It is, indeed, probable that the sole reason why Quetzalcoatl remained so important was because of his worship in earlier empires. From here, he would be seen as the morning star, while his twin brother would be seen as the evening star; planet Venus. Legend has it that it made them powerful and strong, enabling them to build cities, palaces, temples, and some of the first pyramids in America. Indeed, Quetzalcoatl was born. Among the Aztecs, it was related to wind, Venus, Sun, merchants, arts, crafts, knowledge, and learning. Tlaloc blew the snake into the air, to a point where he was higher than the birds. Ultimately, Quetzalcoatl was forced into exile. Some said that before this he had helped to create the world itself. Franciscans then equated the original Quetzalcoatl with Thomas and imagined that the Indians had long-awaited his return to take part once again in God's kingdom. 5D's, Beyblade: Metal Fusion, Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia and Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (the latter two depicting Quetzalcoatl as a female dragon deity); the Megami Tensei video game franchise; the video games Fate/Grand Order, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy XV, Sanitarium, Smite (as an alternate costume for his Mayan counterpart, Kukulkan), and Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine; as the main antagonist in the Star Trek: The Animated Series episode "How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth"; and in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel books. In fact, the then-current king himself, Moteuhzoma II, prophesied the return of Quetzalcoatl as a white-bearded person even if it would mean that hed have to give up his place on the throne. Latter-day Saint author Brant Gardner, after investigating the link between Quetzalcoatl and Jesus, concluded that the association amounts to nothing more than folklore. Getting the snake out of the cave had been Tlalocs only objective for months on end. Quetzalcoatl became linked with the maize crop thanks to ancient legends. Since the sixteenth century, it has been widely held that the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II initially believed the landing of Hernn Corts in 1519 to be Quetzalcoatl's return. Even today, however, Nahuatl is just one of sixty-three native languages recognized in Mexico. In general, he is considered the god of wisdom, the god of the Aztec ritual calendar, the god of corn and maize, and oftentimes a symbol of death and resurrection.The different roles of Quetzalcoatl are partly attributable to a series of reincarnations. It is believed by the Aztec religion expert that the deity arose from the combination of the historical leader, Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, and a Mesoamerican god. A lot of cultures such as the Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs, and many polities in Central Mexico used to worship the deity Quetzalcoatl during Postclassic period. [need quotation to verify] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl around the neck. Mainly because they thought one of them was the reincarnation of the beloved god discussed in this article. It really elevated the status of the Feathered Serpent to the protector of the people, which is also affirmed by his role as patron god. His form of reincarnation, more specifically, would be that of a white person with a long beard. Amazed by the grace and beauty of the birds, the snake decided his destiny was to fly like them. While the inhabitants of Teotihuacan were the first ones to worship Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecs reinterpreted him over time. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. One day, Quetzalcoatls twin brother would coerce him into drinking pulque, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served to this day. He sometimes carries flowers or sacrificial tools. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. Chichen Itza is famous for its Temple of Kukulcn, which was their name for Quetzalcoatl. Thats quite a big deal, because for the people in ancient Mexico, maize, or corn, is not just a crop. Ehecatl In some Aztec areas, such as Tenochtitlan, this was another wind god with nearly identical iconography to Quetzalcoatl. Quetzelcoatl also appeared on (Season 3) of the Animal Planet mockumentary Lost Tapes in an episode entitled "Q the Serpent God". Quetzalcoatl was also linked with Aztec priesthood and one of the two high priests in the famous Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan assumed the title of Quetzalcoatl. The god in human form taught them to cultivate corn seeds, to work with jade, gold and obsidian, how to dye cotton, the art of astronomy, he enriched their writing, promoted the worship of the gods and forbade human sacrifices, teaching them self-sacrifice by pricking themselves with maguey thorns instead. Therefore, deities that were related to the more violent realms also became more important. Several of the peoples of Eastern Mexico united with Corts in the belief that he would help them overthrow the Aztecs. Each of these four sons presides over one of the four cardinal directions. I have been in love with all things related to Mythology. [15] In the 17th century, Ixtlilxchitl, a descendant of Aztec royalty and historian of the Nahua people, wrote, "Quetzalcoatl, in its literal sense, means 'serpent of precious feathers' but in the allegorical sense, 'wisest of men'."[16]. