while it clearly shows how, in order to bring those people to Christianity and
obedience until Your Imperial Majesty, they should be well treated”. The Journey of Alvar
Núñez Cabeza De Vaca (1542). The INdians were taken advantage of and used for any
kind of profit that could be had. But not by all. Those who treated them with respect were
greeted with more respect than shown.
The Christians were not kind to the Indians and even misled their fellow explorers. “This
clearly shows how the designs of men sometimes miscarry. We went on with the idea of
insuring the liberty of the Indians, and, when we believed it to be assured, the opposite