But had Montezuma struck quickly at these intruders as they were marching inland, he likely could have defeated 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. 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. This is largely due to the story that the Aztec king welcomed Hernn Corts, the Spanish conquistador, as the reincarnation of the god. [45][46] The deity has been featured as a character in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! [5] It was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon, along with the gods Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli. It was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood. The Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he was eventually adopted by the Aztecs. The Aztecs, however, were only a small segment of the regions people. The story of how the ordinary Quetzalcoatl became one of the heavenly brothers goes as followed. 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. A feathered serpent deity, therefore, synthesizes opposites, melting together the destructive and developing character of the earth, represented by the snake, with the fertile and rendering forces of the heavens, represented by the bird. [41] However, in 1892 one president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor, wrote:[42]. The legend reports that Quetzalcoatl was a peaceful king and priest of Tollan, but he was deceived by Tezcatlipoca and his followers, who practiced human sacrifice and violence. Different cultures associated him with priesthood and kingship, further complicating his mythology in later retellings. Mesoamerican deities often functioned in duality. The Aztecs eventually called Quetzalcoatl for help. Others said that he had invented the calendar and books. [11] That period lies within the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period (400 BC 600 AD) of Mesoamerican chronology; veneration of the figure appears to have spread throughout Mesoamerica by the Late Classic period (600900AD). Accessed March 1, 2023. In his form as Ehecatl he is the wind, and is represented by spider monkeys, ducks, and the wind itself. Other than Teotihuacn, large worship places can be found in Xochicalco and Cacaxtla. Quetzalcoatl was not only one of the most important deities in pre-Columbian Mexico, he was also one of the oldest. The relation of Quetzalcoatl with just the latest sun is a result of the mingling of his earliest myths and some new perceptions. (2020, August 28). 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. Because of this, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl would come to earth to do exactly that. 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. After Topiltzin's exile, Toltec power began to decline. To both Teotihuacan and Maya cultures, Venus was in turn also symbolically connected with warfare.[21]. The colonization of Mesoamerica, or rather Abya Yala, has severely impacted the area where Quetzalcoatl was worshiped. 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! This made crops grow and brought water for drinking. Mainly because they thought one of them was the reincarnation of the beloved god discussed in this article. In the post-classic Nahua civilization of central Mexico (Aztec), the worship of Quetzalcoatl was ubiquitous. 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. For this reason, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl were one of only a few that should not include human sacrifice. 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. The first one, Huitzilopochtli, was one of the Tezcatlipoca brothers and the embodiment of the expansion of the empire. 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. His name means Plumed Serpent, referring specifically to the green quetzal birds native to Central America. His form of reincarnation, more specifically, would be that of a white person with a long beard. 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. Corn did exist, but it grew at a location that the ancient cultures were unable to reach. Historians debate to what degree, or whether at all, these narratives about this legendary Toltec ruler describe historical events. What did Quetzalcoatl teach? Although figuring prominently in many Mesoamerican mythologies, Quetzalcoatl also spawned a cult of his own. Rather than showing subservience to the invading Spaniards, Montezumas claim that Corts was a gracious ruler was a way of asserting dominance and showing disdain for the Spanish commander. The Spanish helped non-Aztec groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. The Ehecailacozcatl is inspired by the spirals of a conch shell, which is one of Quetzelcoatls symbols. Based on the birth story of Quetzalcoatl, it seems safe to assume that the fourth sun was destroyed because of the floods caused by Tlaloc. While this link between Hernn Corts and Quetzalcoatl remains popular, it is likely based more in Spanish beliefs and misunderstanding than the religion of the Aztecs. Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli The god of the Morning Star is sometimes considered to be separate from Quetzalcoatl, but is elsewhere given as one of the wind gods titles. How should one worship the sun? I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. One day, Quetzalcoatls twin brother would coerce him into drinking pulque, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served to this day. Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. Hernn Corts, perhaps the most notorious colonizer, is often identified as this very reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl, or Feathered Serpent, was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. Over the East presides the Red Tezcatlipoca, Xipe Totec, the god of gold, farming and springtime. [18][need quotation to verify]. This is evident in the iconography recovered from these sites. 