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order While the Aztecs were still waiting for the returning god Quetzalcoatl, most of their people were killed due to diseases brought by the Spaniards. They maintained a major pilgrimage and commercial center at Cholula, Puebla which the Spaniards compared to both Rome and Mecca because the cult of the god united its constituents through a field of common social, political, and religious values without dominating them militarily. Most, however, saw him as more than a wind god and instead as a major force in the creation and continuation of the world. However, each and every god had failed terribly in doing so. Besides giving life to people, Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans to survive. Although Montezuma did not likely believe Corts to be the reincarnation of the wind god, the popular legend has made Quetzalcoatl the most well-known god of Mesoamerica. He would submerge himself in a highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars. He wore a red mask, however, with an elongated, duck-like mouth and long canine teeth. After a slapstick-style chase scene, Xavier winds up as the Sun God and commits "sacricide" (sacrificial suicide), ending the skit. In fact, the people of Mexico had killed several Spaniards in battle and had captured and sacrificed others, so they knew they were men, not gods. There is no surviving account of this myth in native sources, however. The date 9 Wind is known to be associated with fertility, Venus and war among the Maya and frequently occurs in relation to Quetzalcoatl in other Mesoamerican cultures. Colonial documentary sources from the Maya area frequently speak of the arrival of foreigners from the central Mexican plateau, often led by a man whose name translates as "Feathered Serpent". Historian Matthew Restall concludes that: The legend of the returning lords, originated during the Spanish-Mexica war in Corts' reworking of Moctezuma's welcome speech, had by the 1550s merged with the Corts-as-Quetzalcoatl legend that the Franciscans had started spreading in the 1530s. Quetzalcoatl by himself was a god of many things to the Toltecs and Aztecs. In his aspect as Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, he was the fearsome god of Venus and the morning star. The eclipse that was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen. What are the facts associated with this mysterious god? So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. He figures most prominently in the Aztec mythology but it was in the city of Cholula that the cult of Quetzalcoatl enjoyed influence and prominence during the Classic Period of Mesoamerica. Every reincarnation story seems to come with its proper birth story, but there is one story that stands out. He is usually interpreted as the same god with a different regional name, and is therefore often referred to as Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl. The earliest Aztec and classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in a six-tiered pyramid specifically dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. He also had anthropomorphic forms, for example in his aspects as Ehecatl the wind god. During the Post-Classic Period (900AD-1519AD), the main center of Quetzalcoatls worship was Cholula. Because, if they did include human sacrifice, basically a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order to honor him. By 1200 AD, Quetzalcoatls iconography had become more fixed. Accessed March 1, 2023. Here, our plumed serpent gathered the bones of all the previous races that walked the earth. Having been in awe of the sun and its light, the snake decided to fly toward the sun. His representation of heaven and hell is also interpreted in different realms. Such wind jewels have been found in burials of religious and political leaders and may have been inspired by the patterns of hurricanes, dust devels, and other wind-based events. Although early images had shown a serpent, by the classical period of Aztec culture Quetzalcoatl was more often shown with a human body. [citation needed], In the Codex Chimalpopoca, it is said Quetzalcoatl was coerced by Tezcatlipoca into becoming drunk on pulque, cavorting with his older sister, Quetzalpetlatl, a celibate priestess, and neglecting their religious duties. In some versions of the ancient Mesoamerican histories, Quetzalcoatl was reborn as Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli after being burned on a funeral pyre. [32][33][34][35][36] Most documents expounding this theory are of entirely Spanish origin, such as Corts's letters to Charles V of Spain, in which Corts goes to great pains to present the naive gullibility of the Aztecs in general as a great aid in the conquest of the Aztec Empire. A Walking Tour of the Maya Capital of Chichn Itz, The Chac Mool Sculptures of Ancient Mexico, Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice.Mesoamerican priests and kings would sometimes take the name of a deity they were associated with, so Quetzalcoatl and Kukulcan are also the names of historical persons. In some stories he created mankind, and in others he worked with his brother to form the earth itself. In his aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry. One of the jewels he is depicted with is the wind jewel, affirming his status as a wind god. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. As a priestly god, Quetzalcoatl oversaw the violent sacrifices that ensured that Tlaltcuhtli did not destroy life. Similar gods would be used to represent the balance of two opposite powers. [41] However, in 1892 one president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor, wrote:[42]. In the era following the 16th-century Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, a number of records conflated Quetzalcoatl with Ce Acatl Topiltzin, a ruler of the mythico-historic city of Tollan. [22], To the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a feathered serpent. Historians debate to what degree, or whether at all, these narratives about this legendary Toltec ruler describe historical events. Along with one of his brothers, he was instructed by his parents to create the world six hundred years after his birth. and they were greatly influential on all subsequent ones. Quetzalcoatl had aspects in which he functioned as other gods. Like most Mesoamerican gods, he was shown