By Barbara Garcia
The landscape of our beautiful city would not be the same without two of the most incredible volcanoes; the Popocatépetl and the Iztaccíhuatl. These two mountains are the most colossal in the hemisphere and their wonderful view will shock anyone. But they also have a deep symbolic and spiritual value that has been practiced for millennia and remains intact.
Its origin is unknown, however, we know that the two volcanoes were of great importance for pre-Hispanic societies.
In fact, there is a legend about its creation, which every Mexican should know by obligation. Do you know which one is? No? So pay close attention.
Promises of love
Legend has it that these two mountains are nothing more than two humans turned into stone. It is about a maiden and a Tlaxcalteca warrior fused by love. On one side is Iztaccíhuatl, who was the most beautiful princess anyone has ever seen in all of the pre-Hispanic territories. And therefore, Popocatepetl was one of the most handsome and brave warriors in town.
It is said that before starting the great war against the Aztecs, Popocatepetl asked the leader of the people for the hand of the maiden. The latter granted it, but with only one condition; that he returned safe and sound from the war so that he could be with her.
The deception that ended it all
Without further ado, the brave warrior left for the battlefield while the young princess, Iztaccíhuatl, waited for his love. Unfortunately, Popocatépetl’s most dangerous rival stayed with the maiden, and without losing the opportunity for war, he deceived the princess, reporting that her lover had died in combat.
Devastated by the news, she broke down in tears until her body dried up and her soul perished. Soon after, Popocatepetl returned victorious and ready to meet his love. However, upon arrival he received the terrible news. For a long time the young man walked the streets of the entire town torn by grief. He was trying to find a way to honor their great love for each other, and it was so that he ordered a great tomb erected under the Sun.
Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, eternity made nature
Once finished, he took the delicate body of his beloved and placed it on the top of the mountain. He kissed her for the last time, to later watch her dream forever. Since then, the two have remained together. Only that over time, the weather covered their bodies to turn them into two huge volcanoes that until now remain unchanged. Of course, from time to time, the two remember their great love, and then their heart, which guards the fire of eternal passion, trembles, and smokes.
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