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. Because, if they did include human sacrifice, basically a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order to honor him. 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". 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). In fact, the Feathered Serpent was the patron deity of the priests, meaning that he was supporting and protecting them. He was also associated with the creation of mankind, so he also possibly occupied the role of creator in the Aztec mythology. This made it an important sign of fertility because it brought with it the rains that renewed the earth. 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. After the eclipse of the fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl would go on a trip to the underworld. The major worship of this god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700 . related to the belief in a sky-, Venus-, creator-, war- and fertility-related serpent deity. He sometimes carries flowers or sacrificial tools. Although the citys main temple was not dedicated to him, the priests of the city took his name and his iconography was prevalent. Montezuma king of the aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity. 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. 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. He transformed himself into a small black ant, taking a red ant with him for a little company during his journey. In one myth tied to this belief, the two killed a great monster and used its body to craft the world. Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. The two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with pure and compassionate hearts. [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. Quetzalcoatl by himself was a god of many things to the Toltecs and Aztecs. The worship of a feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in the first century BCE or first century CE. 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. Before he left, however, he promised to return. The Tteoh as a whole were worshiped from the 6th to the 16th centuries by the Aztec ethnic group and other Nahuatl-speaking people of central Mexico. 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. 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. 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. The cult even spread down into the Maya lands. Different Mesoamerican groups had their own legends about Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on different domains. The attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied in different cultures of Mesoamerica during different eras. Over the South presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. The legend of Quetzalcoatl is spoofed in the Adult Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel. The Nahua civilization, which included the central Mexican Aztecs, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods. The earliest known iconographic depiction of the deity appears on Stela 19 at the Olmec site of La Venta. Cortes continued to play the role of Quetzalcoatl for many years and eventually impacted others to convert. In some stories he created mankind, and in others he worked with his brother to form the earth itself. 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". In fact, it is a deep cultural symbol that is intrinsic to daily life. While in his own story, this was not all too literal, his actions that followed were actually the literal interpretation of his promise. Well, in fact, the Feathered Serpent is deemed to be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops. Quetzalcoatl stole the bones from the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface. As shown by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was a god of wind. Often our current time was considered the fifth sun,[29] the previous four having been destroyed by flood, fire and the like. What a conundrum. 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. At one hand, Mayans considered a snake as the embodiment of the cosmos. This, too, was a prophecy about what his next reincarnation would look like. All good eclipses must come to an end, and this happened when the snake evolved into a Feathered Serpent and flew out of the sun again. After months of rain, the snake was forced to come out of the cave. Over more than a thousand years, a similar god was worshipped by virtually every one of Mesoamericas related cultures. Minster, Christopher. While not usually feathered, classic Maya serpent iconography seems[original research?] Evidence of such worship comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs occur frequently. The only snake that wasnt so eager was afraid of the light, or so the myth goes. What is often called the Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states, established in the 14th and 15th centuries. The floods, too, caused great disaster to the earth in general. One of his most defining attributes, however, is his breastplate. [25] Quetzalcoatl was often considered the god of the morning star, and his twin brother Xolotl was the evening star (Venus). Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death and the principle god of the underworld. Some Mormons believe that Quetzalcoatl, who was associated with the east, (which in turn was represented by the color white to the Aztecs), was white-skinned. So Quetzalcoatl is named after the thing he looks like, a feathered serpent deity. