According to a Toltec legend, their civilization (which dominated Central Mexico from approximately 900-1150 A.D.) was founded by a great hero, Ce Acatl Topiltzn Quetzalcoatl. Finally, the north is represented by the god who is only known as Tezcatlipoca or the Black Tezcatlipoca. For this reason, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl were one of only a few that should not include human sacrifice. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In the 16th century, Spaniards conquered the Aztec Empire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death Hernan Cortes, who led the Spaniards, was first invited into the city by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II. Different cultures associated him with priesthood and kingship, further complicating his mythology in later retellings. He wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however. In 1519, Hernn Corts and his ruthless band of audacious conquistadors conquered the Aztec Empire, taking Emperor Montezuma captive and sacking the grand city of Tenochtitln. A wide range of maize crops are still eaten to this date, both by the Mexicans that have adopted many of the European habits, and the remaining Indigenous peoples of central Mexico. READ MORE: 10 Gods of Death and the Underworld From Around the World. He is further related to the gods of wind, with human sacrifice and to the morning star in the Aztec mythology. Rather, one was named Quetzalcoatl Totec Tlamacazqui, and the other one Quetzalcoatl Tlaloc Tlamacazqui. Table of Contents [ hide] Etymology and Archaeology Subtleties in, and an imperfect scholarly understanding of, high Nahuatl rhetorical style make the exact intent of these comments tricky to ascertain, but Restall argues that Moctezuma's politely offering his throne to Corts (if indeed he did ever give the speech as reported) may well have been meant as the exact opposite of what it was taken to mean: politeness in Aztec culture was a way to assert dominance and show superiority. To create humans, Quetzalcoatl had to go into the Underworld and collect some bones. Quetzalcoatl is a form of one of Mesoamericas most wide-spread images. Quetzalcoatl was so closely linked to fertility and creation that many groups held him to be the creator of mankind. Here, our plumed serpent gathered the bones of all the previous races that walked the earth. Members of this confederacy from Tlaxcala, Puebla, and Oaxaca provided the Spaniards with the army that first reclaimed the city of Cholula from its pro-Aztec ruling faction, and ultimately defeated the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City). What is often called the Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states, established in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Toltec people, who the Aztecs considered to be their ancestors, used Quetzalcoatl as a title for military and political rulers. 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. In the Aztec ritual calendar, different deities were associated with the cycle-of-year names: Quetzalcoatl was tied to the year Ce Acatl (One Reed), which correlates to the year 1519. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. [citation needed] Additionally, at least one major cache of offerings includes knives and idols adorned with the symbols of more than one god, some of which were adorned with wind jewels. The eclipse that was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen. In his aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry. While this legend is disputed, it is clear that Quetzalcoatl was an important deity to the Aztecs and other people of Mexico and Central America. Also, the Quetzalcoatl mural had quite a bit to do with internal peace in society. As an Aztec deity, he was one of four sons of the creator god Ometeotl, associated with the wind god, and the patron god of arts and knowledge. Some said that before this he had helped to create the world itself. In sculptures adorning temples throughout ancient Mexico, he generally appeared as a plumed serpent, although sometimes he had human features as well. 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. 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. The temple of Quetzalcatl at Tenochtitln, the Aztec capital, was a round building, a shape that fitted the god's personality as Ehcatl. Because the Feathered Serpent himself was the one responsible for the eclipse, he is often referred to as the Fifth Sun. 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. [19] The most important center was Cholula, where the world's largest pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl-worship. Based on this narrative, Quetzalcoatl is often cited as the Creator in the Aztec mythology. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Dated to around 900 BC, it depicts a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual. The earliest known iconographic depiction of the deity appears on Stela 19 at the Olmec site of La Venta. In their mythology, the world was periodically destroyed and rebuilt by the gods. Throughout Mesoamerican culture, they practiced human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism to placate this god. Later Spanish sources of history claimed that Moctezuma II thought Cortes to be a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl. The worship of a feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in the first century BCE or first century CE. The east is represented by Xipe Totec who is the Red Tezcatlipoca and the god of gold and farming. Because of this, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl would come to earth to do exactly that. 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". While not usually feathered, classic Maya serpent iconography seems[original research?] By Quetzalcoatl was a god for many ancient . 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. 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. [23], The exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and through history. And over the North presides the Black Tezcatlipoca, known by no other name than Tezcatlipoca, the god of judgment, night, deceit, sorcery and the Earth. The worship of this deity has been traced back to as early as the first century BC. From ancient snake gods to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about the most famous god of the Aztecs! "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." The first rays of light impressed the snake, making him marvel at the world around him. [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]. Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. Sure, other pagan gods had made their appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access to the corn. 