The Bride of Huitzil by Hervey Allen
This novel is a historical romance set in Mexico during the Aztec Empire's decline. It tells the story of a young woman who becomes embroiled in the intrigue surrounding the empire's downfall and her own destiny, which is tied to the god Huitzil. The narrative explores themes of love, power, and cultural identity as the protagonist navigates the complexities of Aztec society.
By Hervey Allen · First published 1949 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Poetry · 3 chapters · 6,578 words
First lines
In Anahuac there reigned a king Some fifty summers old, The bloody darling of his gods, Who sent him luck and gold And captives from a thousand fights, And victory in each war; No mercy kept within his heart -- He trusted in his star. But doubts began to sap his mind, For he was growing old. The gods he feared might turn unkind; He gave them plundered gold And hung their images with hearts Like roses on a bride, And all the young slaves from the marts On Huitzil's altars died.[1] The priests got everything they sought.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bride of Huitzil is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hervey Allen, dated 1949 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hervey Allen
- Date: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Poetry, Tragedy, Fantasy
- Length: 6,578 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Bride of Huitzil by Hervey Allen
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in the historical context of ancient Anahuac, with references to Aztec culture, gods, and societal practices.
- Mythology — The story incorporates Aztec mythology, featuring gods like Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, and explores themes of sacrifice and divine intervention.
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, with structured verses and a lyrical style that enhances its narrative and thematic depth.
- Tragedy — The plot revolves around themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and revenge, culminating in the tragic downfall of the king.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Mexican History · Aztec Empire · Mythology · Fictionalized Biography · Literary Novel · Cultural Anthropology · Pre-Columbian Era · Colonialism · Spanish Conquest · Native American Culture · Religious Conflict