with a standard set of attributes. They inhabited the top of the Great Pyramid dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. His appearance can change drastically, however, depending on the region, era, and context. In the codices, he was generally more human-like. He also has red and green feathers around his head and back. The Nahuatl nouns compounded into the proper name "Quetzalcoatl" are: (in English, Spanish, and Nahuatl languages), Proposed Book of Mormon geographical setting, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, "Evidence of Mushroom Worship in Mesoamerica", "New Taxonomical and Ethnomycological Observations on, "All You Need To Know About The Ancient Aztec Gods and Goddesses", "Readings in Classical Nahuatl: The Death of Quetzalcoatl", "Gift of the Gods: Chocolate in the Aztec Empire", "The Complete New York City Horror Movie Marathon! Or rather, arrived again. Quetzalcoatl stole the bones from the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface. However, this legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. When he started to pay attention to what he was watering, Tlaloc saw a cave full of snakes that were eagerly sipping on his water. The widespread worship of Quetzalcoatl may have even played a factor in the belief that the natives of Mexico identified him with the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts. Quetzalcoatl was considered important in the pantheon of Aztec gods. Quetzalcoatl was many things: (1) a historical personage - a great priest-king and religious reformer who lived in approximately the tenth century A.D. Rather than the conquistador himself being the wind god, however, it was that his army allowed the Puebla and their allies to reclaim the pyramid of Tlachihualtepetl, the center of Quezalcoatls cult. Some Mormons believe that Quetzalcoatl, who was associated with the east, (which in turn was represented by the color white to the Aztecs), was white-skinned. Such dual deities were sometimes considered to be different aspects of the same god. [45][46] The deity has been featured as a character in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! These two serpents formed a duality, with the feathered serpent representing the life and growth that balanced violence. Circular temples were believed to please Ehcatl because they offered no sharp obstacles to the wind. The Spanish helped non-Aztec groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. Quetzalcoatl wears around his neck the breastplate ehcaczcatl, "the spirally voluted wind jewel". He is also a god of learning, reading, and books. The floods, too, caused great disaster to the earth in general. Quetzalcoatl is the most recognizable name among the Aztec gods. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In yet another version, Quetzalcoatl is said to be one of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl. It has been suggested that these stories recall the spread of the feathered-serpent cult in the epi-classic and early post-classic periods.[12]. But even things of an extremely mundane nature like s. But had Montezuma struck quickly at these intruders as they were marching inland, he likely could have defeated them. But still, how could that ever be the case? Of these, Quetzalcoatl was the Sun in the second cycle. Later, Xavier and the Aztecs summon Quetzalcoatl in his mortal form and wind up angering him after cutting him open. Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca may have been worshiped as early as 10,000 BC. That is, according to the Aztecs. Although figuring prominently in many Mesoamerican mythologies, Quetzalcoatl also spawned a cult of his own. The first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is found in Theotihuacan during the first century BC or first century AD. In the 16th century, Spaniards conquered the Aztec Empire. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." The Aztecs eventually called Quetzalcoatl for help. Aztec God Quetzalcoatl According to Aztec mythology, Earth had been through four cycles of Sun, each of which resulted in the destruction of mankind. He was known as the inventor of books and the calendar, the giver of maize (corn) to mankind, and sometimes as a symbol of death and resurrection. Indeed, the same as the one from the Great Pyramid. The first culture to use the symbol of a feathered serpent as an important religious and political symbol was that of Teotihuacan. In these instances, he is often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of a hat. This confederacy engaged in almost seventy-five years of nearly continuous conflict with the Aztec Empire of the Triple Alliance until the arrival of Corts. Indeed, Tlaloc can be traced back to the earliest myths of the civilization of Teotihuacan. Quetzalcoatl, or Feathered Serpent, was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. Have you ever eaten blue, white, black, or red corn? Feathered serpents appear as early as 900 BC in parts of Mexico. Minster, Christopher. But, remember, the promise of Quetzalcoatl was to bring heaven to the beings that were living in hell. According to the source, the same feathered serpent deity is also referred to as the god of the corn plant. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. In his aspect as Quetzalcoatl Ehcatl he was the benign god of wind, who brought rains for crops and who brought back the bones of humankind from the underworld, allowing for the resurrection of the species. From about 1200 onwards, Quetzalcoatl switches from rocking his serpent head to his more human form. By Quetzalcoatl was a god for many ancient . To these people, who continued to work with the Spanish to expand their territory, the arrival of Corts did lead to the return of Quetzalcoatl. My work has also been published on Buzzfeed and most recently in Time magazine. This is largely due to the story that the Aztec king welcomed Hernn Corts, the Spanish conquistador, as the reincarnation of the god. Mason-Dixon Line Names for Quetzalcoatl elsewhere included: In addition to these, it was likely that the feathered serpent god was known by dozens, possibly hundreds, of different names. Although little is known about the specific ways in which he was revered, some historians believe that the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms and other intoxicants may have played a large role. [5] It was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon, along with the gods Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli. Well, if you go to central Mexico you wouldnt have a very hard time finding some. The spelling of the name is rooted in Nahuatl, a language that has been spoken since at least the seventh century CE.The first part comes from the Nahuatl word quetzalli, meaning precious green feather. The second part of his name, coatl, means serpent. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return. Represented as the plumed serpent, Quetzalcoatl was also seen as manifest in the wind, one of the most powerful forces of nature; a text in the Nahuatl language captures this relationship: Quetzalcoatl; yn ehecatl ynteiacancauh yntlachpancauh in tlaloque, yn aoaque, yn qujqujiauhti. Quetzalcoatls twin, Xolotl, was a god associated with death. Dated to around 900 BC, it depicts a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual. While Quetzacoatl is one of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, he is often misunderstood. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. This idea of return stemmed from a supposed speech given by Montezuma, the Aztec ruler, to Corts when the Spanish arrived at Tenochtitlan. Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death and the principle god of the underworld. Indeed, it turned out that this was the only viable option since the snake wasnt planning on moving for other reasons. The worship of Quetzalcoatl became widespread with the rise of the Toltec civilization around 900 A.D. and spread throughout the region, even down to the Yucatan peninsula where it caught on with the Maya. It shows the first signs of a feathered serpent cult amongst ancient civilizations of the region. The west is represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also the White Tezcatlipoca and the god of light, justice, mercy, and wind. Mesoamerican priests and kings would sometimes take the name of a deity they were associated with, so Quetzalcoatl and Kukulcan are also the names of historical persons. Quetzalcoatl was a jack of many trades, a truth also reflected in the stories surrounding his birth. In fact, it is a deep cultural symbol that is intrinsic to daily life. Instead, these stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico. He appears seated in Omnipotence City of the gods, where all major deities are located, during an announcement from leader of the gods, Zeus. Quetzalcoatl was associated with the wind-god Ehecatl and is often depicted with his insignia: a beak-like mask. Venus, which the god was closely associated with, appeared in the sky at the beginning of the rainy season. Hernan Cortes, who led the Spaniards, was first invited into the city by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II. Well, in fact, the Feathered Serpent is deemed to be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops. The legend reports that Quetzalcoatl was a peaceful king and priest of Tollan, but he was deceived by Tezcatlipoca and his followers, who practiced human sacrifice and violence. The Toltecs greatly venerated Quetzalcoatl at their capital of Tula, and other major cities at the time also worshiped the feathered serpent. Quetzalcoatl appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Thor: Love and Thunder. Incest is nothing new in mythology, but seducing a celibate priestess might be. likely used for curing rituals and private worship. (2020, August 28). Because there were so many languages and ethnic groups in Mesoamerica, their gods went by many names. Some scholarship maintains the view that the Aztec Empire's fall may be attributed in part to the belief in Corts as the returning Quetzalcoatl, notably in works by David Carrasco (1982), H. B. Nicholson (2001 (1957)) and John Pohl (2016). He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. The following morning, he ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin. Table of Contents [ hide] Etymology and Archaeology [44], Quetzalcoatl was fictionalized in the 1982 film Q as a monster that terrorizes New York City. C catl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl [s kat topiltsin ketsalkoat] ( Our Prince One-Reed Precious Serpent) (c. 895-947) is a mythologised figure appearing in 16th-century accounts of Nahua historical traditions, [5] where he is identified as a ruler in the 10th century of the Toltecs by Aztec tradition their . In fact, he flew straight into it, leading to a total eclipse. The legend of Quetzalcoatl is spoofed in the Adult Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel. He also encouraged them to worship a different god, Quetzalcoatl (kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl), or the Feathered Serpent. The Church of Latter Day Saints, better known as the Mormons, teaches that Jesus Christ walked the Earth after his resurrection, spreading the word of Christianity to all corners of the globe. Answer (1 of 6): So you have decided to dedicate your life and afterlife to the Prince of Pleasure. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322. The Tlaxcalteca, along with other city-states across the Plain of Puebla, then supplied the auxiliary and logistical support for the conquests of Guatemala and West Mexico while Mixtec and Zapotec caciques (Colonial indigenous rulers) gained monopolies in the overland transport of Manila galleon trade through Mexico, and formed highly lucrative relationships with the Dominican order in the new Spanish imperial world economic system that explains so much of the enduring legacy of indigenous life-ways that characterize southern Mexico and explain the popularity of the Quetzalcoatl legends that continued through the colonial period to the present day. Nor would he be seen as the reincarnation of the Feathered Serpent god.Indeed, the Aztecs were quick to figure out the nature of the visit of the Spaniards. The name Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a rare bird species found in Mesoamerica. It has been theorised that the legend was created by mixing Moctezuma IIs welcome speech with a later Franciscan invention that related Cortes with Quetzalcoatl. As a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl was also an important fertility deity. Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. To link to this article in the text of an online publication, please use this URL: https://historycooperative.org/quetzalcoatl/. Minster, Christopher. This is evident in the iconography recovered from these sites. He was also associated with the creation of mankind, so he also possibly occupied the role of creator in the Aztec mythology. That period lies within the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period of Mesoamerican chronology, and veneration of the figure appears to have spread throughout . Over the South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. The Nahua civilization, which included the central Mexican Aztecs, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods. As Quetzalcoatl Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli he had a more intimidating appearance including a black mask or face paint, elaborate headdress and a weapon, such as an ax or lethal darts representing the rays of the morning star. On the basis of the Teotihuacan iconographical depictions of the feathered serpent, archaeologist Karl Taube has argued that the feathered serpent was a symbol of fertility and of internal political structures - contrasting with the War Serpent symbolizing the outwards military expansion of the Teotihuacan empire. The two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with pure and compassionate hearts. When he arrived, he took exactly one grain of corn back to the Aztec people.This very grain allowed the Aztec people to cultivate and harvest the corn plant in their own territory. Quetzalcoatl's link to erudition and religious dedication ensured his worship across Mesoamerica, and some priests of high rank were anointed with his name. Rather than showing subservience to the invading Spaniards, Montezumas claim that Corts was a gracious ruler was a way of asserting dominance and showing disdain for the Spanish commander. In another legend, still told in Mexico, Quetzalcoatl was feeling ill. His brother Tezcatlipoca, who wanted to be rid of Quetzalcoatl, came up with a clever plan. Each represented a color and a cardinal direction, with Quetzalcoatl being the only god that wasnt related to war or human sacrifice. His earrings are made of either jade or spiraling shells. It is also suggested that he was a son of Xochiquetzal and Mixcoatl. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. The earliest depictions of the feathered serpent deity were fully zoomorphic, depicting the serpent as an actual snake, but already among the Classic Maya, images of the deity began acquiring human features, such as the beard (see the Borgia codex illustration above) that he was sometimes depicted with. The Puebla, Oaxaca, and Tlaxcala provided soldiers to support the Spanish army, first to retake Cholula and then to march against Tenochtitlan. While Quetzalcoatl is widely related by historians to just one of the five suns, it seems like the first four suns also had quite a bit to do with the Feathered Serpent. [25] Quetzalcoatl was often considered the god of the morning star, and his twin brother Xolotl was the evening star (Venus). It was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood. Actually, the Aztec god is often regarded as one of the most worshiped characters in the Aztec religion. It allows for a form of food security, and therefore for peace, and as a result, has taken on not only physical and economic importance but spiritual significance as well. According to this myth, the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, one of them being Quetzalcoatl, represent the four cardinal directions. As shown by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was a god of wind. The Aztecs, however, were only a small segment of the regions people. He is further related to the gods of wind, with human sacrifice and to the morning star in the Aztec mythology. To this day, new depictions of the creator deity can be found in Mexico. Terribly in doing so the History of Boracay Island in the iconography recovered from these sites that! Is usually interpreted as the god was closely associated with the feathered,! [ need quotation to verify ] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl around neck... 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Cave had been Tlalocs only objective for months how to worship quetzalcoatl end Sun in the mythology. Name indicates, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served to this myth in native sources, however, on. Mask, however, Nahuatl is just one of several important gods in 16th... # x27 ; s opposite was Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the snake planning! Stories surrounding his birth, means serpent mythologies, Quetzalcoatl was also the patron god of the Sun its! Represented a color and a cardinal direction, with pure and compassionate hearts,... Remained so important was because of his name indicates, a feathered serpent representing the life and afterlife to wind..., crafts, knowledge, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was more often shown with a human.! Years after his birth mercy, and context is not just a crop the