According to stories, Aztec people only ate animals or roots until Quetzalcoatl arrived. While the Aztecs were still waiting for the returning god Quetzalcoatl, most of their people were killed due to diseases brought by the Spaniards. Quetzalcoatl was associated with the wind-god Ehecatl and is often depicted with his insignia: a beak-like mask. For example, a depiction in Acapulco, Mexico, shows the Aztec snake god in all its glory. Worship of Quetzalcoatl can be traced back to as early as the Teotihuacan civilization, a prominent urban center that peaked between the 3rd to 8th centuries CE. The worship of Quetzalcoatl is wide-reaching, has a rich history, and exemplifies the complex world of Aztec mythology. Every reincarnation story seems to come with its proper birth story, but there is one story that stands out. Although this proves that the concept of a divine feathered serpent has been around a long time, most historians agree that the cult of Quetzalcoatl did not come about until the late Classic era, hundreds of years later. Similarly, various other birth stories are also associated with Quetzalcoatl. Montezuma's failure to act has been attributed to his belief that Cortes was none other than Quetzalcoatl, who had once gone away to the east, promising to return. 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. What are the facts associated with this mysterious god? 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. Among these Mesoamerican gods, Quetzalcoatl was also one of the oldest. He was also sometimes said to have created the world itself with the help of one of his brothers. In another, they worked together to tear apart a monster called Tlaltcuhtli and create the land and its features from her body. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322. In the codices, he was generally more human-like. 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). [12] In the Postclassic period (9001519AD), the worship of the feathered-serpent deity centered in the primary Mexican religious center of Cholula. How old is the United States of America? 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. The first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is found in Theotihuacan during the first century BC or first century AD. 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. Other parties have also promulgated the idea that the Mesoamericans believed the conquistadors, and in particular Corts, to be awaited gods: most notably the historians of the Franciscan order such as Fray Gernimo de Mendieta. While at first a fully zoomorphic feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl would later be represented in his human form. In the Codex's description of the first meeting between Moctezuma and Corts, the Aztec ruler is described as giving a prepared speech in classical oratorial Nahuatl, a speech which, as described in the codex written by the Franciscan Bernardino de Sahagn and his Tlatelolcan informants, included such prostrate declarations of divine or near-divine admiration as: You have graciously come on earth, you have graciously approached your water, your high place of Mexico, you have come down to your mat, your throne, which I have briefly kept for you, I who used to keep it for you. With her arms bent and pulled up against her sides as if to strike, she is . The worship of Miclantecuhtli was ongoing with the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. He was quite a bit bigger than he was before. Quetzalcoatl is not a religious symbol in the Latter-day Saint faith, and is not taught as such, nor is it in their doctrine that Quetzalcoatl is Jesus. Well, if you go to central Mexico you wouldnt have a very hard time finding some. Throughout Mesoamerican culture, they practiced human sacrifice and ritual cannibalism to placate this god. [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 south is represented by Huitzilopochtli who is the Blue Tezcatlipoca and the god of war. So Quetzalcoatl is named after the thing he looks like, a feathered serpent deity. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The following morning, he ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin. The story that has been passed down says that after throwing himself into fire Quetzalcoatl was destined to return one day. He was casually sitting on a couple of clouds to water the earth below, which wasnt all that inhabited by humans as of yet. Hernan Cortes, who led the Spaniards, was first invited into the city by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II. Such dual deities were sometimes considered to be different aspects of the same god. The association of the name with kingship led colonial Spaniards to believe that the Aztecs considered themselves to be descended from the god himself. Despite their joint leadership, their rivalry didn't ended as Tezcatlipoca, feared by his worshipers . His name in many cultures translated to Feathered Serpent and he was depicted in many iconographic illustrations. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. Quetzalcoatl was so closely linked to fertility and creation that many groups held him to be the creator of mankind. 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. They also believed that the Aztec gods reflected aspects of their own religion. In the post-classic Nahua civilization of central Mexico (Aztec), the worship of Quetzalcoatl was ubiquitous. It is, indeed, probable that the sole reason why Quetzalcoatl remained so important was because of his worship in earlier empires. 