Beatriz Bermúdez de Velasco facts for kids

Beatriz Bermúdez de Velasco, also known as La Bermuda, was a brave Spanish woman who played an important role during the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. She is remembered for her strong leadership and courage.

A Brave Leader in Mexico

Beatriz Bermúdez de Velasco became well-known during the expedition led by Hernán Cortés to Mexico. According to the Spanish writer Francisco Cervantes de Salazar, she was famous for her leadership skills. It's not clear if she fought directly in battles, but her actions were very important.

During the Spanish siege of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, a difficult moment arrived. Spanish soldiers and their allies were retreating, meaning they were running away from the battle. La Bermuda saw this happening.

She bravely stepped forward and stopped them. She held an Indian shield and a Spanish sword, wearing a helmet. She called out to them, saying:

"Shame! Shame! Are you Spanish? How can you run away from these people, whom you have defeated so many times before? Go back and help your friends who are still fighting! If you try to keep running, I swear to God that I will personally stop every single one of you. Those who run away from such people deserve to die by the hand of a skinny woman like me!"

Her powerful words worked! The soldiers who had been running away regrouped and returned to the fight. This helped them finally defeat the Mexica forces. Because of her actions, Beatriz Bermúdez de Velasco was recognized by her companions and the Spanish Crown. She was seen as a key person who prevented another Spanish defeat against the Mexica Empire.

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In Spanish: Beatriz Bermúdez de Velasco para niños