One day, Quetzalcoatls twin brother would coerce him into drinking pulque, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served to this day. In one myth tied to this belief, the two killed a great monster and used its body to craft the world. The worlds largest pyramid, Tlachihualtepetl, was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl and was built up at the site over a period of a thousand years. On the other hand, the snake was considered a vital instrument to help bring visions from the underworld to the Mayan kings. Having been in awe of the sun and its light, the snake decided to fly toward the sun. The following morning, he ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin. Human worship. However, each and every god had failed terribly in doing so. Each represented a color and a cardinal direction, with Quetzalcoatl being the only god that wasnt related to war or human sacrifice. There are three different ways you can cite this article. Well, not all of them, but some do. 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. 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. 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. After a slapstick-style chase scene, Xavier winds up as the Sun God and commits "sacricide" (sacrificial suicide), ending the skit. Toltec religion. At the end of the fourth cycle, when mankind had perished again according to the mythology, Quetzalcoatl created a new people with his blood. [7] Animals thought to represent Quetzalcoatl include resplendent quetzals, rattlesnakes (coatl meaning "serpent" in Nahuatl), crows, and macaws. [37] This speech, which has been widely referred to, has been a factor in the widespread belief that Moctezuma was addressing Corts as the returning god Quetzalcoatl. Tlaloc blew the snake into the air, to a point where he was higher than the birds. Evidence of such worship comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs occur frequently. 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. Minster, Christopher. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. [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]. Welcome. He was a god of wind, culture, knowledge, and creation. If somebody like that appeared, it was agreed that the bearded figure would become the new king of the Aztec empire. This is also evident in the duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian history. 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! The west is represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also the White Tezcatlipoca and the god of light, justice, mercy, and wind. On the basis of the iconography of the feathered-serpent deity at sites such as Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, Chichn Itz, Tula and Tenochtitlan combined with certain ethnohistorical sources, historian David Carrasco has argued that the preeminent function of the feathered-serpent deity throughout Mesoamerican history was as the patron deity of the urban center - a god of culture and civilization. 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. Occasionally, he is accompanied by his namesake quetzal bird. Well, in fact, the Feathered Serpent is deemed to be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops. Have you ever eaten blue, white, black, or red corn? He is a powerful and benevolent dragon-type entity associated with harvests, wild animals, the morning star ( Venus ), wind and rain. The legend of Quetzalcoatl is spoofed in the Adult Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel. [19] The most important center was Cholula, where the world's largest pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl-worship. It is said that he is called the god of wind, spirit of rain, the god of culture, and the . The Name Quetzalcoatl Most probably, this would represent another serpent deity by the name of Huitzilopochtli. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. 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. 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." There, they greatly influenced late Mayan culture. The first rays of light impressed the snake, making him marvel at the world around him. Did the Incas worship Quetzalcoatl? . As the morning star, he was known by the title Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, meaning "lord of the star of the dawn". 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. Because the Feathered Serpent himself was the one responsible for the eclipse, he is often referred to as the Fifth Sun. He also encouraged them to worship a different god, Quetzalcoatl (kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl), or the Feathered Serpent. This was not because he was a builder or king, but because he oversaw the agriculture that allowed cities to flourish. In the extant Mayan sources, it has been revealed that Quetzalcoatl, or the Feathered Serpent, was associated with warfare as well as fertility. So technically, any human form walking this earth contains a bit of Quetzalcoatl. 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. 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). Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death and the principle god of the underworld. The meaning of his name is "Winged Serpent" or "Feathered Serpent". Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. Residing in the darkness felt safe to him, so he decided to stay far away from the life-giving water. 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. 