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. Table of Contents [ hide] Etymology and Archaeology The name Quetzalcoatl comes from this language and is most widely-used both because it was recorded by Spanish conquerors and because Nahuatl is still spoken by roughly 1.5 million people. One of these groups centered around the city of Cholula, where the great pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. To both Teotihuacan and Maya cultures, Venus was in turn also symbolically connected with warfare.[21]. Often our current time was considered the fifth sun,[29] the previous four having been destroyed by flood, fire and the like. It shows the first signs of a feathered serpent cult amongst ancient civilizations of the region. 2. Based on this narrative, Quetzalcoatl is often cited as the Creator in the Aztec mythology. On the other hand, the snake was considered a vital instrument to help bring visions from the underworld to the Mayan kings. 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. They kept the same gods but believed in a new story. Because of this, the ways in which he was worshipped varied widely. I have been in love with all things related to Mythology. Aztec God Quetzalcoatl According to Aztec mythology, Earth had been through four cycles of Sun, each of which resulted in the destruction of mankind. Looking at the iconography and retold myths of Mesoamerica, some historians have theories that Quetzalcoatl came to be associated with culture and urban civilization. But still, how could that ever be the case? The two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with pure and compassionate hearts. [8] In his form as the morning star, Venus, he is also depicted as a harpy eagle. However, this legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. By adding a bit of his own blood, he allowed a new civilization to emerge. Like most of their gods, the Aztecs shared him with both allies and foes throughout Mexico and Central America. Ehecatl In some Aztec areas, such as Tenochtitlan, this was another wind god with nearly identical iconography to Quetzalcoatl. He would submerge himself in a highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars. His Roots Go Back as Far as the Ancient Olmec, Quetzalcoatl May Be Based on a Historical Person, Quetzalcoatl Had Many Different Appearances, His Association With the Conquistadors Was Likely Made Up. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Christopher Minster, Ph.D., is a professor at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. In Mesoamerican history, many different ethnopolitical groups worshiped a feathered-serpent deity. Because of this, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl would come to earth to do exactly that. He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. Venus, which the god was closely associated with, appeared in the sky at the beginning of the rainy season. And when the wind rose, when the dust rumbled, and it crack and there was a great din, became it became dark and the wind blew in many directions, and it thundered; then it was said: [Quetzalcoatl] is wrathful., -Bernadino de Sahagn, Florentine Codex: General History of the Things of New Spain. His body is usually black, a color that represents the north in Aztec art. As soon as the eclipse ended, he promised himself that he would bring the heavens to anyone who is living in hell. The Spanish helped non-Aztec groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. Well, look no further, because Quetzalcoatl is your guy. Mayans had deities with feathered serpent as their names. Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca may have been worshiped as early as 10,000 BC. In some areas, however, it was believed that Quetzalcoatl opposed such sacrifices. [20] Historian Enrique Florescano - also analyzing Teotihuacan iconography - argues that the Feathered Serpent was part of a triad of agricultural deities: The feathered serpent was furthermore connected to the planet Venus because of this planet's importance as a sign of the beginning of the rainy season. He sometimes carries flowers or sacrificial tools. After a slapstick-style chase scene, Xavier winds up as the Sun God and commits "sacricide" (sacrificial suicide), ending the skit. The story of how the ordinary Quetzalcoatl became one of the heavenly brothers goes as followed. Quetzalcoatl went to Mictlan, the underworld, and created fifth-world mankind from the bones of the previous races (with the help of Cihuacoatl), using his own blood, from a wound he inflicted on his earlobes, calves, tongue, and penis, to imbue the bones with new life. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." 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. 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. Franciscans such as Toribio de Benavente "Motolinia" saw elements of Christianity in the pre-Columbian religions and therefore believed that Mesoamerica had been evangelized before, possibly by Thomas the Apostle, who, according to legend, had "gone to preach beyond the Ganges". Latter-day Saint author Brant Gardner, after investigating the link between Quetzalcoatl and Jesus, concluded that the association amounts to nothing more than folklore. After all, thats the process that he himself went through: from darkness to light. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." Indeed, Quetzalcoatl was born. The cult even spread down into the Maya lands. Also, the Quetzalcoatl mural had quite a bit to do with internal peace in society. In his aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry. Dated to around 900 BC, it depicts a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual. The Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he was eventually adopted by the Aztecs. 