Abstract
Heredia's aim in this novel was to encourage patriotic pride through the creation of heroes for the new republics of America. The author narrates events of the 16th century from a 19th-century perspective, modifying them when necessary, in order to revindicate the pre-Hispanic civilizations. In his attempt to fight eurocentrism, Heredia falls into the trap of idealizing all things native while curiously taking his inspiration from models belonging to the old continent.