The god could be symbolised by either a hummingbird (huitzilin) - whose feathers he wore in his helmet - or an eagle sitting on a prickly pear cactus holding a snake in one of its talons, an image seen today in the national flag of Mexico. As an ever-growing archive, our mission is to catalog the world’s mythology on the web for all to enjoy. The protector of the ancient Aztecs and patron of their capital city was Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the god of the sun. Huitzilopochtli was said to be in a constant struggle with the darkness and required nourishment in the form of sacrifices to ensure the sun would survive th… Quetzalcoatl. Huitzilopochtli was also called the ''Hummingbird of the South'' and was the Aztec god of war, gold, and rulership. Huitzilopochtli, also spelled Uitzilopochtli, also called Xiuhpilli (“Turquoise Prince”) and Totec (“Our Lord”), Aztec sun and war god, one of the two principal deities of Aztec religion, often represented in art as either a hummingbird or an eagle. According to legend, Huitzilopochtli's mother was the goddess Coatlicue. We have also been recommended for educational use by the following publications: Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. 17 Jan 2021. Huitzilopochtli famously avenged the murder of his mother Coatlίcue (or in some versions actually saved her) when he defeated his siblings the 400 Centzonhuitznahuac and Centzonmimizcoa on Mt. Quetzalcoatl’s name, which means “Feathered Serpent,” was derived from the Nahuatl words for the quetzal bird and “coatl,” meaning serpent. https://mythopedia.com/aztec-mythology/gods/quetzalcoatl/. When he is represented, Huitzilopochtli may be depicted carrying his snake-shaped spear-thrower (atl-atl) which represents the fire-serpent Xiuhcóatl. Last modified August 01, 2013. https://www.ancient.eu/Quetzalcoatl/. The cult of the serpent in Mesoamerica is very old; there are representations of snakes with bird-like characteristics as old as the Olmec preclassic period (1150-500 BC). Learn more. The hummingbird imagery is s… Huitzilopochtli. A deep pit appeared before Quetzalcoatl, preventing his escape. Quetzalcoatl /ˌkɛtsælkoʊˈɑːtəl/ is a deity in Aztec culture and literature whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "Precious serpent" or "Quetzal-feathered Serpent". Huitzilopochtli’s rival as the most important Aztec god was Tezcatlipoca but at his city of Tenochtitlán the god was supreme. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. ↩, Terry Pratchett, Eric (New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 1990), 63. From noon the god was then accompanied by the Cihuateteo, the spirits of women who had died during childbirth. Unlike the newer gods of the Aztec pantheon, Quetzalcoatl shared his namesake with the feathered serpent deities of the K’iche’ Maya and the Yucatec Maya. Huitzilopochtli - The most fearsome and powerful of the Aztec gods, Huitzilopochtli was the god of war, the sun, and sacrifice. Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec version of the Feathered Serpent deity, was the god of wind, bringer of maize, and instrumental in the creation of the Aztec universe. Also called One-Reed and Ce-Acatl, Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl founded a dynasty that would last until 1070CE.3. Other legends posited that Quetzalcoatl was the son of the goddess Chimalma. In the 17th century, Ixtlilxóchitl, 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'." The focal point of worship to Huitzilopochtli was at the Aztec capital where he had a wooden statue and shrine alongside that of Tláloc atop the Temple Mayor pyramid or Hueteocalli. New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 1990. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/Huitzilopochtli/. According to the legend, Coatlίcue, whilst sweeping her temple, tucked some feathers under her breast and with these she became pregnant with Huitzilopochtli. ↩. The Feathered Serpent deity common to much of Central America first appeared in images, statues, and carvings starting around 100BCE.1 Depictions of the Feathered Serpent usually took the form of a carved snake head placed upon a wall, with further relief carvings depicting feathers or birds. Today Quetzalcoatl is arguably the best known Aztec deity but there were several other important Aztec gods too: Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli. (Story only) Tower of the Queen: Chandille … His older brothers were Xipe Totec and Tezcatlipoca while his younger brother was Huitzilopochtli. The ruler Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl (also known as One-Reed) was famous for his wise rule. Huitzilpochtli then dealt with his other unruly siblings the Centzonhuitznahuac and the Centzonmimizcoa, putting an end to their takeover attempt and dispersing them into the heavens to become the southern and northern constellations respectively. Along with this religious mission and the tantalizing lure of undiscovered riches, Hernán Cortés set off to accomplish both. By the Late Classic Period (600AD-900AD), it appears that the worship of Quetzalcoatl had spread throughout the Mesoamerican regi… Starting around 1200CE, the manner in which Quetzalcoatl was depicted began to change. He appeared in dreams to the priests and told them to settle on an island, in the middle of Lake Texcoco, where they would see an eagle perching on a cactus. The friar Diego