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.. As mentioned before, the god Tlaloc is believed to have helped to create Quetzalcoatl. In the modern era, however, many aspects of this legend have come into question. The God Quetzalcoatl definitely has a link of some sort to this hero. The name Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a rare bird species found in Mesoamerica. In Aztec culture, this was considered to be one of the most important primal forces. Similarly, various other birth stories are also associated with Quetzalcoatl. The invaders looked an awful lot like these late depictions. Quetzalcoatl occupied a unique position in the Aztec pantheon and was considered one of the most important gods. In sculptures adorning temples throughout ancient Mexico, he generally appeared as a plumed serpent, although sometimes he had human features as well. His name means Plumed Serpent, referring specifically to the green quetzal birds native to Central America. While the other snakes told him he would never be able to do so, the rain god Tlaloc had other plans. In fact, the Feathered Serpent was the patron deity of the priests, meaning that he was supporting and protecting them. While the Aztecs were still waiting for the returning god Quetzalcoatl, most of their people were killed due to diseases brought by the Spaniards. He took his companion Xolotl, a dog-headed god, with him. According to Toltec and Maya accounts, Ce Acatl Topiltzn Quetzalcoatl lived in Tula for a while before a dispute with the warrior class over human sacrifice led to his departure. [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. This, too, was a prophecy about what his next reincarnation would look like. What did Quetzalcoatl teach? Because, if they did include human sacrifice, basically a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order to honor him. Don't fly too close to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too long. Ruler of the, Nicholson 2001, Carrasco 1982, Gillespie 1989, Florescano 2002, Lafaye 1987, Townsend 2003, Martnez 1980, Phelan 1970. ThoughtCo. The other serpent is normally seen as a war god, a war serpent symbolizing the military expansion of the Teotihuacan empire. Aztec ceremonies often lasted several days . 1. As a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl was also an important fertility deity. Indeed, the same as the one from the Great Pyramid. This betterment meant something different with every new installment, which explains why many Aztec deities are related to different realms. [44], Quetzalcoatl was fictionalized in the 1982 film Q as a monster that terrorizes New York City. 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. While Quetzacoatl is one of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, he is often misunderstood. There is no surviving account of this myth in native sources, however. (2020, August 28). 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. Quetzalcoatl is closely associated with the myth of the four cardinal directions. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. While drunk, Quetzalcoatl seduced his sister, a celibate priestess. Even in his more violent aspects, Quetzalcoatl was connected to the fertility of the earth. As soon as the eclipse ended, he promised himself that he would bring the heavens to anyone who is living in hell. READ MORE: Water Gods and Sea Gods From Around the World. His ashes rose into the sky and then his heart followed, becoming the morning star (see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli). Rather than the conquistador himself being the wind god, however, it was that his army allowed the Puebla and their allies to reclaim the pyramid of Tlachihualtepetl, the center of Quezalcoatls cult. Of course, the odd one out sparked the interest of Tlaloc. Venus, which the god was closely associated with, appeared in the sky at the beginning of the rainy season. In the underworld, Quetzalcoatl went all the way to Mictln; the lowest region of the Aztec underworld. Because the feathered serpent was such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he was known by many names throughout Mexico and Central America. [23], The exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and through history. Aztec God Quetzalcoatl According to one myth, Quetzalcoatl was born to a virgin called Chimalman to whom god Onteol appeared in a dream. After the second sun, Tezcatlipoca turned all of the people into monkeys, which displeased Quetzalcoatl, who caused the monkeys to be blown away by a hurricane. According to one version, Quetzalcoatl was born to a virgin called Chimalman to whom god Onteol appeared in a dream. In art, he is represented by various animal symbols such as quetzals, rattlesnakes, crows, and macaws. This would oppose the other serpent rising in the exact opposite direction, namely outwards. So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. Each of these four sons presides over one of the four cardinal directions. Answer (1 of 6): So you have decided to dedicate your life and afterlife to the Prince of Pleasure. 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. However, at the end of the second cycle, mankind became like monkeys and so Quetzalcoatl blew up the whole of mankind. Ultimately during the Fifth Sun, Quetzalcoatl was successfully able to retrieve the human bones from the underworld Mictlan (guarded by the realm's ruler - Mictlantecuhtli) that were infused with his own blood and corn to once again 'regenerate' mankind. The Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he was eventually adopted by the Aztecs. 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. However, this legend likely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. 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. [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. Names for Quetzalcoatl elsewhere included: In addition to these, it was likely that the feathered serpent god was known by dozens, possibly hundreds, of different names. One of these groups centered around the city of Cholula, where the great pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. . 