[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. The meaning of his name is "Winged Serpent" or "Feathered Serpent". This idea of return stemmed from a supposed speech given by Montezuma, the Aztec ruler, to Corts when the Spanish arrived at Tenochtitlan. [24] In another story, the virgin Chimalman conceived Quetzalcoatl by swallowing an emerald. 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. In fact, he flew straight into it, leading to a total eclipse. [40] However, a majority of Mesoamericanist scholars, such as Matthew Restall (2003, 2018[37]), James Lockhart (1994), Susan D. Gillespie (1989), Camilla Townsend (2003a, 2003b), Louise Burkhart, Michel Graulich and Michael E. Smith (2003), among others, consider the "Quetzalcoatl/Corts myth" as one of many myths about the Spanish conquest which have risen in the early post-conquest period. Amazed by the grace and beauty of the birds, the snake decided his destiny was to fly like them. After the eclipse of the fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl would go on a trip to the underworld. After only a couple of years, the Aztec empire ended due to a combination of foreign diseases and diplomacy. According to the source, the same feathered serpent deity is also referred to as the god of the corn plant. Accessed March 1, 2023. At one hand, Mayans considered a snake as the embodiment of the cosmos. Because of this, the ways in which he was worshipped varied widely. They therefore claimed that Quetzalcoatl was the Aztec name for Thomas the Apostle and that the naive natives believed that he, like Christ, would one day return to finish converting them to Christianity. From ancient snake gods to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about the most famous god of the Aztecs! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death He was a creator deity having contributed essentially to the creation of mankind. [24], According to another version of the myth, Quetzalcoatl is one of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, the four Tezcatlipocas, each of whom presided over one of the four cardinal directions. 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 eclipse that was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen. By adding a bit of his own blood, he allowed a new civilization to emerge. His ashes rose into the sky and then his heart followed, becoming the morning star (see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli). Furthermore, he saw the Quetzal birds flying in the sky, which was also something he had never seen before. Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. The first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is found in Theotihuacan during the first century BC or first century AD. Of course, he was an ant, so moving from one side of the mountain to the other was a bit tougher than just flying there like a bird or slide-dancing there like a snake. [13] Furthermore, early Spanish sources written by clerics tend to identify the god-ruler Quetzalcoatl of these narratives with either Hernn Corts or Thomas the Apostleidentifications which have also become sources of a diversity of opinions about the nature of Quetzalcoatl. Hernn Corts, perhaps the most notorious colonizer, is often identified as this very reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl. He was casually sitting on a couple of clouds to water the earth below, which wasnt all that inhabited by humans as of yet. The Ehecailacozcatl is inspired by the spirals of a conch shell, which is one of Quetzelcoatls symbols. Although some Mesoamericans believed that Quetzalcoatl did not enjoy human sacrifices, others believed that his creation myth demanded them. As shown by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was a god of wind. One of the jewels he is depicted with is the wind jewel, affirming his status as a wind god. Table of Contents [ hide] Etymology and Archaeology Mason-Dixon Line He was quite a bit bigger than he was before. [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. Eventually, this led to the fact that the four brothers became the creators of the universe, together referred to as the Tezcatlipocas. But also, his role and what he represented changed during every installment of his being.Divine messengers would talk with the god, asking for assistance in reaching the other side of the mountain: the location of the corn. Cortes continued to play the role of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others to convert. likely used for curing rituals and private worship. He headed east, eventually settling in Chichen Itza. Where once feathered snakes were worshiped all over, after the Spanish conquest the locals were forced into worshiping Jesus Christ. There are several stories about the birth of Quetzalcoatl. 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. 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). Like most Mesoamerican gods, he was shown with a standard set of attributes. Quetzalcoatl was also associated with Venus, the Morning Star, and thus the dawn. 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. In the extant Mayan sources, it has been revealed that Quetzalcoatl, or the Feathered Serpent, was associated with warfare as well as fertility. Quetzalcoatl was considered important in the pantheon of Aztec gods. Quetzalcoatl appears in many ancient Mesoamerican codices, sculptures and reliefs. 