What legend, most stimulating to the conquistadors, probably originated among the Chibcha Indians of northern South America? This legend involves anointing each new chief with resinous gums and covering his body with gold dust, which he would then wash off by plunging into Lake Guatavita.

The legend that motivated the conquistadors is that of El Dorado, centered on the Muisca king who anointed himself with gold dust and cleansed himself in Lake Guatavita, symbolizing immense wealth and leading to the Spanish quest for gold in the New World.

Explanation:

The legend that inspired the conquistadors and likely originated among the Chibcha Indians of northern South America is that of El Dorado, the "Golden Man." According to the Muisca people's traditions, each year their king would cover himself in gold dust and dive into the waters of Lake Guatavita as a purification rite for the gods.

This legend fueled the Spanish conquistadors' relentless quest for gold during their explorations in the New World. Drawn by the lure of immense riches, explorers like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro conquered vast territories, such as the Aztec and Inca Empires, with only a handful of men by leveraging political alliances with local factions discontent with the ruling empires.