Counted among the most important of Aztec gods (and Mesoamerican divine entities), Quetzalcoatl, regarded as the son of the primordial god Ometecuhtli (in some stories, Quetzalcoatl is regarded as the son of the virgin goddess Chimalman), was venerated as the creator of mankind and earth. In one version of the Aztec creation myth, the world was created and destroyed for four times (each age associated with the sun), with some of the tumultuous episodes being borne by the fighting between Quetzalcoatl and his brother Tezcatlipoca (‘Smoking Mirror’). Ultimately during the Fifth Sun, Quetzalcoatl was successfully able to retrieve the human bones from the underworld Mictlan (guarded by the realm’s ruler – Mictlantecuhtli) that were infused with his own blood and corn to once again ‘regenerate’ mankind.
In another myth, the god along with his brother Tezcatlipoca fashions the earth out of Cipactli, a female serpent-like monster. Consequently, her hair and skin give way to trees and flowers, while her eyes and nose account for the caverns and springs. However, given the violent loss of her physical form, the monster (now embodying the earth) thirsts for blood and hearts – thus alluding to the grisly practice of human sacrifice. Quite interestingly, in some Aztec traditions, Quetzalcoatl opposes human sacrifice possibly for this very same reason – as the practice goes against the legacy of the gods defeating the bloodthirsty monster.
Talking of sacrifice, in yet another Aztec myth, Tezcatlipoca tricks Quetzalcoatl into getting drunk by on pulque (alcoholic drink fermented from the sap of maguey plant) by masking it as a medicinal drink. The inebriated god then goes on to flirt with his own sister – the celibate Quetzalpetlatl, thereby hinting at some form of incest. Waking up next morning, the remorseful Quetzalcoatl willingly sets himself on fire (thereby sacrificing himself), and consequently his ashes and heart rise up to the sky to transform into the radiant morning star (Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli or aspect of Venus).
The question can be raised – why was the deity particularly associated with a serpent. Well, according some scholars, the snake in its most basic form in Mesoamerican culture might have represented the earth and the vegetation. Archaeologist Karl Taube hypothesized, the feathered serpent, by virtue of its ‘evolved’ morphology, may have been associated with fertility as well as the intricate political classes of the region. In Aztec circles, Quetzalcoatl probably also symbolized one section of agricultural activities that pertained to the very renewal of vegetation, while also being linked to the morning star or Venus (sometimes referred to as the evening star, symbolized by his twin brother Xolotl).
Interestingly enough, the duality of Quetzalcoatl and his brother Tezcatlipoca mirrors the mythical narrative of light and darkness. In that regard, Quetzalcoatl was often venerated as the god of light, rain, justice, mercy, and wind (along with even knowledge, books, and poetry); while contrastingly, Tezcatlipoca was considered as the god of night, deceit, sorcery, and the Earth. Another legacy, possibly borrowed from the earlier Toltecs, made Quetzalcoatl the patron god of priests, thus alluding to the symbol of death and resurrection. Furthermore, both Quetzalcoatl and his brother Tezcatlipoca were honored as Ipalnemohuani, meaning ‘by whom we live’, with the title giving credence to their statuses as creator gods.
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THE AZTEC WARRIORS MAYA AZTEC CALENDAR
The Aztec god Quetzalcoatl is a captivating figure with a rich mythology. His name means "feathered serpent," and he is depicted with colorful feathers and a long, coiled tail. There are many items inspired by Quetzalcoatl's legend, from artwork to jewelry to tattoos. If you're looking for something unique and stylish, consider adding some of these pieces to your wardrobe!
THE AZTEC WARRIORS MAYA AZTEC CALENDAR
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