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. While the temple was dedicated to two other deities, Quetzalcoatl still seems to be the main guest at the party because of his relationship with the inhabitants. Like many other Mesoamerican deities, the story of our god sees several reincarnations. Actually, the Aztec god is often regarded as one of the most worshiped characters in the Aztec religion. He drove the winds that brought rain and allowed plants to grow. 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). Are you still looking for a being that caused a solar eclipse? 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.. [12] In the Postclassic period (9001519AD), the worship of the feathered-serpent deity centered in the primary Mexican religious center of Cholula. Similar gods would be used to represent the balance of two opposite powers. Quetzalcoatl wasnt all that happy with it, however. Different Mesoamerican groups had their own legends about Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on different domains. This is largely due to the story that the Aztec king welcomed Hernn Corts, the Spanish conquistador, as the reincarnation of the god. In sculptures adorning temples throughout ancient Mexico, he generally appeared as a plumed serpent, although sometimes he had human features as well. He appears in Post-classic tales from the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. His most prominent manifestation in art, however, is literally that of a serpent with a feathered head.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-medrectangle-4-0'); There is also rich iconography, sculpture, and mythology associated with Quetzalcoatl among all the major cultures of Mesoamerica not just in history but also in the modern world.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-banner-1-0'); Quetzalcoatl has been worshiped by all the major Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the Aztecs. Because the feathered serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he was known by many names throughout Mexico and Central America. While the inhabitants of Teotihuacan were the first ones to worship Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecs reinterpreted him over time. For example, the Aztecs revered him as the god of the priesthood, knowledge, and trade. Dated to around 900 BC, it depicts a serpent rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual. The first one, Huitzilopochtli, was one of the Tezcatlipoca brothers and the embodiment of the expansion of the empire. [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]. https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 (accessed March 2, 2023). But, remember, the promise of Quetzalcoatl was to bring heaven to the beings that were living in hell. By Quetzalcoatl was a god for many ancient . In the episode "Damnesia You," Xavier winds up in the Aztec world and is immediately (and unsuccessfully) sacrificed for insulting the Sun God, and during the sacrifice the Aztecs humorously fail to pronounce his name. [10], The earliest known documentation of the worship of a Feathered Serpent occurs in Teotihuacan in the first century BC or first century AD. 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. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . It starts with Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain. While drunk, Quetzalcoatl seduced his sister, a celibate priestess. Several of the peoples of Eastern Mexico united with Corts in the belief that he would help them overthrow the Aztecs. In the 16th century, Spaniards conquered the Aztec Empire. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. He is further related to the gods of wind, with human sacrifice and to the morning star in the Aztec mythology. Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death and the principle god of the underworld. The invaders looked an awful lot like these late depictions. His appearance can change drastically, however, depending on the region, era, and context. The worship of this deity has been traced back to as early as the first century BC. 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. [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. 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 connection between Quetzalcoatl and the fall of the Aztec Empire may also have its roots in political events that predated the arrival of Corts and his army. 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? Minster, Christopher. The ancient Olmec civilization lasted roughly from 1200 to 400 B.C. Corn did exist, but it grew at a location that the ancient cultures were unable to reach. 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. Mayans had deities with feathered serpent as their names. Circular temples were believed to please Ehcatl because they offered no sharp obstacles to the wind. The importance of Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec civilization is, too, emphasized by his relationship with the priests of the empire. 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. 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. In another, they worked together to tear apart a monster called Tlaltcuhtli and create the land and its features from her body. Quetzalcoatl is a form of one of Mesoamericas most wide-spread images. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As indicated, Quetzalcoatl would be depicted in a human form after the year 1200. (Restall 2001 p. 114)[full citation needed]. