Hervey Allen
The Bride of Huitzil—An Aztec Legend
"The Bride of Huitzil—An Aztec Legend" by Hervey Allen is a narrative poem written in the early 20th century. The book explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of Aztec religious and cultural practices. Set in ancient Anahuac, it tells the story of a king who, faced with age and uncertainty regarding his favor with the gods, seeks a bride to sacrifice, unwittingly entwining the fates of various characters in a web of tragedy and revenge. The plot centers around a king who, desperate to appease the war god Huitzil, chooses a beautiful huntress as his bride but soon wrestles with the morality of sacrificing her. The narrative unfolds through vivid imagery, depicting the ceremony and the deep conflict within the king as he grapples with his feelings for his bride and the demands of his religion. As the story progresses, the narrative shifts to the perspective of the vengeful mother of a boy who has been sacrificed to spare the maiden. She ultimately orchestrates a sinister revenge, leading to tragic consequences for the king. The intertwining destinies of these characters culminate in a dark and powerful conclusion that critiques the brutal sacrifices demanded by the Aztec gods.