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. Even in his more violent aspects, Quetzalcoatl was connected to the fertility of the earth. and they were greatly influential on all subsequent ones. While in his own story, this was not all too literal, his actions that followed were actually the literal interpretation of his promise. The major worship of this god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700 . In the Maya area he was approximately equivalent to Kukulkan and Gukumatz, names that also roughly translate as "feathered serpent" in different Mayan languages. He also encouraged them to worship a different god, Quetzalcoatl (kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl), or the Feathered Serpent. The Teotihuacan iconographical depictions are often interpreted as a version where Quetzalcoatl played the role of a fertility-related serpent deity. The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. These sources further claimed that it was because of this superstition that Moctezuma II invited Cortes as a guest and didnt harm him or his soldiers. These, then, are the people that still inhabit the world. Most Mesoamerican beliefs included cycles of suns. The first one, Huitzilopochtli, was one of the Tezcatlipoca brothers and the embodiment of the expansion of the empire. This is largely due to the story that the Aztec king welcomed Hernn Corts, the Spanish conquistador, as the reincarnation of the god. READ MORE: 10 Gods of Death and the Underworld From Around the World. The first images of a similar feathered serpent date back to 900 BC, over two thousand years before the Aztecs came to dominate Central Mexico. 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. After months of rain, the snake was forced to come out of the cave. [41] However, in 1892 one president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor, wrote:[42]. 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. This didnt help a lot to overcome their cruel intentions, however. Residing in the darkness felt safe to him, so he decided to stay far away from the life-giving water. So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. A famous Olmec stone carving, La Venta Monument 19, clearly shows a man seated in front of a feathered serpent. However, as opposed to earlier depictions of Quetzalcoatl, the Mayan version of the deity had more elaborate features. 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. Quetzalcoatl is one of the most well-known Mesoamerican gods, but how much do you actually know about the feathered serpent of pre-Columbian Mexico? The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. He took his companion Xolotl, a dog-headed god, with him. The first rays of light impressed the snake, making him marvel at the world around him. There, they greatly influenced late Mayan culture. Besides giving life to people, Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans to survive. Different Mesoamerican groups had their own legends about Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on different domains. In this period the deity is known to have been named Quetzalchutl by his Nahua followers. 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. He wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however. 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. 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. Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. The domestication of corn in Mesoamerica, about 10,000 years ago, is referred to as humanitys greatest achievement when it comes to agriculture. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. Montezuma king of the aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity. In the modern world, Aztec religion is often associated with dramatic and bloody human sacrifices. Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "feathered serpent". In their mythology, the world was periodically destroyed and rebuilt by the gods. Please like and share this article if you found it useful. At this particular address, behind the green door, next . Hernn Corts, perhaps the most notorious colonizer, is often identified as this very reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl. The Nahua civilization, which included the central Mexican Aztecs, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Although probably not exactly a depiction of the same feathered-serpent deity worshipped in classic and post-classic periods, it shows the continuity of symbolism of feathered snakes in Mesoamerica from the formative period and on, for example in comparison to the Maya Vision Serpent shown below. In sculptures adorning temples throughout ancient Mexico, he generally appeared as a plumed serpent, although sometimes he had human features as well. Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. Over time, Quetzalcoatl's appearance, clothing, malevolent nature, and status among the gods were reshaped to fit a more Christian framework. One legend claimed that the star was Quetzalcoatls heart, placed in the sky after he burned himself alive out of shame for neglecting his duties. Mictlanteuctli and Mictlancihuatl, the two gods that ruled that realm, gave him a puzzle he was expected to complete before he could take the bones. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In Tenochtitlan, Quezelcoatls name was used as a priestly title. This story probably came about later, as Aztec nobles tried to rationalize their defeat. Some legends describe him as opposed to human sacrifice[26] while others describe him practicing it.[27][28]. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus was named after the deity. While drunk, Quetzalcoatl seduced his sister, a celibate priestess. Although early images had shown a serpent, by the classical period of Aztec culture Quetzalcoatl was more often shown with a human body. (Restall 2001 p. 114)[full citation needed]. Of these, Quetzalcoatl was the Sun in the second cycle. 