The Legend of Popocat�petl and Iztacc�huatl

On a clear day, the towering white peaks of the legendary Popocat�petl and Iztacc�huatl volcanoes can be seen from the great metropolis of Mexico City. Rising beyond 17,000 feet in elevation, these two majestic mountains offer the viewer a breathtaking sight. Snowcapped year round, the well-known landmarks have captured people�s imaginations throughout the ages. Located just 45 miles southeast of the nation�s capital, Popo and Izta, as many affectionately call these two volcanoes, share a story that reaches back into the mists of time.

Geographically, these two glacier-iced volcanoes represent the second and third highest mountains in Mexico. The name Iztacc�huatl in the indigenous Nahuatl language means �White Woman� and the mountain actually includes four peaks, the tallest of which reaches 17,158 feet. Many see her silhouette as resembling that of a sleeping woman, complete with head, chest, knees and feet. Iztacc�huatl is an extinct volcano and is a popular destination for adventurous mountaineers and hikers.

	The sleeping woman - Artist Jesus Helguera

Popocat�petl is the taller of the two mountains, reaching an incredible 17,802 feet in height. Popocat�petl and Iztacc�huatl are connected by a high mountain pass known as the Paso de Cort�s. Popocat�petl is still active with the volcano having spewed smoke and ash as recently as 2001. In the N�huatl language Popocat�petl means �Smoking Mountain� and as we shall soon see, was aptly named.

In Aztec mythology, the volcanoes were once humans who were deeply in love. This legend features two star-crossed lovers, the young brave warrior Popocat�petl and the beautiful princess Iztacc�huatl. The father of Iztacc�huatl, a mighty ruler, placed a demanding condition upon Popocat�petl before he could take Iztacc�huatl as his bride. His mandate required that Popocat�petl first engage in battle against the tribe�s enemy and return victorious. Variations of the legend include the added stipulation that Popocat�petl needed to return with the vanquished enemy�s head as proof of his success.

	Iztacc�huatl and prince Popocat�petl - Artist Jesus Helguera

The story continues with Popocat�petl setting off for battle with Iztacc�huatl waiting for her beloved�s return. Treacherously, a rival of Popocat�petl�s sends a false message back to the ruler that the warrior has been slain when in fact, Popocat�petl has won the battle and is ready to return to his Iztacc�huatl. However, the princess upon hearing the false news, falls ill and succumbs to her deep sorrow, dying of a broken heart. When Popocat�petl returns triumphant to his people only to encounter his beloved�s death, his heartbreak is inconsolable.

He carries Iztacc�huatl's body to the mountains whereupon he has a funeral pyre built for both himself and his princess. Grief-stricken beyond measure, Popocat�petl dies next to his beloved. The Gods, touched by the lover�s plight, turn the humans into mountains, so that they may finally be together. They remain so to this day with Popocat�petl residing over his princess Iztacc�huatl, while she lay asleep. On occasion, Popo will spew ash, reminding those watching that he is always in attendance, that he will never leave the side of his beloved Izta.