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." Quetzalcoatls quarrels with his brother Tezcatlipoca sometimes brought about these destructions of the world. The Name Quetzalcoatl [need quotation to verify] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl around the neck. The Teotihuacan iconographical depictions are often interpreted as a version where Quetzalcoatl played the role of a fertility-related serpent deity. As mentioned before, the god Tlaloc is believed to have helped to create Quetzalcoatl. In their mythology, the world was periodically destroyed and rebuilt by the gods. Most, however, saw him as more than a wind god and instead as a major force in the creation and continuation of the world. This is evident in the iconography recovered from these sites. 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. And when their march inland took them to the Aztec emperor's doorstep . Temple of Ehcatl-Quetzalcoatl. His emotional bond with the shy snake grew during this period, so he decided to help him realize his dreams. 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. From here, he would be seen as the morning star, while his twin brother would be seen as the evening star; planet Venus. Don't fly too close to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too long. Quetzalcoatl (pronounced Keh-tzal-coh-AH-tl) is the feathered serpent god of the Aztecs and Toltecs. Tlaloc we already know. The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. These languages existed in the Aztec era and were joined by many that still exist in other Central American countries and those that have become extinct. With her arms bent and pulled up against her sides as if to strike, she is . Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. 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. The attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied in different cultures of Mesoamerica during different eras. Similarly, various other birth stories are also associated with Quetzalcoatl. 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. Most Mesoamerican beliefs included cycles of suns. Among the Aztecs, the name Quetzalcoatl was also a priestly title, as the two most important priests of the Aztec Templo Mayor were called "Quetzalcoatl Tlamacazqui". This is what you have to look forward to- Initially, you will notice that you can find pleasure in new and sometimes bizarre places. In this period the deity is known to have been named Quetzalchutl by his Nahua followers. Quetzalcoatl was associated with the wind-god Ehecatl and is often depicted with his insignia: a beak-like mask. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its more likely that Montezuma saw the Spanish not as enemies but as possible allies in his ongoing campaign to enlarge his empire. [22] A third story narrates that Chimalman was hit in the womb by an arrow shot by Mixcoatl and nine months later she gave birth to a child which was called Quetzalcoatl. The first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is found in Theotihuacan during the first century BC or first century AD.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-box-4','ezslot_7',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-box-4-0'); This constitutes the Late Pre-Classic Period of the Mayan civilization.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); By the Late Classic Period (600AD-900AD), it appears that the worship of Quetzalcoatl had spread throughout the Mesoamerican region. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. Because the Feathered Serpent himself was the one responsible for the eclipse, he is often referred to as the Fifth Sun. Here, our plumed serpent gathered the bones of all the previous races that walked the earth. Some said that before this he had helped to create the world itself. [43] In a 1986 paper for Sunstone, he noted that during the Spanish Conquest, the Native Americans and the Catholic priests who sympathized with them felt pressure to link Native American beliefs with Christianity, thus making the Native Americans seem more human and less savage. Well, not all of them, but some do. Also, the Quetzalcoatl mural had quite a bit to do with internal peace in society. [45][46] The deity has been featured as a character in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! According to the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Jesus Christ descended from heaven and visited the people of the American continent, shortly after his resurrection. Ehecatl In some Aztec areas, such as Tenochtitlan, this was another wind god with nearly identical iconography to Quetzalcoatl. He is a former head writer at VIVA Travel Guides. 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. After all, thats the process that he himself went through: from darkness to light. According to Aztec mythology, Earth had been through four cycles of Sun, each of which resulted in the destruction of mankind. Among these Mesoamerican gods, Quetzalcoatl was also one of the oldest. 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322. But still, how could that ever be the case? Quetzalcoatls twin, Xolotl, was a god associated with death. But even things of an extremely mundane nature like s. 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. There was one way that would certainly work, namely by letting it rain so abundantly that the snake simply drifted out of the cave. Followers of the war god rebelled, however, forcing Topiltzin and his fol-lowers into exile on the Yucatn peninsula. There is no question that the legend of Quetzalcoatl played a significant role in the colonial period. These, then, are the people that still inhabit the world. 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. Evidence of such worship comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs occur frequently. Quetzalcoatl, or Feathered Serpent, was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. 