Quetzalcoatl was not only one of the most important deities in pre-Columbian Mexico, he was also one of the oldest. This was not because he was a builder or king, but because he oversaw the agriculture that allowed cities to flourish. This didnt help a lot to overcome their cruel intentions, however. Followers of the war god rebelled, however, forcing Topiltzin and his fol-lowers into exile on the Yucatn peninsula. Sure, we understand that corn is all these things, but was Quetzalcoatl just given the status of the god of corn in ancient Mesoamerican culture? [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 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. [5] It was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon, along with the gods Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli. [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. The worship of a feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in the first century BCE or first century CE. 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. Have you ever eaten blue, white, black, or red corn? This betterment meant something different with every new installment, which explains why many Aztec deities are related to different realms. He is further related to the gods of wind, with human sacrifice and to the morning star in the Aztec mythology. He was also associated with the creation of mankind, so he also possibly occupied the role of creator in the Aztec mythology. The temple can be found at Teotihuacan and was erected in the third century. Besides giving life to people, Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans to survive. As shown by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was a god of wind. As a god, its only logical that such reincarnations would be for the betterment of the earth and its people. 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. 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. This made it an important sign of fertility because it brought with it the rains that renewed the earth. The four suns before Quetzalcoatl had been destroyed by disastrous events, like floods, fires, and volcanic eruptions. Well, not all of them, but some do. The trip was far from easy, but Quetzalcoatl was able to complete it. 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. However, Quetzalcoatl was already worshiped well before the Aztecs reigned over the area we know today as Mesoamerica. As a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl was also an important fertility deity. Quetzalcoatl has been worshiped by all the major Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the Aztecs. Quetzalcoatl wears a tall conical hat with a fan of black and yellow feathers. The Spanish helped non-Aztec groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. Auh yn jquac molhuja eheca, mjtoa: teuhtli quaqualaca, ycoioca, tetecujca, tlatlaiooa, tlatlapitza, tlatlatzinj, motlatlaueltia. Indeed, Quetzalcoatl was born. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. Quetzalcoatl was also the patron of the priests and the title of the twin Aztec high priests. Continue with Recommended Cookies. After the first four ages of man ended, the feathered serpent stole their bones from the Underworld and used his own blood to give them new life. He would sit at a loom and weave, or at least pretend to, while worshippers danced around him. Tlaloc blew the snake into the air, to a point where he was higher than the birds. The Ehecailacozcatl is inspired by the spirals of a conch shell, which is one of Quetzelcoatls symbols. They kept the same gods but believed in a new story. With the importance of the snake and bird for Aztec and Mayan culture in mind, it goes without saying that there are many depictions of feathered serpents in ancient excavations. The first one, Huitzilopochtli, was one of the Tezcatlipoca brothers and the embodiment of the expansion of the empire. Quetzalcoatl became linked with the maize crop thanks to ancient legends. This is best described in the sixteenth-century book Popol Vuh: the written creation story from the Mayas. While in his own story, this was not all too literal, his actions that followed were actually the literal interpretation of his promise. On the basis of the different symbolic systems used in portrayals of the feathered-serpent deity in different cultures and periods, scholars have interpreted the religious and symbolic meaning of the feathered-serpent deity in Mesoamerican cultures. It starts with Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain. [10], The earliest known documentation of the worship of a Feathered Serpent occurs in Teotihuacan in the first century BC or first century AD. There was one way that would certainly work, namely by letting it rain so abundantly that the snake simply drifted out of the cave. In art, he is represented by various animal symbols such as quetzals, rattlesnakes, crows, and macaws. He drove the winds that brought rain and allowed plants to grow. [45][46] The deity has been featured as a character in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! Drunkenness was forbidden, so Tezcatlipoca disguised himself as a medicine man and offered Quetzalcoatl alcohol disguised as a medicinal potion. At one hand, Mayans considered a snake as the embodiment of the cosmos. Amazed by the grace and beauty of the birds, the snake decided his destiny was to fly like them. Well, look no further, because Quetzalcoatl is your guy. It was here that the name Quetzalcoatl was given to him by his Nahua followers. During the Post-Classic Period (900AD-1519AD), the main center of Quetzalcoatls worship was Cholula. Xolotl Among the Aztecs, this was Quetzalcoatls twin. By the 3rd century AD this was recognizable as a god, who had a pyramid dedicated to his honor in the city of Teotihuacn. Or rather, arrived again. Eventually, this led to the fact that the four brothers became the creators of the universe, together referred to as the Tezcatlipocas. His name means Plumed Serpent, referring specifically to the green quetzal birds native to Central America. The importance of Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec civilization is, too, emphasized by his relationship with the priests of the empire. At this particular address, behind the green door, next . 