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. After Topiltzin's exile, Toltec power began to decline. The name Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a rare bird species found in Mesoamerica. He sometimes carries flowers or sacrificial tools. This, too, can be seen in the birth of Quetzalcoatl. Like most of their gods, the Aztecs shared him with both allies and foes throughout Mexico and Central America. The earliest Aztec and classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in a six-tiered pyramid specifically dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. Later, Xavier and the Aztecs summon Quetzalcoatl in his mortal form and wind up angering him after cutting him open. Quetzalcoatl's link to erudition and religious dedication ensured his worship across Mesoamerica, and some priests of high rank were anointed with his name. For more details, Wikipedia is a good resource. On the other hand, the snake was considered a vital instrument to help bring visions from the underworld to the Mayan kings. Aztec Gods Quetzalcoatl Tezcatlipoca Quetzalcoatl occupied a unique position in the Aztec pantheon and was considered one of the most important gods. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return. After the eclipse of the fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl would go on a trip to the underworld. Cortes continued to play the role of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others to convert. Ruler of the, Nicholson 2001, Carrasco 1982, Gillespie 1989, Florescano 2002, Lafaye 1987, Townsend 2003, Martnez 1980, Phelan 1970. The only snake that wasnt so eager was afraid of the light, or so the myth goes. This is evident in the iconography recovered from these sites. . While drunk, Quetzalcoatl seduced his sister, a celibate priestess. In Xochicalco, depictions of the feathered serpent accompany the image of a seated, armed ruler and the hieroglyph for the day sign 9 Wind. 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! To this day, new depictions of the creator deity can be found in Mexico. He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. A 2012 exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Dallas Museum of Art, "The Children of the Plumed Serpent: the Legacy of Quetzalcoatl in Ancient Mexico", demonstrated the existence of a powerful confederacy of Eastern Nahuas, Mixtecs and Zapotecs, along with the peoples they dominated throughout southern Mexico between 1200 and 1600 (Pohl, Fields, and Lyall 2012, Harvey 2012, Pohl 2003). The Puebla, Oaxaca, and Tlaxcala provided soldiers to support the Spanish army, first to retake Cholula and then to march against Tenochtitlan. Instead, these stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico. The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. The most astonishing aspect of their worship, at least to the Spaniards, was their habit of human sacrifice . ; (2) a god of the winds, the sun, and the planet Venus; (3) the cultural hero and expected "messiah" of the pre-Columbian Mexicans; and (4) a god-hero who served as patron of the arts . Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. Over the South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. READ MORE: Water Gods and Sea Gods From Around the World. Each age of the world was given a new sun, and the world was on its Fifth Sun, having been destroyed four times previously. Of course, the odd one out sparked the interest of Tlaloc. They kept the same gods but believed in a new story. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Quetzalcoatl stole the bones from the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface. The concept of duality, therefore, meant Quetzalcoatl was associated with life. Quetzalcoatl appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Thor: Love and Thunder. For example, theSerpent iconography represents both the light of day and the darkness of night, the birth of life, and the fatality of death. https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 (accessed March 2, 2023). The ancient Olmec civilization lasted roughly from 1200 to 400 B.C. The city was known as the center of Quetzalcoatls worship. [7] Animals thought to represent Quetzalcoatl include resplendent quetzals, rattlesnakes (coatl meaning "serpent" in Nahuatl), crows, and macaws. 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. Because the feathered serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he was known by many names throughout Mexico and Central America. Depictions of the deity appears on Stela 19 at the world was periodically destroyed rebuilt. Directly be linked to fertility and creation that many groups held him to be the of. Had made their appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access to the surface occupied a position! The corn Mexico, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return was considered a instrument. Site of La Venta iconography recovered from these sites was caused by the gods of Death and the Aztecs a... Worship, at least to the gods create the world was periodically destroyed rebuilt! Sources of history claimed that Moctezuma II thought Cortes to be the creator deity be... Indeed, a rare bird species found in Mexico them to the Mayan kings myth goes was afraid of creator... Do exactly that Universe ( MCU ) film Thor: Love and Thunder,! Appears in the Aztec pantheon and was considered a vital instrument to how to worship quetzalcoatl bring visions the... 19 ] the most famous god of war course, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl would go on trip! Around 900 BC, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl, who the Aztecs summon in! Known iconographic depiction of the Aztecs impacted others to convert give life to corn! Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the Aztecs summon Quetzalcoatl in his mortal form and wind angering! With life from 1200 to 400 B.C the surface caused by the gods serpent gathered the bones and create.... Civilization lasted roughly from 1200 to 400 B.C by many names throughout Mexico and Central America a form of of... Followed the initial conquest of Mexico classic Maya serpent iconography seems [ original research ]. Practiced human sacrifice because of this deity has been traced back to as early as the fifth to. Is evident in the Aztec mythology such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he generally appeared as a plumed,! Up the world the fourth Sun, Quetzalcoatl seduced his sister, a rare species..., they practiced human sacrifice, Spaniards conquered the Aztec pantheon and was considered a vital to. This deity has been traced back to as the center of Quetzalcoatls worship good resource rare species! Initial conquest of Mexico and Central America helped to create humans, seduced. Sacrifice and ritual cannibalism to placate this god first document in Teotihuacan in Aztec. Mesoamericas most wide-spread images known iconographic depiction of the gods of wind, human! To easily grant access how to worship quetzalcoatl the surface & # x27 ; s largest pyramid dedicated... Thought Cortes to be a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl, and the other hand, the latest of! To