Type/Species: Amphiptere
Origin: Toltec and Aztec Mythology
History: This was the Aztecs great feather serpent god. (Kukulkan was the name used by the Mayans for this creature.) As one of the most popular gods, this creature appeared in many forms of art as well as in tales. Not only this, but he was the only god that did not require human sacrifices.
In addition to his popularity, he seems to have been god of many things. He was a Creator god, the god of twins, the god of the Evening and Morning Star, protector of craftsman, a rain maker as well as a fire-bringer, teacher of the finer arts, and the god of twins. As Echecatl, he was the god of winds. Furthermore, he is know as the god that created the calender.
Often, he was seen soaring throughout the sky creating a rainbow. Occasionally, he would take the form of a man or the sun, and eclipses were said to be caused by the Earth Serpent swallowing him.
The Quetzalcoatl was opposed to regular human sacrifices. So much so that when the god of war, Tezcatlipoca, appeared and asked for sacrifices, the Quetzalcoatl tried to dissaude others from agreeing to it. He failed, however, and decieded to leave.
How and where the Quetzalcoatl left has a bit of mystery to it. There are different variations of this tale. In one version, it is said that he proceed to the Gulf of Mexico and there burned his body. After which, he was reborn as the planet Venus.
The more common ending is different. It has been suggested that the Spanish used this ending to aid in their conquering of the Aztecs. It said that the Quetzalcoatl left, promising his most loyal that he would return. He left on a raft that was supported by snakes. With this, he headed East.
It is believed that the second version was used by the Spanish because there are many depictions of the god becoming Venus, but slim to none of them depict him on a raft.
Symbolism: The Quetzalcoatl tried to save man from man and other bloodthirsty gods. When this failed, he left. The story of the Quetzalcoatl shows how the Aztecs looked upon life in general, especially their outake on war.
Physical Description: This creature was an amphiptere, meaning the creature only had two wings and no other limbs. Also, this creature possessed multicolored scales and feathers. Occansionally, The Quetzalcoatl would shapeshift to become a man.
Related Articles: Temple of Quetzalcoatl
- Macmillion Profiles: Myths and Legends
For more information about these footnotes, please see the bibliography.
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© Kylie 'drago' McCormick.
Last updated: 6 August 2008