 The story of how Spanish conqueror Cortez, one of Mexican history s most controversial figures, flattened the Aztec nation and plundered its riches with the help of an Aztec princess-turned-slave. Cortez is, in some quarters, considered to be a traitor. Malinali, a slave woman given by an Aztec tribe as a peace offering to the Cortez, became highly valuable to the conquerer when he realized she spoke Spanish as well as the Aztec languages. She became his translator, lover and adviser.