Song of the Hummingbird

The hummingbird, embodied in Huitzitzilin’s name, emerges as a powerful symbol in the novel, representing the link between the protagonist and her cultural heritage. The hummingbird’s association with Huitzitzilin’s cultural identity is established early on, as she makes sure to translate her name for Father Benito, saying: “My name is Huitzitzilin, but because I know the difficulty my language causes your tongue, you may call me Hummingbird, since that is what the word means” (16). This is a direct translation from her first language, Nahuatl. The hummingbird also held significance in Mexica religion, often associated with Huitzilopochtli, the powerful sun and war god, often represented as either a hummingbird or an eagle. This association is hinted at in Huitzitzilin’s physical description—she has a “bird-like” eye and a downward hooked nose reminiscent of an eagle. Thus, the hummingbird serves as a powerful symbol of Huitzitzilin’s enduring connection to the land. The humming sound that emanates from the ground after her death is a poignant reminder of this bond. This sound transcends the physical and becomes a manifestation of Huitzitzilin’s spirit that is forever intertwined with her ancestral homeland.

Beyond its cultural significance, the hummingbird symbolizes the act of storytelling itself. The act of singing, which is a recurring presence in the novel, is explicitly linked to the hummingbird through the songs Huitzitzilin often hums to herself. This “song” becomes a metaphor for her story—a personal narrative that defies the dominant, colonially constructed version of history. By sharing this song with Father Benito, Huitzitzilin ensures that her voice, and by extension the voice of her people, will not be silenced. The title of the novel itself underscores the importance of this symbol of remembrance and The Power of Narrative in preserving cultural memory.