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. [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. In his aspect as Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, he was the fearsome god of Venus and the morning star. Quetzalcoatl's link to erudition and religious dedication ensured his worship across Mesoamerica, and some priests of high rank were anointed with his name. Well, in fact, the Feathered Serpent is deemed to be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops. His emotional bond with the shy snake grew during this period, so he decided to help him realize his dreams. 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. 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.. One noted Post-Classic Toltec ruler was named Quetzalcoatl; he may be the same . What did Quetzalcoatl teach? There is a beautiful platform temple to Quetzalcoatl at Xochicalco, and Cholula eventually became known as the home of Quetzalcoatl, attracting pilgrims from all over ancient Mexico. By the 3rd century AD this was recognizable as a god, who had a pyramid dedicated to his honor in the city of Teotihuacn. Quetzalcoatl (/ktslkotl/[3]) [pron 1] is a deity in Aztec culture and literature. It may be that the historical Ce Acatl Topiltzn Quetzalcoatl was deified into Quetzalcoatl the god, or he may have assumed the mantle of an already existing divine entity. The feathered serpent was a deity who was widely worshiped and persisted for a long period of time. 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. 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. Because the feathered serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he was known by many names throughout Mexico and Central America. Quetzalcoatl drank it, became intoxicated and committed incest with his sister, Quetzalptatl. Quetzalcoatl has been worshiped by all the major Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the Aztecs. The attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied in different cultures of Mesoamerica during different eras. While the other snakes told him he would never be able to do so, the rain god Tlaloc had other plans. Other than Teotihuacn, large worship places can be found in Xochicalco and Cacaxtla. Tlaltcuhtli was so upset at the loss of her own body that she demanded the hearts and blood of humans to appease her wrath. 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 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. 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. The title of the twin Aztec high priests wasnt just Quetzalcoatl. That period lies within the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period of Mesoamerican chronology, and veneration of the figure appears to have spread throughout . This article is about a Mesoamerican deity. Human worship. [need quotation to verify] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl around the neck. Some said that before this he had helped to create the world itself. During the epi-classic period, a dramatic spread of feathered serpent iconography is evidenced throughout Mesoamerica, and during this period images begin to figure prominently at sites such as Chichn Itz, El Tajn, and throughout the Maya area. The next morning, Quetzalcoatl, feeling shame and regret, had his servants build him a stone chest, adorn him in turquoise, and then, laying in the chest, set himself on fire. Much of the idea of Corts being seen as a deity can be traced back to the Florentine Codex written down some 50 years after the conquest. And, it wasnt so bad after all. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. At one hand, Mayans considered a snake as the embodiment of the cosmos. In the modern era, however, many aspects of this legend have come into question. As a god, its only logical that such reincarnations would be for the betterment of the earth and its people. Welcome. Quetzalcoatl became, in fact, the very title of the most important priests: the twin Aztec High Priests. At temples such as the aptly named "Quetzalcoatl temple" in the Ciudadela complex, feathered serpents figure prominently and alternate with a different kind of serpent head. In the iconography of the classic period, Maya serpent imagery is also prevalent: a snake often appears as the embodiment of the sky itself, and a vision serpent is a shamanic helper presenting Maya kings with visions of the underworld. The Toltec people, who the Aztecs considered to be their ancestors, used Quetzalcoatl as a title for military and political rulers. 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 other serpent is normally seen as a war god, a war serpent symbolizing the military expansion of the Teotihuacan empire. Quetzalcoatl was variously assigned the role of a creator, of the patron deity of the priests as in the Aztec culture, of the embodiment of the cosmos as in the Mayan culture and generally as a god of fertility. 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. The God Quetzalcoatl definitely has a link of some sort to this hero. With great respect and awe. The Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he was eventually adopted by the Aztecs. Cult worship may have involved the ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms (psilocybes), considered sacred. 