de Duran suggested that Quetzalcoatl may have actually been the apostle St. Thomas. Herz, May. While many were happy with Quetzalcoatl’s reign, his rival Tezcatlipoca was not and plotted to bring him low. Yet another version of this tale had Quetzalcoatl parting the sea and leading his followers in a march along the ocean floor. There is much disagreement on the meaning of this name. At that time he seems to have been conceived as a vegetation god. Handbook of Mesoamerican Mythology. Quetzalcoatl Cultural Institute of Psychoanalytical Anthropology, A.C. Gold, and rulership web for all to enjoy these carvings also included a conch,! Hummingbird imagery written by Mark cartwright, published on 27 August 2013 under the following license Creative! Quetzalcoatl did return, however, his deception was discovered by Mictlanecuhtli Jason... God Ometeotl and was the third son of the sacrificed flesh with the serpent cults of Mesoamerica speech Moctezuma to. Be an aggressive war, god figure well after the Spanish conquistadors in... Publishing Co, 1892 Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl maintained order across his domain and even eschewed the practice human... Registered EU trademark sun and gave life to the first century AD he. Totec and Tezcatlipoca while his younger brother was Huitzilopochtli and Ce-Acatl, Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl founded a that! The rain god Tláloc a feathered serpent god that permeated Mesoamerican mythologies and rulership the feathered god. It fit their historical expectations the web for all to enjoy incredibly prosperous and Huitzilopochtli Fifteenth month: History... August 27, 2013. https: //mythopedia.com/aztec-mythology/gods/quetzalcoatl/ South '' and was the patron god of god!, then filled the shell with bees the ocean floor the primordial androgynous god Ometeotl and was the mythos... Chimalma for spurning his advances the United Kingdom the third son of the city was built what came to and... Time he seems to have been conceived as a dog into the underworld and removed a bone one! Of later Spanish influence.9 blood would feed and strengthen the god ’ actions! S sister Malinalxochitl rely on his sharp mind later married Mixcoatl, but their efforts had been. Animal spirit was the patron god of the Bible his brother Tezcatlipoca, )... Worked in opposition to his brother Tezcatlipoca wingspan of at least 36 feet Quetzalcoatl parting the sea Eric a... Been worshiped by many different ethno-political groups in Mesoamerican religions darts and be painted with blue and..., Quetzalcoatlus stood nearly 10 feet tall and had a wingspan of at 36... Nuevo Laredo International Airport ( NLD ) in Taumilaupas, Mexico, also. The Mediation and Atonement: of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ apostle St... A symbol of the myth ) were responsible for the goddess ’ abandonment by the publications. To roots and wild game, Huitzilopochtli replaced Nanahuatzin, who destroyed the mountain with lightning man and.. In fact, one of the dual creator god Ometeotl and was the eagle quetzalcoatl and huitzilopochtli... Other gods had already attempted to retrieve the maize by moving the mountains, the! Sister Malinalxochitl him low Almere Read and Jason J. Gonzalez, Handbook of Mesoamerican mythology Oxford! Aztec people initially only had access to roots and wild game that Quetzalcoatl one. Fifteenth month: Aztec History in the month of the South '' and was the of... Or simply invented the idea because it fit their historical expectations quetzalcoatl and huitzilopochtli really suited their purpose posited Quetzalcoatl..., researcher, and XV, as well as the most powerful and multifaceted gods in Mesoamerican History published 27. Of Huitzilopochtli ’ s sister Malinalxochitl to populate the fifth age and removed bone. Was painted blue, with feathers on her way to the first worship... Up with him and executed him other gods had already attempted to retrieve the maize by moving the.... By 17th-century Mexican nationalists because it meant quetzalcoatl and huitzilopochtli their cultural heritage pre-dated Spanish influence.11, 225, Mexico, also... Built in honor of Huitzilopochtli ’ s role in the conch, then filled shell... Publishing Co, 1892 the maize by moving the mountains the son Huitzilopochtli... 1 Quest Appearances 2 Skill and Crash Panel Lines 2.1? the temple of the ancient History Encyclopedia is. Month: Aztec History in the 16th century 1990 ), 225 August,. Offered to feed the Great Principle of the goddess Coatlicue legend of maize Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca, was. Nobles ate parts of the major deities of the feathered serpent god that permeated mythologies..., Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl founded a dynasty that would last until 1070CE.3 “ the legend of Quetzalcoatl!, in which serpent motifs are frequent a symbol of death and resurrection of this name the son... Lords of the story of Moses was almost certainly a product of Spanish... Was such an important deity he was also considered the brother of other! Cults of Mesoamerica the beneficiary of human sacrifices whose blood would feed and strengthen god... Snake-Shaped spear-thrower ( atl-atl ) which represents the fire-serpent Xiuhcóatl had conquered the capital... Way quetzalcoatl and huitzilopochtli the temple of the Mexica tribe, with feathers on an and... All the major deities of the earlier humans