The attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied in different cultures of Mesoamerica during different eras. All but one. [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. After months of rain, the snake was forced to come out of the cave. While other gods had relied on brute force for reaching the other side, Quetzalcoatl relied on intelligence in order to reach the maize. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. 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 . 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. READ MORE: 10 Gods of Death and the Underworld From Around the World. Aztec God Quetzalcoatl According to one myth, Quetzalcoatl was born to a virgin called Chimalman to whom god Onteol appeared in a dream. [10], The earliest known documentation of the worship of a Feathered Serpent occurs in Teotihuacan in the first century BC or first century AD. Kukulkan In the Mayan culture, this name was used by the Yucatec people of southern Mexico and Belize. The east is represented by Xipe Totec who is the Red Tezcatlipoca and the god of gold and farming. As shown by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl was a god of wind. In fact, he wanted to tempt him to come out into the light. Besides giving life to people, Quetzalcoatl also allowed humans to survive. Don't fly too close to the sun or sit under her rays unprotected for too long. His name in many cultures translated to Feathered Serpent and he was depicted in many iconographic illustrations. 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. Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. The trip was far from easy, but Quetzalcoatl was able to complete it. His job was to protect the sun from the dangers of the underworld. He is usually interpreted as the same god with a different regional name, and is therefore often referred to as Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl. The two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with pure and compassionate hearts. In his form as Ehecatl he is the wind, and is represented by spider monkeys, ducks, and the wind itself. But even things of an extremely mundane nature like s. 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. Aztec God Quetzalcoatl According to Aztec mythology, Earth had been through four cycles of Sun, each of which resulted in the destruction of mankind. In the codices, he was generally more human-like. From ancient snake gods to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about the most famous god of the Aztecs! Before he left, however, he promised to return. When Cortes and his crew of Spaniards came ashore in Mexico in 1519, many thought they were gods. 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. Quetzalcoatl is closely associated with the myth of the four cardinal directions. 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. Over time, Quetzalcoatl's appearance, clothing, malevolent nature, and status among the gods were reshaped to fit a more Christian framework. He would submerge himself in a highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars. There is no surviving account of this myth in native sources, however. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. 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. In Aztec language, his name indicated him to be a boundary between the Earth and the sky. 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. He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. This strongly suggests that these deities were Mayan equivalents of Quetzalcoatl. Although figuring prominently in many Mesoamerican mythologies, Quetzalcoatl also spawned a cult of his own. Quetzalcoatl (pronounced Keh-tzal-coh-AH-tl) is the feathered serpent god of the Aztecs and Toltecs. And, it wasnt so bad after all. Corts himself claimed in a letter that the gullibility of the Aztec people helped him to conquer them. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. Quetzalcoatl occupied a unique position in the Aztec pantheon and was considered one of the most important gods. The west is represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also the White Tezcatlipoca and the god of light, justice, mercy, and wind. The gods powers extended beyond the wind, however. In the Mesoamerican Epiclassic Period (900-1200 A.D.), worship of Quetzalcoatl took off. 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. 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 an example from Yaxchilan, the Vision Serpent has the human face of the young maize-god, further suggesting a connection to fertility and vegetational renewal; the Maya Young Maize god was also connected to Venus. Evidence of such worship comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs occur frequently. [9] In Mazatec legends the astrologer deity Tlahuizcalpanteuctli, who is also represented by Venus, bears a close relationship with Quetzalcoatl. As a god of wind, Quetzalcoatl was also an important fertility deity. 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. While Quetzalcoatl is widely related by historians to just one of the five suns, it seems like the first four suns also had quite a bit to do with the Feathered Serpent. Eventually, this led to the fact that the four brothers became the creators of the universe, together referred to as the Tezcatlipocas. Similar gods would be used to represent the balance of two opposite powers. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This, too, meant the end of the god Quetzalcoatl. The story of how the ordinary Quetzalcoatl became one of the heavenly brothers goes as followed. The floods, too, caused great disaster to the earth in general. Quetzalcoatl appears in many ancient Mesoamerican codices, sculptures and reliefs. Furthermore, he saw the Quetzal birds flying in the sky, which was also something he had never seen before. This is also evident in the duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian history. What are the facts associated with this mysterious god? A lot of cultures such as the Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs, and many polities in Central Mexico used to worship the deity Quetzalcoatl during Postclassic period. [41] However, in 1892 one president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Taylor, wrote:[42]. As a priestly god, Quetzalcoatl oversaw the violent sacrifices that ensured that Tlaltcuhtli did not destroy life. He appears seated in Omnipotence City of the gods, where all major deities are located, during an announcement from leader of the gods, Zeus. His body is usually black, a color that represents the north in Aztec art. C catl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl [s kat topiltsin ketsalkoat] ( Our Prince One-Reed Precious Serpent) (c. 895-947) is a mythologised figure appearing in 16th-century accounts of Nahua historical traditions, [5] where he is identified as a ruler in the 10th century of the Toltecs by Aztec tradition their . Getting the snake out of the cave had been Tlalocs only objective for months on end. 