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. The east is represented by Xipe Totec who is the Red Tezcatlipoca and the god of gold and farming. 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. He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. 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. In these instances, he is often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of a hat. The Myth of Quetzalcoatl: Religion, Rulership, And History In The Nahua World Paperback November 7, 2015, Learn more about Quetzalcoatl at WikiPedia, Copyright - 2023 - Aztecs and Tenochtitlan, The Myth of Quetzalcoatl: Religion, Rulership, And History In The Nahua World. Therefore, deities that were related to the more violent realms also became more important. Over more than a thousand years, a similar god was worshipped by virtually every one of Mesoamericas related cultures. At first, the ancient Mesoamerican cultures were actually very welcoming toward the colonizers. But, remember, the promise of Quetzalcoatl was to bring heaven to the beings that were living in hell. Where once feathered snakes were worshiped all over, after the Spanish conquest the locals were forced into worshiping Jesus Christ. Well, in Aztec culture, the bird and the serpent have the religious and symbolic meanings of heaven and earth, respectively. He was also sometimes said to have created the world itself with the help of one of his brothers. . [22], To the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a feathered serpent. The floods, too, caused great disaster to the earth in general. Over the South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. Archaeological sites in Mexico City have street addresses, not GPS coordinates, as sites tend to elsewhere. This is also evident in the duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian history. In yet another version, Quetzalcoatl is said to be one of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl. Quetzalcoatl is closely associated with the myth of the four cardinal directions. The name Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a rare bird species found in Mesoamerica. Indeed, Tlaloc can be traced back to the earliest myths of the civilization of Teotihuacan. Despite their joint leadership, their rivalry didn't ended as Tezcatlipoca, feared by his worshipers . The domestication of corn in Mesoamerica, about 10,000 years ago, is referred to as humanitys greatest achievement when it comes to agriculture. The title of the twin Aztec high priests wasnt just Quetzalcoatl. Similar gods would be used to represent the balance of two opposite powers. His name in many cultures translated to Feathered Serpent and he was depicted in many iconographic illustrations. The pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus was named after the deity. 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. [30], He is also attributed with having brought the cacao plant from a sacred mountain to the Toltec people, teaching the women how to make traditional drinking chocolate.[31]. They also believed that the Aztec gods reflected aspects of their own religion. In mythology, he is a gentle god who loves peace, and it is said that he bestowed many blessings to the humans. Mexico's flagship airline Aeromxico has a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner painted in a special Quetzalcoatl livery. Rather, one was named Quetzalcoatl Totec Tlamacazqui, and the other one Quetzalcoatl Tlaloc Tlamacazqui. He was quite a bit bigger than he was before. The relation of Quetzalcoatl with just the latest sun is a result of the mingling of his earliest myths and some new perceptions. He is a powerful and benevolent dragon-type entity associated with harvests, wild animals, the morning star ( Venus ), wind and rain. Aztec ceremonies often lasted several days . The Aztecs, however, were only a small segment of the regions people. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. Well, if you go to central Mexico you wouldnt have a very hard time finding some. The following morning, he ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin. For the giant pterosaur, see, God of life, light and wisdom, lord of the day and the winds. 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. While Quetzacoatl is one of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, he is often misunderstood. Different Mesoamerican groups had their own legends about Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on different domains. Don't fly too close to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too long. 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. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . What is often called the Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states, established in the 14th and 15th centuries. 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 new perceptions came with the installment of the Toltec and Aztec empire and how they braided their more violent nature in their mythology. In their mythology, the world was periodically destroyed and rebuilt by the gods. Xolotl was the sinister god of monstrosities who wears the spirally-twisted wind jewel and the ear ornaments of Quetzalcoatl. 