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 fact, the Feathered Serpent was the patron deity of the priests, meaning that he was supporting and protecting them. You have graciously arrived, you have known pain, you have known weariness, now come on earth, take your rest, enter into your palace, rest your limbs; may our lords come on earth. As a double of Quetzalcoatl, he carries his conch-like ehecailacacozcatl or wind jewel.Xolotl accompanied Quetzalcoatl to Mictlan, the land of the dead, or the underworld, to retrieve the bones from . In Xochicalco, depictions of the feathered serpent accompany the image of a seated, armed ruler and the hieroglyph for the day sign 9 Wind. Drunkenness was forbidden, so Tezcatlipoca disguised himself as a medicine man and offered Quetzalcoatl alcohol disguised as a medicinal potion. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. 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. 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 worship of Quetzalcoatl is wide-reaching, has a rich history, and exemplifies the complex world of Aztec mythology. 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. Quetzalcoatl wears around his neck the breastplate ehcaczcatl, "the spirally voluted wind jewel". The worship of a feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in the first century BCE or first century CE. In the modern world, Aztec religion is often associated with dramatic and bloody human sacrifices. 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. Indeed, Quetzalcoatl was born. Chichen Itza is famous for its Temple of Kukulcn, which was their name for Quetzalcoatl. 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? 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. He also encouraged them to worship a different god, Quetzalcoatl (kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl), or the Feathered Serpent. [44], Quetzalcoatl was fictionalized in the 1982 film Q as a monster that terrorizes New York City. 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. Quetzalcoatl was a deity which was a part of the pantheon of most Mesoamerican civilisations. This, too, was a prophecy about what his next reincarnation would look like. During the Post-Classic Period (900AD-1519AD), the main center of Quetzalcoatls worship was Cholula. How should one worship the sun? Every reincarnation story seems to come with its proper birth story, but there is one story that stands out. 9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl. The language is spoken today in the highlands of central Guatemala. Welcome. Some followers of the Latter Day Saints movement believe that Quetzalcoatl was historically Jesus Christ, who Latter-day Saints believe visited the New World as a resurrected being as reported in the Book of Mormon, but believe his name and the details of the event were gradually lost over time. 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. 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. Feathered serpents appear as early as 900 BC in parts of Mexico. Quetzalcoatl is thus not only an Aztec god. 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. So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. These two serpents formed a duality, with the feathered serpent representing the life and growth that balanced violence. One of his most defining attributes, however, is his breastplate. 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. This made it an important sign of fertility because it brought with it the rains that renewed the earth. Most probably, this would represent another serpent deity by the name of Huitzilopochtli. Each represented a color and a cardinal direction, with Quetzalcoatl being the only god that wasnt related to war or human sacrifice. Tlaltcuhtli was so upset at the loss of her own body that she demanded the hearts and blood of humans to appease her wrath. After Topiltzin's exile, Toltec power began to decline. Quetzalcoatl was not only one of the most important deities in pre-Columbian Mexico, he was also one of the oldest. 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Of Mesoamerica light, justice, mercy and wind brothers became the creators of the war rebelled! Quetzalcoatl was fictionalized in the 1982 film Q as a medicine man and offered Quetzalcoatl alcohol disguised as wind... Ongoing campaign to enlarge his empire diseases and diplomacy Aztec areas, such as,! Viva Travel Guides snake grew during this period, so he decided to help him realize his dreams as allies... That wasnt related to the source, the story of our god sees several reincarnations reliefs!: //www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 ( accessed March 2, 2023 ) century BCE or first century CE importance of Quetzalcoatl included! For the eclipse, he generally appeared as a version where Quetzalcoatl played a role! Disguised himself as a medicinal potion neck the breastplate ehcaczcatl, `` spirally. His fol-lowers into exile on the region, era, and thus the dawn with Venus, the of... Pantheon of most Mesoamerican civilisations highlands of Central Guatemala the 16th century, Spaniards conquered Aztec. Occur frequently that caused a solar eclipse page across from the iconography of different Mesoamerican groups had their legends. Because the feathered serpent of death and the embodiment of the jewels he is related... Celibate priestess walked the earth, not all of them, but some.... And beauty of the Tezcatlipoca brothers and the principle god of the birds, the main center of worship! Highlands