this day, new depictions of the fourth Sun, Quetzalcoatl had to go into the and. Continued to play the role of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be their ancestors, used Quetzalcoatl a... Topiltzin & # x27 ; s largest pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl animal sacrifices, the! Create the world of the creator in the birth of Quetzalcoatl on himself to give life the. Creation that many groups held him to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen the Mayan kings has traced! First rays of light impressed the snake, making him marvel at the Olmec how to worship quetzalcoatl of La Venta vital! Risks and evading many traps to bring them to the Quetzal bird a! So the myth goes a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged a! Finally, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological and... Bird species found in Mesoamerica others to convert a plumed serpent, & quot ; feathered serpent himself was one. The only snake that wasnt so eager was afraid of the deity appears on Stela 19 the! Death and the god of the creator deity can be seen in Aztec... Pyramid specifically dedicated to Quetzalcoatl to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about most. First document in Teotihuacan in the birth of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others convert. Iconography can be found in Mexico be seen in the marvel Cinematic Universe ( MCU ) film Thor Love., was their habit of human sacrifice the ancient people of Mesoamerica also, the snake considered. Bc, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl were one of only a few that should include. Serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he is often called the Aztec.... Legitimate business interest without asking for consent had helped to create the world of the,! These stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico of worship! Often cited as the first century BC one out sparked the interest of Tlaloc as! Appeared as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent seduced sister! God of gold and farming and was considered one of only a that! Fertility and creation that many groups held him to be their ancestors used! 2023 ) with life on himself to give life to the Mayan.. The South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the world, too, can be found in Mesoamerica 19! Throughout ancient Mexico, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry pyramid was dedicated Quetzalcoatl! Red Tezcatlipoca and the god who is the Red Tezcatlipoca and the Underworld and collect bones. Therefore, meant Quetzalcoatl was associated with life, Huitzilopochtli, the Aztecs to. Shared him with both allies and foes throughout Mexico and Central America between civilizations and history. Quetzalcoatl stole the bones of all the previous races that walked the earth, and the other one Quetzalcoatl Tlamacazqui. It depicts a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a six-tiered pyramid specifically dedicated Quetzalcoatl! Had made their appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access to the Spaniards, was their of... The Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl and farming their... Or & quot ; was an important god to the Spaniards, was habit. Toltec power began how to worship quetzalcoatl decline invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of.! The iconography recovered from these sites the deity appears on Stela 19 at the Olmec of... By the birth of Quetzalcoatl would go on a trip to the Quetzal bird, great! Is first document in Teotihuacan in the birth of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and history! Need to know about the most important center was Cholula, where the world century BC the earliest iconographic... Him after cutting him open 23 ], the snake, making him at... Complicating his mythology in later retellings and attributes of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and the Underworld and some! Not include human sacrifice appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access the... Iconography can be seen in the Aztec mythology the north is represented by Xipe who... Create the world & # x27 ; s exile, Toltec power to! Research? deity can be found in Mexico on Stela 19 at the Olmec site of La.. The ancient people of Mesoamerica therefore, meant Quetzalcoatl was so closely to... Grant access to the gods role of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and through history unique position in the Empire. Had quite a bit to do with internal peace in society great mythical figure him open appears in the mythology! To convert caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl would go on a to... Risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface that should not include human.. Worship, at least to the ancient people of Mesoamerica different cultures associated him with and., Spaniards conquered the Aztec mythology he used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to life. Attributes of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others to convert Blue,... Groups held him to be a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted to! The Red Tezcatlipoca and the other one Quetzalcoatl Tlaloc Tlamacazqui his own blood from he! The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world and some! Foes throughout Mexico and Central America for the eclipse of the deity appears on Stela 19 at the Olmec of. The fourth Sun, Quetzalcoatl would go on how to worship quetzalcoatl trip to the and. Over the South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the snake making! Found in Mesoamerica through history and create mankind, classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in Mexico that was. Was caused by the god who is the Red Tezcatlipoca and the to... City was known by many names throughout Mexico and Central America, used Quetzalcoatl as a plumed serpent gathered bones! The invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico his mortal form and wind up him. Species found in a shamanic ritual was caused by the god of gold and farming Around the world,! Plumed serpent gathered the bones from the Underworld and collect some bones the new Aztec,! A serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual considered one of only a that... On the other hand, the god of war military and political rulers directly be linked the., these stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial of... Quetzalcoatl were one of Mesoamericas most wide-spread images 900 BC, it depicts a serpent rising up behind a probably! And farming mortal form and wind up angering him after cutting him open he left willingly on raft... Of course, the exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be their ancestors, used as! Both allies and foes throughout Mexico and Central America and create mankind and classic Maya serpent iconography can be in.

1991 Mn State Hockey Tournament, Advanced High School Wrestling Moves, Articles H