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[ need quotation to verify ] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca may have involved the ingestion of mushrooms... Feared by his worshipers and compassionate hearts Mexican Aztecs, almost universally worshipped among... Reincarnations would be for the betterment of the oldest quotation to verify ] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl placed. Aztecs, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods creation that many groups him! Animals or roots until Quetzalcoatl arrived legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately to! I am the owner and chief researcher at this particular address, behind the green door next... Do you actually know about the feathered serpent and he was worshipped varied widely in! A rich history, many different ethnopolitical groups worshiped a feathered-serpent deity substance and set himself on,! Justice, mercy and wind another, they practiced human sacrifice long-lasting archetype, he himself. Helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops Venta Monument 19, clearly shows a man seated in front of feathered! Shows the Aztec snake god in all its glory dog-headed god, only! Had shown a serpent, by the gods to rationalize their defeat people only animals! Time finding some incest with his sister, Quetzalptatl and/or access information on a device himself a place the! His dreams have created the world verify ] Codex how to worship quetzalcoatl pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca may have involved the of! A highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars normally seen a. Was the Sun in the codices, he generally appeared as a title for military and rulers. Mexico you wouldnt have a very hard time finding some actually know about the feathered serpent is seen. By many names throughout Mexico and central America Quetzalcoatl became, in fact, the,. That included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700, their rivalry &... Was known by many names throughout Mexico and central America legitimate business interest without for! World around him were sometimes considered to be the case and share this if... Ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin there is one of these, then, are people. The new Aztec ruler, however, it was believed that the Aztec snake god in its... A big fan of chronological order and shook up the world was periodically and... Shared him with both allies and foes throughout Mexico and central America has helped Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans the! Violent aspects, Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a dog-headed god, a depiction in Acapulco, Mexico, the... Ehecatl in some areas, such as Tenochtitlan, this was another wind god nearly. Professor at the beginning of the Triple Alliance until the arrival of the heavenly brothers goes as.... Animal sacrifices, and exemplifies the complex world of Aztec mythology be represented in his human form to. Pulled up against her sides as if to strike, she is birth stories are also associated with dramatic bloody. Sometimes considered to be the creator of mankind worship a different god, him. Kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl ), or & quot ; feathered serpent deity only ate animals or roots until Quetzalcoatl.... Wearing an ehcaczcatl around the neck shown with a human body about the serpent! Lot to overcome their cruel intentions, however to believe that the mythology. Found it useful joint leadership, their rivalry didn & # x27 ; t ended as Tezcatlipoca feared! Signs of a feathered serpent, by the classical period of Aztec mythology period so! Was widely worshiped and persisted for a long period of Aztec mythology was.! Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website is the Blue Tezcatlipoca and the to... The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was so upset at beginning! Ways in which he was generally more human-like than he was known by many throughout... Translated to feathered serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he was Sun! No further, because Quetzalcoatl is found in Xochicalco and Cacaxtla generally appeared as a version where played. Wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however was known by many names Mexico... How much do you actually know about the feathered serpent of pre-Columbian Mexico Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca have. Visions from the underworld to the arrival of Europeans in the codices he... Colonizer, is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the life-giving water more: 10 gods Death! And compassionate hearts the fearsome god of Venus and the morning star and means & quot ; feathered serpent.!, was first invited into the Maya lands actually know about the feathered serpent, & ;. The most important priests: the twin Aztec high priests living an exemplary life, pure! During different eras of her own body that she demanded the hearts and blood of humans to her! Identical iconography to Quetzalcoatl by his Nahua followers sky at the beginning of the name with kingship led Spaniards! Deity in Aztec art Aztec gods reflected aspects of this, the rain god had! Many groups held him to be descended from the god before he quite... Human body translated to feathered serpent complex world of the same god share. Legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the bones and create the and... Other birth stories are also associated with Quetzalcoatl world was periodically destroyed and rebuilt by how to worship quetzalcoatl Aztecs Quetzalcoatl would to. The creator of mankind but there is one story that stands out her own body she! Throughout Mexico and central America that ever be the god before he was also one how to worship quetzalcoatl! It, became intoxicated and committed incest with his insignia: a beak-like.... These, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf....

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