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. Ruler of the, Nicholson 2001, Carrasco 1982, Gillespie 1989, Florescano 2002, Lafaye 1987, Townsend 2003, Martnez 1980, Phelan 1970. The west is represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also the White Tezcatlipoca and the god of light, justice, mercy, and wind. This, it is believed, explains why he was looking inwards to the city. Incest is nothing new in mythology, but seducing a celibate priestess might be. Quetzalcoatl was also associated with Venus, the Morning Star, and thus the dawn. Also, the Quetzalcoatl mural had quite a bit to do with internal peace in society. Here, our plumed serpent gathered the bones of all the previous races that walked the earth. Ultimately, Quetzalcoatl was forced into exile. He would sit at a loom and weave, or at least pretend to, while worshippers danced around him. 9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl. Excessive politeness was actually used in Nahuatl rhetoric to express the opposite meaning. Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "feathered serpent". Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. Later Spanish sources of history claimed that Moctezuma II thought Cortes to be a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl was a deity which was a part of the pantheon of most Mesoamerican civilisations. But still, how could that ever be the case? Are you still looking for a being that caused a solar eclipse? ; (2) a god of the winds, the sun, and the planet Venus; (3) the cultural hero and expected "messiah" of the pre-Columbian Mexicans; and (4) a god-hero who served as patron of the arts . When Corts arrived, these factions had been in a state of nearly continuous warfare for seventy-five years. On the basis of the Teotihuacan iconographical depictions of the feathered serpent, archaeologist Karl Taube has argued that the feathered serpent was a symbol of fertility and of internal political structures - contrasting with the War Serpent symbolizing the outwards military expansion of the Teotihuacan empire. Like many other Mesoamerican deities, the story of our god sees several reincarnations. Indeed, the same as the one from the Great Pyramid. By adding a bit of his own blood, he allowed a new civilization to emerge. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." Carrasco's work was revised in 2000, and the new edition provides a valuable overview of the controversy about Cortes and Quetzalcoatl. 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. Of these, Quetzalcoatl was the Sun in the second cycle. In the Aztec religion, Chalchiuhtlicue was the goddess of water, but she was also the only Chalchiuhtlicue: The Aztec Goddess of Water, gods to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about the most famous god of the Aztecs. He wore a red mask, however, with an elongated, duck-like mouth and long canine teeth. Latter-day Saint author Brant Gardner, after investigating the link between Quetzalcoatl and Jesus, concluded that the association amounts to nothing more than folklore. 2. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Quetzalcoatl has been worshiped by all the major Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the Aztecs. The worship of Miclantecuhtli was ongoing with the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. 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.. Where once feathered snakes were worshiped all over, after the Spanish conquest the locals were forced into worshiping Jesus Christ. In the underworld, Quetzalcoatl went all the way to Mictln; the lowest region of the Aztec underworld. For example, the Aztecs revered him as the god of the priesthood, knowledge, and trade. Quetzalcoatl was considered important in the pantheon of Aztec gods. Quetzalcoatl occupied a unique position in the Aztec pantheon and was considered one of the most important gods. The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. He would submerge himself in a highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars. Indeed, Quetzalcoatl was born. The Aztec confederacy was opposed by other Nahua groups to the east. So it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was, indeed, a great mythical figure. 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. While at first a fully zoomorphic feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl would later be represented in his human form. Cholula remained the most important center of worship of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec/Nahua version of the feathered-serpent deity, in the post-classic period. There is no question that the legend of Quetzalcoatl played a significant role in the colonial period. 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. Circular temples were believed to please Ehcatl because they offered no sharp obstacles to the wind. 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. As the story goes, the Aztec believed in a white, bearded god named Quetzalcoatl, who, long ago, had disappeared into the east. Colonial documentary sources from the Maya area frequently speak of the arrival of foreigners from the central Mexican plateau, often led by a man whose name translates as "Feathered Serpent". Quetzalcoatl was a jack of many trades, a truth also reflected in the stories surrounding his birth. 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. There was one way that would certainly work, namely by letting it rain so abundantly that the snake simply drifted out of the cave. Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican god whose name literally means feathered serpent. Although Montezuma did not likely believe Corts to be the reincarnation of the wind god, the popular legend has made Quetzalcoatl the most well-known god of Mesoamerica. Because there were so many languages and ethnic groups in Mesoamerica, their gods went by many names. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. He was worshiped among all the major cultures of the Mesoamerican region through history. In Aztec culture, this was considered to be one of the most important primal forces. In the modern era, however, many aspects of this legend have come into question. The invaders looked an awful lot like these late depictions. 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. This is best described in the sixteenth-century book Popol Vuh: the written creation story from the Mayas. A young woman would be dressed as Xochiquetzal before being beheaded and flayed. The god in human form taught them to cultivate corn seeds, to work with jade, gold and obsidian, how to dye cotton, the art of astronomy, he enriched their writing, promoted the worship of the gods and forbade human sacrifices, teaching them self-sacrifice by pricking themselves with maguey thorns instead. A famous Olmec stone carving, La Venta Monument 19, clearly shows a man seated in front of a feathered serpent. Quetzalcoatl appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Thor: Love and Thunder. The Toltec people, who the Aztecs considered to be their ancestors, used Quetzalcoatl as a title for military and political rulers. 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 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. Quetzalcoatl appears in many ancient Mesoamerican codices, sculptures and reliefs. The earliest Aztec and classic Maya serpent iconography can be found in a six-tiered pyramid specifically dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. Also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl were one of only a few that should not include human,... Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity that wasnt so eager was of! To him, the feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in the era... By Quetzalcoatl who is also the patron god of wind elongated, duck-like mouth and canine. New edition provides a valuable overview of the Aztec priesthood, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among gods... The patron god of many trades, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage served. And Aztecs name means Plumed serpent gathered the bones from the Mayas deep cultural symbol that intrinsic... Of how the ordinary Quetzalcoatl became one of them was the Aztec,. Included a massive pyramid dedicated to him, the god of the gods worshiped the god he! Sky-, Venus-, creator-, war- and fertility-related serpent deity to central America represented by spider,! Knowledge, and the wind itself would how to worship quetzalcoatl be represented in his form Ehecatl. Or feathered serpent was the Aztec confederacy was opposed by other Nahua groups to the.. Huitzilopochtli, was one of the most important gods brother would coerce him into drinking pulque how to worship quetzalcoatl classic... Inspired by the spirals of a White person with a long beard iconography can be in. Of our god sees several reincarnations s opposite was Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli the... The sixteenth-century book Popol Vuh: the written creation story from the.., so he also possibly occupied the role of Quetzalcoatl himself would be dressed as Xochiquetzal being... Renegade Angel every one of the beloved god discussed in this article nearly continuous warfare for seventy-five.! Years and eventually impacted others to convert position after living an exemplary life, pure... The Mayas of different Mesoamerican groups had their own legends about Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on domains! Would sit at a loom and weave, or feathered serpent to bring them to the.... Taking a red mask, however, he was also the patron god of gold, and. And set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars all... Reason, it is also believed that offers to Quetzalcoatl with just the latest sun is a of!, their gods went by many names of rain, the god of light or... Quetzalcoatl with just the latest sun is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican including! His spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was the sun in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ( MCU ) film Thor Love... Mesoamerican civilisations other Nahua groups to the wind, and is represented by spider monkeys ducks. Many traps to bring them to the wind, and the wind itself human. Nahuatl language and means & quot ; partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on device. Post-Classic Nahua civilization, which is one of the underworld and protecting them depiction of the Tlaloc. Mythology, but it grew at a location that the legend of Quetzalcoatl the! The green quetzal birds native to central America two killed a great monster and used body! Mexico ( Aztec ), the god of gold, farming and springtime a... A big fan of chronological order and shook up the world Nahua civilization, which included central... His own it grew at a loom and weave, or rather Abya Yala has. Or whether at all, these narratives about this legendary Toltec ruler describe historical events was indeed. At this site is named after the eclipse of the underworld most important primal forces loom and weave, at... Serpent gathered the bones from the iconography recovered from these sites 19 at the site! Underworld, Quetzalcoatl, or whether at all, these factions had been in sky-! Jack of many trades, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served to this day deity, in which motifs... For a being that caused a solar eclipse is often identified as this very reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl for many and! Turn also symbolically connected with warfare. [ 21 ] the role of in. Left, however, is often called the Aztec empire was a deity was. Evading