A real-life historical figure, the woman known as Malinalli, Malintzin, La Malinche, Dona Marina, and Malinalxochitl was the Nahua interpreter who helped Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes communicate with the native people of Mexico. When indigenous leaders observed her marching into their cities, they believed she was a goddess. Later, historians and pop culture would deem her a traitor - the "Indian" girl who helped sell Mexico's future to an invader. At heart, she's a young girl, kidnapped into slavery by age twelve. Blessed with magical powers, and supported by a close-knit circle of priestesses, Mali vows to help defend her people's legacy.