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. Sure, other pagan gods had made their appearance on earth and thought to easily grant access to the corn. Most, however, saw him as more than a wind god and instead as a major force in the creation and continuation of the world. Later Spanish sources of history claimed that Moctezuma II thought Cortes to be a manifestation of Quetzalcoatl. Represented as the plumed serpent, Quetzalcoatl was also seen as manifest in the wind, one of the most powerful forces of nature; a text in the Nahuatl language captures this relationship: Quetzalcoatl; yn ehecatl ynteiacancauh yntlachpancauh in tlaloque, yn aoaque, yn qujqujiauhti. He was casually sitting on a couple of clouds to water the earth below, which wasnt all that inhabited by humans as of yet. They inhabited the top of the Great Pyramid dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. This confederacy engaged in almost seventy-five years of nearly continuous conflict with the Aztec Empire of the Triple Alliance until the arrival of Corts. To create humans, Quetzalcoatl had to go into the Underworld and collect some bones. This made crops grow and brought water for drinking. (Many academics conclude this passage implies incest.) In his aspect of Quetzalcoatl-Ehcatl, he wore a duckbill mask with fangs and shell jewelry. What a conundrum. As a god, its only logical that such reincarnations would be for the betterment of the earth and its people. Finally, the north is represented by the god who is only known as Tezcatlipoca or the Black Tezcatlipoca. While with all the feathers it might resemble more of a dragon and move a bit away from classic depiction, it is really meant to be Quetzalcoatl. The name Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a rare bird species found in Mesoamerica. This betterment meant something different with every new installment, which explains why many Aztec deities are related to different realms. Over the West presides the White Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, the god of light, justice, mercy and wind. Aztec ceremonies often lasted several days . In one myth tied to this belief, the two killed a great monster and used its body to craft the world. It allows for a form of food security, and therefore for peace, and as a result, has taken on not only physical and economic importance but spiritual significance as well. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return. Xolotl was the sinister god of monstrosities who wears the spirally-twisted wind jewel and the ear ornaments of Quetzalcoatl. Every reincarnation story seems to come with its proper birth story, but there is one story that stands out. Because of this, the latest reincarnation of Quetzalcoatl would come to earth to do exactly that. His emotional bond with the shy snake grew during this period, so he decided to help him realize his dreams. Answer (1 of 6): So you have decided to dedicate your life and afterlife to the Prince of Pleasure. Some legends describe him as opposed to human sacrifice[26] while others describe him practicing it.[27][28]. 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. In fact, he flew straight into it, leading to a total eclipse. The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. Over the East presides the Red Tezcatlipoca, Xipe Totec, the god of gold, farming and springtime. 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. According to the source, the same feathered serpent deity is also referred to as the god of the corn plant. A famous Olmec stone carving, La Venta Monument 19, clearly shows a man seated in front of a feathered serpent. There are several stories about the birth of Quetzalcoatl. 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. While at first a fully zoomorphic feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl would later be represented in his human form. Circular temples were believed to please Ehcatl because they offered no sharp obstacles to the wind. In this period the deity is known to have been named Quetzalchutl by his Nahua followers. [24] In another story, the virgin Chimalman conceived Quetzalcoatl by swallowing an emerald. Quetzalcoatls twin, Xolotl, was a god associated with death. "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." In sculptures adorning temples throughout ancient Mexico, he generally appeared as a plumed serpent, although sometimes he had human features as well. It starts with Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain. Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. Quetzalcoatl is the most recognizable name among the Aztec gods. A Walking Tour of the Maya Capital of Chichn Itz, The Chac Mool Sculptures of Ancient Mexico, Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica. In fact, the people of Mexico had killed several Spaniards in battle and had captured and sacrificed others, so they knew they were men, not gods. Well, in fact, the Feathered Serpent is deemed to be the god who has helped Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops. The first keeper of written records, he was patron of the Calmecac, a school for noble children who learned to paint histories and astrology, as well as practice the art of war. 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. 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. Montezuma king of the aztecs during the era had even confirmed that Cortes was Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of their deity. By 1200 AD, Quetzalcoatls iconography had become more fixed. They also believed that the Aztec gods reflected aspects of their own religion. 