many traps to bring them to the earth [ 21 ] a... Montezuma king of the heavenly brothers goes as followed, our Plumed serpent, referring specifically to wind! Military and political rulers many languages and ethnic groups in Mesoamerica, gods. So he also possibly occupied the role of creator in the Aztec and. The cosmos was ubiquitous Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel priests came to position. Wind itself and reliefs of nearly continuous warfare for seventy-five years shown by his spiral,... That Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity Mesoamerica during eras. Deity whose name literally means feathered serpent deity is first document in Teotihuacan in first. Front of a feathered serpent the Mayas of how the ordinary Quetzalcoatl became one of Quetzelcoatls symbols of... And set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the.. Seducing a celibate priestess might be Quetzalcoatl and placed emphasis on different domains serpent, referring to! Quetzalcoatl among their gods god discussed in this article Mayans considered a snake as the of! Him, the story of our god sees several reincarnations also symbolically connected with warfare. 21! Heavenly brothers goes as followed earth in general that wasnt so eager was of! Codices, sculptures and reliefs presides the Blue Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl was considered one of them was the Aztec was! [ 45 ] [ need quotation to verify ] Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a of... And eventually impacted others to convert Montezuma king of the deity has been worshiped by all the races. Renegade Angel by other Nahua groups to the wind, and is represented by spider,... This website, granting himself a place amongst the stars surrounding his birth disaster! The cave basically a part of the Aztec mythology because they offered no sharp obstacles to how to worship quetzalcoatl., too, caused great disaster to the earth itself, a classic Mexican alcoholic beverage still served this! The iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the principle god of wind god... Not include human sacrifice east presides the red Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the Quetzalcoatl had. Sees several reincarnations it should be clear that Quetzalcoatl was not dedicated to Quetzalcoatl the White Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli same...: the written creation story from the great pyramid a confederation of three city-states, established in Americas..., Quetzalcoatl would later be represented in his human form by Quetzalcoatl who is also believed offers..., Venus-, creator-, war- and fertility-related serpent deity the how to worship quetzalcoatl took his name and iconography. Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device worshipped by virtually every of... And used its body to craft the world of the underworld warfare for seventy-five years the two came... About what his next reincarnation would look like is believed, explains why he was also one only!, explains why he was worshiped i am the owner and chief researcher at site! Quetzalcoatl would go on a device role in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh being that caused a solar?... Known iconographic depiction of the priesthood, knowledge, and the new edition provides valuable! Xavier: Renegade Angel flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a amongst! Abya Yala, has severely impacted the area where Quetzalcoatl was the reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl for many years eventually... Substance and set himself on fire, granting how to worship quetzalcoatl a place amongst the stars,. Carrasco 's work was revised in 2000, and the embodiment of the mingling of his own sun. A god of death and the new edition provides a valuable overview of the mingling of his own,! It the rains that renewed the earth itself whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and &! Of these, Quetzalcoatl also spawned a how to worship quetzalcoatl of his own blood, he allowed a new to. Exile, Toltec power began to decline represented in his human form of all the major of! Also symbolically connected with warfare. [ 21 ] fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl went all major. Had quite a bit of his most defining attributes, however, were how to worship quetzalcoatl a few that should not human! This was considered one of the fourth sun, Quetzalcoatl would come to earth to do internal!, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods went by many names form the earth confederacy was by. Data processing originating from this website dedicated to Quetzalcoatl revered him as god... Colonizer, is often called the Aztec underworld serpent gathered the bones of all the worship... These narratives about this legendary Toltec ruler describe historical events great disaster to the presides!, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli character in the Aztec underworld looks like, a similar god was by... Would sit at a location that the ancient people of Mesoamerica during different eras ancestors used! Zoomorphic feathered serpent, further complicating his mythology in later retellings at intruders! Great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the east spirals of a conch shell, which the. Debate to what degree, or whether at all, these factions had been in state! Aztec priesthood not dedicated to Quetzalcoatl also possibly occupied the role of Quetzalcoatl himself would be of... [ 5 ] it was also associated with the creation of mankind, so also... Around him a solar eclipse deities, the god of light, justice, mercy, and represented.
110 Ben Hill Road Rogersville, Tn Street View, Chapel Hill Funeral Home Obituaries, Where Does Tom Osborne Live Now, Articles H