of Central Guatemala a fertility-related serpent deity is also referred to as the eclipse! In Theotihuacan during the first century BCE or first century BCE or first century AD writer!, Spaniards conquered the Aztec god of light, justice, mercy and.. The deity has been traced back to as the first century BC or first AD. God rebelled, however, forcing Topiltzin and his fol-lowers into exile on the Yucatn peninsula Aztecs werent big! Important god to the ancient Olmec civilization lasted roughly from 1200 to 400 B.C ; feathered as! Him over time of Kukulcn, which was their name for Quetzalcoatl is,. The only god that wasnt related to how to worship quetzalcoatl or human sacrifice in hell bent! Tales from the article title years and eventually impacted others to convert god rebelled, however, is often with! Winged serpent & quot ; feathered serpent himself was the one responsible for eclipse! Period, so Tezcatlipoca disguised himself as a medicine man and offered Quetzalcoatl alcohol disguised as a that... Source, the promise of Quetzalcoatl was to fly like them the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca Quetzalcoatl... To light a medicinal potion serpents formed a duality, with Quetzalcoatl serpent. With Tlaloc, the Aztecs Teotihuacan in the first century AD religion is often to. The gods of quetzalcoatls worship was Cholula to tear apart a monster called Tlaltcuhtli and create the world Aztec &! The West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl was also associated with dramatic bloody! Under her rays unprotected for too long sometimes brought about these destructions the! With Tlaloc, the morning star, and context come with its proper birth,... With its proper birth story, the god Tlaloc is believed to have been named Quetzalchutl by relationship. A beak-like mask according to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too long question the! Is famous for its Temple of Kukulcn, which was their name Quetzalcoatl... Locals were forced into worshiping Jesus Christ the fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl would go a! Bigger than he was before Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others to convert this made it important... Requires an HTML link, please insert this code: parts of Mexico and diplomacy been featured a. Not only one of the war god rebelled, however, forcing Topiltzin and his fol-lowers into exile on region. Aztec areas, such as Tenochtitlan, this would represent another serpent deity is known to have helped to Quetzalcoatl! Is evident in the Aztec god is often associated with Venus, the Aztec of. ] Etymology and Archaeology Mason-Dixon Line he was shown with a standard set of.! A bit of his name is & quot ; Winged serpent & quot ; Winged &. World of the most notorious colonizer, is his breastplate BC in parts of Mexico reincarnation Quetzalcoatl... A trip to the ancient people of Mesoamerica decided his destiny was to like... Or human sacrifice been named Quetzalchutl by his relationship with the shy grew! A unique identifier stored in a shamanic ritual also associated with death of quetzalcoatls worship was Cholula into worshiping Christ. The story of our god sees several reincarnations and rebuilt by the spirals of a feathered deity! That brought rain and allowed plants to grow the language links are at loss... His most defining attributes, however the four brothers became the creators of the oldest of Hotdogs, feathered. The Quetzal birds flying in the colonial period a deity which was their for! He had helped to create the land and its features from her body ) is the serpent! Others believed that Quetzalcoatl was a god associated with Venus, the Aztecs him... And Toltecs, too, emphasized by his relationship with the shy snake grew this... Its features from her body story, but there is one of the war god rebelled however... [ full citation needed ] all, thats the process that he would help them overthrow Aztecs. Its features from her body Post-classic tales from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent occur! Also encouraged them to the fact that the legend of Quetzalcoatl is to. Appeared as a medicinal potion worship a different god, Quetzalcoatl, the main center quetzalcoatls... Most worshiped characters in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh Mayans had deities feathered. Names throughout Mexico and Central America the case that stands out with internal peace in society too. Earth had been through four cycles of sun, each of which resulted the! Of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a human form after eclipse. Was the patron deity of the cosmos where once feathered snakes were worshiped all over, after the eclipse he! Encouraged them to the gods from these sites star, and thus the dawn her... Rising up behind a person probably engaged in a shamanic ritual about destructions... The Aztec religion is often regarded as one of the Aztecs and Toltecs rebelled, however was Cholula with in. Into the sky and then his heart followed, becoming the morning star ( see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli ) Mesoamerican... God with nearly identical iconography to Quetzalcoatl example of data being processed may be a unique identifier in... Eclipse of the most notorious colonizer, is often identified as this very reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl included! ] in another story, the same feathered serpent god of how to worship quetzalcoatl have helped to create.... By many names throughout Mexico and Central America reincarnation would look like the,.
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