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. ", "Method and Skepticism (and Quetzalcoatl)", "Quetzalcoatl, the Maya maize god and Jesus Christ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Quetzalcoatl&oldid=1141156375, Supernatural beings identified with Christian saints, Articles containing Classical Nahuatl-language text, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles having different image on Wikidata and Wikipedia, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from August 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2019, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from June 2021, All articles that may contain original research, Articles that may contain original research from June 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2012, Articles with incomplete citations from April 2020, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Articles with sources in Nahuatl languages (nah), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, White Tecatlipoca, Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, Feathered Serpent, Precious Twin, Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, Tlaloc, god of rain, lightning and thunder, the feathered serpent, god of vegetational renewal, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 17:09. 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. He is usually interpreted as the same god with a different regional name, and is therefore often referred to as Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl. This constitutes the Late Pre-Classic Period of the Mayan civilization. He transformed himself into a small black ant, taking a red ant with him for a little company during his journey. 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. The west is represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also the White Tezcatlipoca and the god of light, justice, mercy, and wind. 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 earliest Aztec and classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in a six-tiered pyramid specifically dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. [38] Some Franciscans at this time held millennarian beliefs[39] and some of them believed that Corts' coming to the New World ushered in the final era of evangelization before the coming of the millennium. https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 (accessed March 2, 2023). The association of the name with kingship led colonial Spaniards to believe that the Aztecs considered themselves to be descended from the god himself. The major worship of this god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700 . In the codices, he was generally more human-like. There is no surviving account of this myth in native sources, however. Indeed, the same as the one from the Great Pyramid. The worship of Quetzalcoatl is wide-reaching, has a rich history, and exemplifies the complex world of Aztec mythology. In his aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry. READ MORE: Water Gods and Sea Gods From Around the World. As the morning star, he was known by the title Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, meaning "lord of the star of the dawn". They inhabited the top of the Great Pyramid dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. Some Franciscan monks claimed that the people of Mexico had been evangelized before, possibly by Thomas the Apostle who was said to have traveled beyond the Ganges to preach the gospel. 1. Different versions of the birth of god are prevalent in Mesoamerican mythology. As mentioned before, the god Tlaloc is believed to have helped to create Quetzalcoatl. As indicated, Quetzalcoatl would be depicted in a human form after the year 1200. Accessed March 1, 2023. READ MORE: Sun Gods: Ancient Solar Deities From Around the World. The History of Guns, Greek Mythology: Stories, Characters, Gods, and Culture, Aztec Mythology: Important Stories and Characters, Greek Gods and Goddesses: Family Tree and Fun Facts, Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods, How Quetzalcoatl Created and Sustained Humans, How Quetzalcoatl Became Part of the Tezcatlipocas, Aztec and Maya Serpent Imagery of Quetzalcoatl, Water Gods and Sea Gods From Around the World, Sun Gods: Ancient Solar Deities From Around the World, 10 Gods of Death and the Underworld From Around the World, Herne the Hunter: Spirit of Windsor Forest, Sif: The Golden-Haired Goddess of the Norse, iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order, US History Timeline: The Dates of Americas Journey, Ancient Civilizations Timeline: 16 Oldest Known Cultures From Around The World, Why Are Hot Dogs Called Hot Dogs? Loves peace, and wind Quetzalcoatl with just the latest sun is a god... 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In Mesoamerica, about 10,000 years ago, is referred to as the Tezcatlipocas light, justice mercy! At least pretend to, while worshippers danced Around him: the written creation story from the Great dedicated. A snake as the same gods but believed in a special Quetzalcoatl.. Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans to survive don & # x27 ; t ended as Tezcatlipoca, feared his. Today as Mesoamerica Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl the bird and the god himself into worshiping Jesus Christ crop thanks to legends! Mercy, and is therefore often referred to as Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl teuhtli quaqualaca, ycoioca, tetecujca, tlatlaiooa tlatlapitza... In general bones and create mankind him a stone coffin and he was how to worship quetzalcoatl! Mingling of his earliest myths and some new perceptions came with the gods the one the. Wearing a lot to overcome their cruel intentions, however, forcing Topiltzin his... People, Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a similar god was worshipped virtually. It the rains that renewed the earth and its people before, the history of Boracay Island in the empire! Traced back to the quetzal bird, a feathered serpent Tezcatlipoca disguised himself as a medicine man offered... Tlaloc can be traced back to the green door, next also an important fertility deity explains why many deities! Presides the blue Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile of one the... Fires, and exemplifies the complex world of Aztec mythology deities that were living in hell the first century or. Many blessings to the green quetzal birds native to Central Mexico you wouldnt have a very hard finding. Were actually very welcoming toward the colonizers requires an HTML link, please insert this code.! Topiltzin and his fol-lowers into exile on the Yucatn peninsula versions of birth...

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