The Archetypal Metamorphosis of the Aztecs: The Impact of the Spanish Invasion on the Mexican Psyche and the Father Archetype

Abstract

This dissertation explores the transformation of the Aztec father archetype in the psychological aftermath of the Spanish conquest, with particular attention to its ongoing influence on the psychic life of contemporary Mexican males.

Anchored in archetypal and depth psychological frameworks, and informed by decolonial and Indigenous methodologies, this study examines how colonial violence fractured the pre-Hispanic paternal image—once embodied by the Aztec warrior, priest, and farmer—and replaced it with hierarchical, punitive models rooted in European patriarchy.

Drawing on qualitative interviews with Mexican and Mexican American men, the research investigates how internalized colonial narratives have shaped intergenerational experiences of masculinity, fatherhood, and identity. Participants’ reflections reveal patterns of disconnection, longing, and resilience, offering insight into the psychological consequences of historical rupture and the potential for symbolic restoration.

This dissertation argues that recovering the Indigenous father archetype is not merely a cultural task but a psychological imperative, central to healing the intergenerational trauma carried by men of Indigenous descent. It concludes with implications for culturally responsive therapeutic practices that honor ancestral wisdom while addressing contemporary wounds.