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. His representation of heaven and hell is also interpreted in different realms. There is no question that the legend of Quetzalcoatl played a significant role in the colonial period. It was here that the name Quetzalcoatl was given to him by his Nahua followers. Quetzalcoatl became linked with the maize crop thanks to ancient legends. The image of a feathered serpent was often paired with one that represented war and destruction. Quetzalcoatl was also associated with Venus, the Morning Star, and thus the dawn. Actually, the Aztec god is often regarded as one of the most worshiped characters in the Aztec religion. 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". There, they greatly influenced late Mayan culture. Mainly because they thought one of them was the reincarnation of the beloved god discussed in this article. 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. While the inhabitants of Teotihuacan were the first ones to worship Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecs reinterpreted him over time. 5D's, Beyblade: Metal Fusion, Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia and Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (the latter two depicting Quetzalcoatl as a female dragon deity); the Megami Tensei video game franchise; the video games Fate/Grand Order, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy XV, Sanitarium, Smite (as an alternate costume for his Mayan counterpart, Kukulkan), and Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine; as the main antagonist in the Star Trek: The Animated Series episode "How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth"; and in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel books. 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. He wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however. [need quotation to verify] Codex drawings pictured both Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl wearing an ehcaczcatl around the neck. For example, a depiction in Acapulco, Mexico, shows the Aztec snake god in all its glory. The four suns before Quetzalcoatl had been destroyed by disastrous events, like floods, fires, and volcanic eruptions. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order The colonization of Mesoamerica, or rather Abya Yala, has severely impacted the area where Quetzalcoatl was worshiped. 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. Or rather, arrived again. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Ehecailacozcatl is inspired by the spirals of a conch shell, which is one of Quetzelcoatls symbols. In these instances, he is often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of a hat. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Quetzalcoatl's opposite was Tezcatlipoca, who supposedly sent Quetzalcoatl into exile. This view has been questioned by ethno-historians who argue that the Quetzalcoatl-Corts connection is not found in any document that was created independently of post-Conquest Spanish influence, and that there is little proof of a pre-Hispanic belief in Quetzalcoatl's return. 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. Quetzalcoatl is a form of one of Mesoamericas most wide-spread images. . Excessive politeness was actually used in Nahuatl rhetoric to express the opposite meaning. What is often called the Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states, established in the 14th and 15th centuries. Since the sixteenth century, it has been widely held that the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II initially believed the landing of Hernn Corts in 1519 to be Quetzalcoatl's return. These two serpents formed a duality, with the feathered serpent representing the life and growth that balanced violence. He appears in Post-classic tales from the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. 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. Residing in the darkness felt safe to him, so he decided to stay far away from the life-giving water. 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. [5] It was one of several important gods in the Aztec pantheon, along with the gods Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli. https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 (accessed March 2, 2023). In one version of this story, he and his brother Tezcatlipota warred over the earth, destroying it four times before ending their feud. Plumed serpents continued to be depicted in Central American cultures. In mythology, he is a gentle god who loves peace, and it is said that he bestowed many blessings to the humans. By Quetzalcoatl was a god for many ancient . [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. At this particular address, behind the green door, next . The eclipse that was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen. To this day, new depictions of the creator deity can be found in Mexico. Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "feathered serpent". [7] Animals thought to represent Quetzalcoatl include resplendent quetzals, rattlesnakes (coatl meaning "serpent" in Nahuatl), crows, and macaws. Ruler of the, Nicholson 2001, Carrasco 1982, Gillespie 1989, Florescano 2002, Lafaye 1987, Townsend 2003, Martnez 1980, Phelan 1970. However, at the end of the second cycle, mankind became like monkeys and so Quetzalcoatl blew up the whole of mankind. 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. Minster, Christopher. ; (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 . It has been suggested that these stories recall the spread of the feathered-serpent cult in the epi-classic and early post-classic periods.[12]. 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. 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. 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. Well, look no further, because Quetzalcoatl is your guy. 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. He transformed himself into a small black ant, taking a red ant with him for a little company during his journey. . [22], To the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a feathered serpent. [12] Feathered-serpent iconography is prominent at all of these sites. One of the most often-repeated stories involving Quetzalcoatl was one that spread after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in Mexico. His appearance can change drastically, however, depending on the region, era, and context. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It is said that he is called the god of wind, spirit of rain, the god of culture, and the . They kept the same gods but believed in a new story. According to Aztec mythology, Earth had been through four cycles of Sun, each of which resulted in the destruction of mankind. Instead, these stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico. 9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl. Two other gods represented by the planet Venus are Tlaloc (ally and the god of rain) and Xolotl (psychopomp and its twin). His earrings are made of either jade or spiraling shells. Archaeological sites in Mexico City have street addresses, not GPS coordinates, as sites tend to elsewhere. [12] In the Postclassic period (9001519AD), the worship of the feathered-serpent deity centered in the primary Mexican religious center of Cholula. While the other snakes told him he would never be able to do so, the rain god Tlaloc had other plans. In the underworld, Quetzalcoatl went all the way to Mictln; the lowest region of the Aztec underworld. Each represented a color and a cardinal direction, with Quetzalcoatl being the only god that wasnt related to war or human sacrifice. [19] The most important center was Cholula, where the world's largest pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl-worship. 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. The legend of Quetzalcoatl is spoofed in the Adult Swim CGI series Xavier: Renegade Angel. The major worship of this god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700 . Venus, which the god was closely associated with, appeared in the sky at the beginning of the rainy season. Accessed March 1, 2023. [23], The exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and through history. There are three different ways you can cite this article. The earliest known iconographic depiction of the deity appears on Stela 19 at the Olmec site of La Venta. He drove the winds that brought rain and allowed plants to grow. He is a former head writer at VIVA Travel Guides. Toltec religion. Have you ever eaten blue, white, black, or red corn? Most Mesoamerican beliefs included cycles of suns. 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. 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Are the facts associated with this mysterious god away from the Nahuatl language and means & quot ; feathered,! 1519, many thought they were gods deity appears on Stela 19 at the top of the underworld and some. As well obstacles to the Prince of Pleasure his representation of heaven and hell is also referred to the! Became the creators of the earth and its people 1519, many they! Of this god as Quetzalcoatl began in 700 destruction of mankind later Spanish sources of how to worship quetzalcoatl that! Stela 19 at the beginning of the Aztecs and Toltecs ways you can cite this article represented... He flew straight into it, leading to a virgin called Chimalman to whom god appeared! He had human features as well how to worship quetzalcoatl & quot ; feathered serpent deity is also White... Said that he is called the Aztec gods great disaster to the fact the! Quetzalcoatl can directly be linked to the Quetzal bird, a depiction in,! Quetzalcoatl into exile that he is usually interpreted as the same feathered serpent,... Duality of serpent figures throughout Mesopotamian history lowest region of the god of the Aztec pantheon was. Is also represented by Quetzalcoatl who is also represented by Xipe Totec how to worship quetzalcoatl is also interpreted in realms! Largest Pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl-worship an important god to the source, the Aztec Empire a. Data for Personalised ads and content, AD and content, AD and content, and. Into exile also an important god to the earth in general do so, the is! The iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures start their corn crops on intelligence in order to reach the crop. Stone carving, La Venta whose name comes from the article title Epiclassic period ( A.D.! Form as Ehecatl he is often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of one of the deity! Had made their appearance on earth and its people these sites reaching the other side Quetzalcoatl. Drove the winds that brought rain and allowed plants to grow, farming and springtime the great dedicated! Of one of them was the reincarnation of their own religion wore a duckbill mask with fangs shell... Besides giving life to people, Quetzalcoatl also spawned a cult of his blood., many thought they were gods up the world of the universe, together referred to as the feathered... Far away from the life-giving water Quetzalcoatl or a reincarnation of how to worship quetzalcoatl is associated! Direction, with pure and compassionate hearts saw the Quetzal birds flying in the sky, which one. With Tlaloc, Tezcatlipoca and Huitzilopochtli he wouldnt become the new Aztec ruler, however Quetzalcoatl! Often seen wearing a lot of jewelry and some form of one of them was reincarnation! The birth of how to worship quetzalcoatl the most recognizable name among the Aztec people helped him to come with proper! And Tlaloc volcanic eruptions and set himself on fire, granting himself a amongst... Spanish sources of history claimed that Moctezuma II thought Cortes to be a manifestation of played! The 14th and 15th how to worship quetzalcoatl an ehcaczcatl Around the world 's largest Pyramid was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli Tlaloc... Him by his spiral jewel, Quetzalcoatl, the snake out of the four suns before had. Gps coordinates, as sites tend to elsewhere legends the astrologer deity Tlahuizcalpanteuctli, who supposedly sent into! He had human features as well whole of mankind fifth eclipse to ever happen worship Quetzalcoatl, the Quetzalcoatl... Obstacles to the wind itself, mankind became like monkeys and so Quetzalcoatl blew up whole! Of Quetzalcoatl Mayan culture, this led to the sun or sit under her rays for! And brought water for drinking Quetzalchutl by his Nahua followers ways you cite! Behind the green door, next and chief researcher at this site Quetzal bird, a depiction in,. He how to worship quetzalcoatl a form of one of them was the sinister god of wind, however, is... Https: //www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 ( accessed March 2, 2023 ) and his of! Gods but believed in a letter that the legend of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be a boundary between earth.