The origins of the El Dorado myth can be traced to the indigenous Muisca people of Colombia during the 16th century. Central to this myth is the figure of a chieftain known as El Hombre Dorado or El Rey Dorado, who, during a coronation ceremony at Lake Guatavita, covered himself in gold dust and offered treasures to the gods, symbolizing spiritual practices rather than material wealth [2][5]. Spanish conquistadors conflated these traditions with tales of a lost city of gold after encountering the Muisca, sparking relentless searches that ultimately yielded little treasure [3][4]. These narratives evolved over time, with various explorers and chroniclers contributing to the legend, making El Dorado a broader concept of a mythical city or region filled with riches [1][4]. Thus, the El Dorado myth reflects a blend of indigenous cultural practices and European explorations driven by the allure of wealth [6].

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El Dorado: Real history behind the legend

What are the origins of the El Dorado myth?

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