The nopal cactus is closely associated with the founding legend of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica, who are better known today as the Aztecs. According to the legend, the Mexica were guided by their patron deity, Huitzilopochtli, in search of a promised homeland, and the nopal cactus became the place where the long-awaited sacred sign appeared. Tenochtitlan was founded on an island in Lake Texcoco, whose waters provided natural protection and supported the remarkable chinampa system, often called floating gardens. 🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵 [Verse 1] The Mexica walked from land to land, To find the home their god had planned. Huitzilopochtli led their way, Until the sign showed where they'd stay. He left Malinalxochitl alone, Far from the people she had known. In time she bore a little son, Thus Copil's life had now begun. [Pre-Chorus 1] As Copil grew, his mother told, Of broken trust and wrongs of old. He swore revenge for all her pain, And sought to make the god complain. [Chorus] From hatred's seed a fate would grow, Though none could truly see or know. The Mexica walked on day by day, Until their god revealed the way. [instrumental interlude] [Verse 2] Huitzilopochtli saw him near, He knew why Copil had come here. He called his followers to his side, And gave the order none denied. They struck as Huitzilopochtli said, Until at last was Copil dead. His body fell upon the ground, No voice, no cry, no whispered sound. [Pre-Chorus 2] His heart was taken from his chest, By Huitzilopochtli 's own request. They cast it on a rocky stone, There it was left, and there alone. [Chorus] From hatred's seed a fate would grow, Though none could truly see or know. The Mexica walked on day by day, Until their god revealed the way. [instrumental interlude] [Verse 3] The Mexica journeyed on once more, As Huitzilopochtli led before. From Copil's heart a nopal grew, As days and seasons slowly flew. After a time they reached that land, They saw an eagle proudly stand. Upon this nopal stood the bird, The sacred sign their god had shared. [Pre-Chorus 3] Their journey ended on that day, No longer would they roam away. There they began to build their town, And laid its first foundations down. [Final Chorus] From Copil's heart the nopal grew, The promised sign at last came true. The eagle perched upon the thorn, Where Tenochtitlan would be born.
