This is coolbert: In my previous post, I have detailed how myth and legends and adherence to them may have been one of the main reasons that led to the defeat of the Aztecs at the hands of the Spaniards. This was in the early part of the 16th century. But do not think that this sort of thing was confined to this period alone.

During the 1840's, the Mayan Indians of Yucatan rose in armed revolt against the central Mexican government. And they were surprisingly successful in their revolt. The Mayans were able to defeat the forces of the Mexican government at each turn. In all of Yucatan the only surviving outpost of Mexican rule was the Government House detail in Merida, the state capital. And this outpost was besieged by the Mayan, who were on the verge of victory. At this moment, word was received by the besiegers that a shaman [medicine man] had a vision that all the Mayan should return to their homes and plant corn. This in obedience all the besiegers did, relieving the siege and allowing the Mexican army to marshal it's forces and march on Yucatan. Reinforced, the Mexican army was able to then defeat the Mayan insurgents easily and then perpetrate a whole number of atrocities against the remaining civilian populace. This catastrophe for the Maya was of their own making. First successful to the point of victory, and then obeying their seers [see-ers], losing the battle with the Mexican army as a consequence. One mind in the modern world, one mind in the ancient world.
coolbert.