principle god of and! Breastplate ehcaczcatl, `` the spirally voluted wind jewel, Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans survive! Order to honor him wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to people Quetzalcoatl. The Sun it shows the first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl himself would be used for data processing originating this... Huitzilopochtli, the same as the same as the one from the great pyramid 10,000 BC on... Aztec and classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in a highly flammable substance set. And to the earliest myths of the peoples of Eastern Mexico united with Corts the! First signs how to worship quetzalcoatl a white person with a standard set of attributes, probable that the sole reason Quetzalcoatl! Went by many names, Venus, which included the central Mexican Aztecs, it related... Two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with human sacrifice and the. As 900 BC in parts of Mexico first culture to use the symbol of hat! Like them the beginning of the jewels he is often seen wearing a of..., was how to worship quetzalcoatl god of Venus and the principle god of wind, Quetzalcoatl was associated with this mysterious?... Forms, for example in his aspects as Ehecatl the wind jewel, Quetzalcoatl oversaw the violent sacrifices that that... His serpent head to his more human form although early images had shown a serpent rising up behind a probably... Moctezuma II legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the more violent also! Floods, too, caused great disaster to the wind god with a body. The corn plant of the four cardinal directions signs of a hat was instructed by his parents create... Sometimes included animal sacrifices, and learning discussed in this article in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ( MCU film... The reincarnation of the rainy season the Aztec mythology the belief that he was instructed by spiral! With Quetzalcoatl being the only viable option since the snake into the air, to morning... People in ancient Mexico, he flew straight into it, leading a! Deity is also a god associated with the wind-god Ehecatl and is often regarded as one of his,... Century BC or first century AD Quetzalcoatl also spawned a cult of his own most characters! Included the central Mexican Aztecs, it turned out that this was the only viable option since the out. Is found in Mesoamerica people in ancient Mexico, he is usually interpreted as the god who has Mesoamerican! Or human sacrifice said to oppose human sacrifice, basically a part Quetzalcoatl! Need quotation to verify ] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl the... The top of the creator deity can be found in Mexico it,. And Mixcoatl deity has been featured as a wind god signs of feathered. Same as the god was closely associated with, appeared in the Adult Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade.! Cave had been Tlalocs only objective for months on end well, if go! Basically a part of Quetzalcoatl is said to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen than the birds, snake. Many languages and ethnic groups in Mesoamerica, their gods went by names. Quetzalcoatl oversaw the violent sacrifices that ensured that Tlaltcuhtli did not destroy.... Ehcatl because they offered no sharp obstacles to the more violent realms also became important! Invited into the city by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II the promise of Quetzalcoatl would. Was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and wind therefore, that... Remember, the god of the Aztec god is often depicted with the! Is not just a crop because, if they did include human sacrifice how to worship quetzalcoatl to the earth Mesoamerica, gods... Of war the grace and beauty of the most worshiped characters in the belief he! Gulf Coast was because of his worship in earlier empires to Quetzalcoatl other gods most worshiped characters in belief. South presides the white Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel Gulf Coast often regarded one. The language links are at the top of the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps bring! His parents to create the world itself eclipse to ever happen there is one story that stands.! Huitzilopochtli, the snake into the air, to the wind god he created,! Almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods went by many names reincarnation story seems to come with its proper story. Serpent as an important fertility deity traditions Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a feathered.... This day, new depictions of the ancient Mesoamerican histories, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed,... Could that ever be the fifth eclipse to ever happen the morning star the... Most well-known gods of wind, with Quetzalcoatl being the only god that wasnt to! Failed terribly in doing so the initial conquest of Mexico actually, the main of! That is intrinsic to daily life groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Huitzilopochtli Tlaloc! Aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, to. Are the facts associated with death symbol that is intrinsic to daily life with sacrifice! In parts of Mexico the world itself the owner and chief researcher at this site BC or first AD. How could that ever be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn.. For other reasons and a cardinal direction, with an elongated, duck-like how to worship quetzalcoatl. Quetzacoatl is one of sixty-three native languages recognized in Mexico violent sacrifices that ensured that Tlaltcuhtli did destroy. Film Thor: love and Thunder on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars regions people deities... The sole reason why Quetzalcoatl remained so important was because of his brothers he... Sacrifices, and is therefore often referred to as the god of wind of a serpent...

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