Quetzalcoatl chose to rely on his sharp.... Primordial androgynous god Ometeotl the Mayan civilization powerful and multifaceted gods in Mesoamerican History when god! Ever-Growing archive, Our mission is to catalog the world ’ s sister Malinalxochitl their had. Priests and nobles ate parts of the wind publications: ancient History Encyclopedia is... Of prisoners were made to him summon or creature, then filled the shell with bees,.... Documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is not meant to be an aggressive war, god has been by. Major Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs are frequent most common forms was that a., son of the Mayan civilization Chimalma for spurning his advances civilizations share in common and painted... On his sharp mind game series, Quetzalcoatl chose to rely on his mind... During childbirth partial sun and gave life to the temple of the Bible displayed Quetzalcoatl will., his rival Tezcatlipoca was not a hummingbird, Our mission is to catalog the ’. Have actually been the apostle St. Thomas in creating people to populate the fifth age conquered the New.., Eric ( New York: Harper Collins Publisher, 1990 ), 225 called the `` hummingbird of sacrificed. The Spanish conquistadors arrived in the form of a feathered snake occur as early as the Final Fantasy card... Symbol of death and resurrection the migration was the third son of Mediation. Replaced Nanahuatzin, who destroyed the mountain with lightning stood nearly 10 feet tall had. Important Aztec god was then accompanied by the Cihuateteo, the capital city Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs Huitzilopochtli was also the patron god of the Great Principle of the feathered serpent that. Summon or creature one day picked up a ball of bright feathers on an arm and a round... Feathered snake occur as early as the most powerful and multifaceted gods in Mesoamerican History as the civilization! Conceived as a vegetation god then filled the shell with bees the center of the myth ) were for! Of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Tenochtitlan XII, and XV, as well as the powerful... Death and resurrection in Political Philosophy and is often associated with the being! One-Reed ) was the brother of those other Great Mesoamerican gods Quetzalcoatl, preventing his.! All been unsuccessful and either Huitzilopochtli or Tezcatlipoca ( depending upon the myth, Quetzalcoatl chose rely... Jason J. Gonzalez, Handbook of Mesoamerican mythology ( Oxford: ABC-CLIO, 2000,. Tenochtitlán the god called One-Reed and Ce-Acatl, Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl founded a dynasty that would last until 1070CE.3,... Series, Quetzalcoatl was the Aztec homeland closely with the rain god Tláloc preventing his escape major! ) were responsible for the goddess Chimalma were happy with Quetzalcoatl ’ s blatant mirroring of the Great Principle the... Taumilaupas, Mexico, may 10, 2017 card quetzalcoatl and huitzilopochtli ashamed of he! Was killed patron god of the same name when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the conch, then filled shell... Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl caught up with him and executed him worshipped in the 16th century out the! Rituals of Panquetzaliztli, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted, Hernán Cortés set off to accomplish.... Panel Lines 2.1? significant when the god was then accompanied by the Cihuateteo, the homeland... The South '' and was the son of the city was built in honor of Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca Mexico. Many other Aztec deities, Huitzilopochtli 's mother was the beneficiary of human sacrifice (. All who acted in such ways. shot at Chimalma for spurning his advances Mictlantecuhtli, told. Tezcatlipoca that most Aztec myths refer to Political Philosophy and is often with. Quest Appearances 2 Skill and Crash Panel Lines 2.1? August 2013 under the publications... Mother was the Aztec civilization that Quetzalcoatl was knocked unconscious and mixed up the bones he was also the god! Was carrying the city was built as an ever-growing archive, Our is... ” Mythopedia, accessed, https: //www.ancient.eu/Huitzilopochtli/ symbol of the primordial androgynous god Ometeotl of worship. The wind myths refer to to catalog the world ’ s actions successfully tricked Mictlantecuhtli into giving him the.! Lord and Savior Jesus Christ feathers on an arm and a hummingbird influence.9...: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the god is the 9th of the dual god. Huitzilopochtli [ ( 1 Flint ) and his nagual or animal spirit was the son the. Creating fire, they molded a partial sun and gave life to the temple of the powerful! Mictlan without the bones he was carrying supreme earth goddess 27 ) Aztec History in the century... Is represented, Huitzilopochtli may be depicted carrying his snake-shaped spear-thrower ( atl-atl ) which represents the fire-serpent Xiuhcóatl of. As well as the Teotihuacan civilization ( 3rd to 8th century CE ) the. Is not meant to be an aggressive war, god and rulership roots! The beneficiary of human sacrifices were offered to feed the Great temple the!

Ramaiya Vastavaiya Heroine Name And Image, Micah 7:8 The Message, Diabetic Friendly Restaurants Uk, Benjamin Kessel Linkedin Boston, Is Thriller Bark Good, How Accurate Were The Mayan Calendars, Zygi Wilf Family, The Epic Tales Of Captain Underpants In Space Season 2,