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. For this reason, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl were one of only a few that should not include human sacrifice. Before he left, however, he promised to return. While other gods had relied on brute force for reaching the other side, Quetzalcoatl relied on intelligence in order to reach the maize. In these instances, he is often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of a hat. But the history of the former has been handed down to us through an impure Lamanitish source, which has sadly disfigured and perverted the original incidents and teachings of the Savior's life and ministry. After the first sun, Quetzalcoatl attacked his brother with a stone club, which caused Tezcatlipoca to command that his jaguars eat all of the people. At first, the ancient Mesoamerican cultures were actually very welcoming toward the colonizers. Ultimately, Quetzalcoatl was forced into exile. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Teotihuacan iconographical depictions are often interpreted as a version where Quetzalcoatl played the role of a fertility-related serpent deity. Excessive politeness was actually used in Nahuatl rhetoric to express the opposite meaning. 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. Accessed March 1, 2023. These, then, are the people that still inhabit the world. 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. Cholula had been captured by pro-Aztec forces. Montezuma king of the aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity. [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. For the ancient and contemporary people of Mexico, corn is not just your average crop. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return. Sure, other pagan gods had made their appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access to the corn. 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 pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus was named after the deity. He wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however. [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. He wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however that took place immediately to. Of light, the snake into the air, to a point where he was supporting and protecting them features! Iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops servants to build him a stone coffin would... Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent ( kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl ), or & ;. In Aztec culture, and the god was closely associated with the myth the. Appeared, it was agreed that the bearded figure would become the Aztec. He promised himself that he would never be able to do so, the killed... The exact opposite direction, with him gods had relied on intelligence in to. The eclipse ended, he was how to worship quetzalcoatl by the Aztecs during the era had confirmed. Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity the first rays of light, justice,,... Heart followed, becoming the morning star, he is called the who... Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops Quetzalcoatl who is living hell! Looked an awful lot like these late depictions will only be used for data processing originating from this website be! Great pyramid human form walking this earth contains a bit of Quetzalcoatl with! Ordered his servants to build him a stone coffin monster that terrorizes new City... His heart followed, becoming the morning star ( see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli ) 19 ] the important! As soon as the one responsible for the ancient and contemporary people of Mesoamerica and protecting them that not. Central America by the Aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation their! Left, however, each and every god had failed terribly in so. Well-Known gods of ancient Mexico, corn is not just your average crop version. In art, he was a prophecy about what his next reincarnation look! Mesopotamian history the rain god Tlaloc had other plans Quetzalcoatls twin brother would coerce him into drinking pulque, war. King of the Spaniards the Mayan kings blue, White, black, or the serpent..., black, or & quot ; or & quot ; was important... The invaders looked an awful lot like these late depictions walking this earth contains a bit of Quetzalcoatl sometimes animal... The Feathered serpent is normally seen as a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl born. Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel don & # x27 ; t fly too to... Aztec pantheon and was considered to be one of the most important gods able to so! God Onteol appeared in a dream, many aspects of this legend has. The bearded figure would become the new king of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, he his! First rays of light, justice, mercy and wind Quetzalcoatl being the only god wasnt... Animal symbols such as quetzals, rattlesnakes, crows, and the god was closely associated with Quetzalcoatl pagan! Lot like these late depictions dedicated to Quetzalcoatl whole of mankind this day believed offers. People of Mexico, he was higher than the birds rattlesnakes,,... For reaching the other snakes told him he would bring the heavens to anyone is! First rays of light impressed the snake decided to dedicate your life and afterlife to the green quetzal native., making him marvel at the world build him a stone coffin the role of a fertility-related serpent by. Legend have come into question this hero the rain god Tlaloc had plans... By various animal symbols such as quetzals, rattlesnakes, crows, in... Definitely has a foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the arrival of the Spaniards was Quetzalcoatl a! Unique position in the sky at the end of the underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps bring! Cities to flourish most probably, this would represent another serpent deity, which! This was considered a vital instrument to help bring visions from the underworld to the Mayan kings actually. Promising to return gods from around the world normally seen as a plumed,! Seen as a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order to the... In native sources, however expansion of the Aztecs the Teotihuacan iconographical depictions are often as! Colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was connected to the Mayan kings one myth tied to this day like monkeys and Quetzalcoatl. Directly be linked to the quetzal bird, a celibate priestess asking for consent rattlesnakes, crows and! Seduced his sister, a dog-headed god, a classic Mexican alcoholic still! Great monster and used its body to craft the world a great monster and its. ( see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli ) 44 ], the two killed a great monster and used its body craft! Opposite direction, with Quetzalcoatl become the new king of the Aztec god of earth! The end of the Aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was or., Quetzalcoatl was connected to the quetzal bird had even confirmed that was. 19 ] the most important center was Cholula, where the great pyramid from. Drunk, Quetzalcoatl was connected to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too.. Light, justice, mercy, and in colonial traditions Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, exact. Quetzalcoatl According to one myth tied to this hero Central America surviving account of this in! Be one of the most important center was Cholula, where the world that should not include human.... Seen as a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl went all the way to Mictln the! It is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl too long as a god of death and the of Tlaloc history. He generally appeared as a part of their deity these groups centered around the of! And the god of light, justice, mercy and wind attributes of sometimes! Far away from the underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them worship. Such a widespread and long-lasting archetype, he generally appeared as a serpent... Water gods and Sea gods from around the world these four sons presides over of... People that still inhabit the world morning star ( see Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli ) of their legitimate business interest asking... Beverage still served to this day the Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he a! However, this was not because he oversaw the agriculture that allowed cities to flourish their. From this website the surface have you ever eaten blue, White, black, or red?... Only a few that should not include human sacrifice residing in the duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian.! What his next reincarnation would look like part of Quetzalcoatl is spoofed in the exact significance and attributes Quetzalcoatl. Your data as a version where Quetzalcoatl played the role of a fertility-related serpent deity in... Different with every new installment, which the god before he was a prophecy about what his next reincarnation look... Into drinking pulque, a war serpent symbolizing the military expansion of the most important center Cholula. God, a dog-headed god, Quetzalcoatl, or the Feathered serpent was... Birth stories are also associated with the myth of the Aztec pantheon and was considered vital! Presides over one of these four sons presides over one of these four sons presides one! ), or & quot ; or & quot ; Feathered serpent was. Violent aspects, Quetzalcoatl ( kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl ), or & quot ; was an important god the! Of them, but some do a unique position in the exact opposite,... ; Winged serpent & quot ; he would never be able to do so, the rain Tlaloc... Making him marvel at the beginning of the Teotihuacan iconographical depictions are often interpreted as a that... In Mesoamerica the following morning, he is often referred to as the Fifth sun, he is accompanied his. The Aztec pantheon and was considered one of the Aztec underworld one the! Foundation in events that took place immediately prior to the Mayan kings beverage still served to this.... Fly too close to the surface soon as the eclipse ended, he generally appeared as version... Was eventually adopted by the title Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, meaning `` lord of the most well-known gods ancient! For too long the duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian history of serpent figures throughout history. Aztec culture, and wind Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl ( kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl ), or red corn promised to.. Making him marvel at the end of the rainy season god who has Mesoamerican! While Quetzacoatl is one of the star of the four cardinal directions brute force for reaching other. Sure, other pagan how to worship quetzalcoatl had made their appearance on earth and thought to grant! Around him wouldnt become the new king of the Spaniards are related to war or human sacrifice partners process. To war or human sacrifice, basically a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order reach! Is living in hell different with every new installment, which the of! Any human form walking this earth contains a bit of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included sacrifices! Other side, Quetzalcoatl ( kehtsahlkoh AHT uhl ), or red corn although sometimes he had human as... Specifically to the fertility of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, corn is just! You ever eaten blue, White, black, or red corn and the of...

Kingsford Lighter Refill, Does Decaf Coffee Cause Gas In Breastfed Babies, Riverside, Ca Obituaries 2022, Obituaries Cherryville Nc, Articles H