I couldnt find any other book in our library to use at the party, so i found the legend of quetzalcoatl and retold it using art i created with adobe illustrator cs3. Below are links to resources about aztec mythology, found both in books and on the. To navigate the timeline, click and drag it with your mouse, or click on the timeline overview on the bottom. He is an aztec god, but the aztecs were late in the game. Quetzalcoatl was named after a god who was simultaneously a creator and a millennialist figure in aztec mythology and for whom cortez was mistaken. Bringing together the best elements from dungeon crawling and epic fantasy, mythica is not to be missed. Quetzalcoatl was associated with the planet venus, as well as being the patron god of the aztec priesthood, of learning and of knowledge. Quetzalcoatl myth encyclopedia mythology, god, names. Encyclopedia mythica pronunciation guide pdf free download. In any case, quetzalcoatl, described as lightskinned and bearded, would return in a certain year. Quetzalcoatl panmesoamerican feathered serpent god. Quetzalcoatl, god of civilization, was identified with the planet venus and with the wind. Just like quetzalcoatl of the aztecs, nukua was a dragon that taught her people about art, irrigation and agriculture. The meaning of his local name in other mesoamerican.
Elian, recorder of anezeh temple in mexico city, who was an outstanding student of. He stopped all human sacrifice, and instead satiated the gods by bleeding. The worship of quetzalcoatl became widespread with the rise of the toltec civilization around 900 a. Quetzalcoatl was known to travel with assistants, so the numerous similar stories may reflect multiple gods spread across the new world.
Established in 1995, the encyclopedia mythica is dedicated to become the single largest resource on mythology and folklore on the internet. Encyclopedia mythica is an internet encyclopedia on mythology, folklore, and religion. The cult of quetzalcoatl, the quetzalfeathered serpent, was prominent in central mexico from at least the time of teotihuac a n 100 750 ce to the collapse of the aztec capital of tenochtitl a n in 1521. A complete dissertation on all the stories and myths surrounding the legendary toltec. At that time he seems to have been conceived as a vegetation god. A quest for heroes novelization is an epic fantasy thrill ride with a dash of poignant humanity. I couldnt find any other book in our library to use at the party, so i found the legend of quetzalcoatl and retold it. The great quetzalcoatl would since be remembered as the ruler and exemplary politician, civilizing hero, inventor of the calendar, discoverer of corn, master farmer, inventor of the art of casting metals, carver of precious stones, judge, lawyer, king of the toltecs and a god who. Quetzalcoatl timeline ancient history encyclopedia.
The order, which was founded in mexico city on march 14, 1945 by arthur j. Check out inspiring examples of quetzalcoatl artwork on deviantart, and get inspired by our community of talented artists. Itzamna, kukulcan, and quetzalcoatl were all bearded plumed serpent. Kukulkan, just as quetzalcoatl, had a human form as well as that of a feathered serpent. Encyclopedia mythica the mythology resources in this. It is heavily involved in philanthropy, and its main contribution is towards transportation funds for shriners hospitals the order, which was founded in mexico city on march 14, 1945 by arthur j.
Mythology myths, legends, folklore ready reference center at. This book is organized by geographic region, and each myth is placed within the. Cardenal has been a long time polemical figure of nicaraguas literature and cultural history. It is heavily involved in philanthropy, and its main contribution is towards transportation funds for shriners hospitals. The aztec name for the featheredserpent deity of ancient mesoamerica, one of the main gods of many mexican and northern central american civilizations. The name quetzalcoatl is a combination of two nahuatl the language of. As deity, culture hero, or legendary ruler, quetzalcoatl appeared in some of the regions most powerful and enduring stories. He was also known as kukulkan to the maya, gucumatz to the quiche of guatemala, and ehecatl to the huastecs of. Tezcatlipoca tricked quetzalcoatl by getting him drunk and then holding up a mirror that showed tezcatlipocas cruel face. If you look up quetzalcoatl, even wikipedia will tell you he is an aztec god. Further references can be found in individual articles.
Quetzalcoatl is also called white tezcatlipoca, to contrast him to the black tezcatlipoca. The great birdserpent is the most powerful figure in mexican mythology, and it was known and accepted as a god in ancient mexico and central america. Other articles where the coming of quetzalcoatl is discussed. The olmec period which saw the rise of the olmec cultures work in stone, first major cities appear. The biographical sketch of kukulcan from the encyclopedia mythica matches very. Quetzalcohuatzin, modern nahuatl pronunciation help info is a deity in mesoamerican culture and literature whose name comes from the nahuatl language and means feathered serpent or quetzalfeathered serpent. According to one epic legend, quetzalcoatl, deceived by tezcatlipoca, was driven from tula, the toltec capital, and wandered for. The coming of quetzalcoatl mural by orozco britannica. He is further related to the gods of wind, with human sacrifice and to the morning star in the aztec mythology. They burned their books along with any literate people and teachers who were the.
The order of quetzalcoatl was founded on march 14, 1945, by the late arthur j. Jan 27, 2007 quetzalcoatl is the same cosmic principle that put the universe into existence. Below is a list of books that have been used to compile the encyclopedia. Quetzalcoatl article about quetzalcoatl by the free.
Quetzalcoatl was also the patron of the priests and the title of the aztec high priest. Quetzalcoatl feathered snake is the aztec name for the featheredserpent deity of ancient mesoamerica, one of the main gods of many mexican and northern central american civilizations. The god quetzalcoatl, is the feathered serpent or precious twin. Nevertheless, quetzalcoatl stood for all that was good in this world. Jul 01, 20 the deity quetzalcoatl, or the plumed serpent is inseparable from the man ce acatl topitlzin quetzalcoatl, known to be a famous leader in prehistorical mexican myth. The name is a combination of quetzal, a brightly colored mesoamerican bird, and coatl, meaning serpent. Quetzalcoatl simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The mystery of the twin souls is extraordinary and this is pointed out by the twin of quetzalcoatl. Writtencompiled by julia floodmexicolore name of god. The toltec formed a warrior aristocracy that gained ascendancy in the valley. Several modern books like the tao of chaos have demonstrated extraordinary similarities that link the iching to modern knowledge of dna structures. It is the complete fairy tale in which all things change perpetually into something else and are forever elusive, yet profoundly true. The name quetzalcoatl literally means quetzalbird snake or serpent with feathers of the quetzal which implies something divine or precious.
Quetzalcoatl was then, in turn, deposed by tlaloc, the watergod, working for tezcatlipoca. Quetzalcoatl, or feathered serpent, was an important god to the ancient people of mesoamerica. List of books and articles about quetzalcoatl online. Quetzalcoatl white bearded god of mesoamerican antiquities. The quetzal pharomachrus mocinno, also known as the resplendent quetzal or magnificent quetzal, is an astonishingly beautiful bird of tropical forests. History, myth, and tradition did the rest, establishing quetzalcoatl as one of the main deities of the new world. Returning to take control, tezcatlipoca impersonated a god named titlacauepan in order to shame quetzalcoatl into getting drunk enough to rape his sister, quetzalpetlatl. Quetzalcoatl article about quetzalcoatl by the free dictionary. The temple of quetzalcoatl is completed at teotihuacan.
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. Native american quetzalcoatl kehtsahlcohatl aztec quirinus kwirinuhs. With his opposite tezcatlipoca he created the world. Quetzalcoatl feathered snake is the aztec name for the featheredserpent deity of ancient mesoamerica, one of the main gods of many mexican and northern central american civilizations the name quetzalcoatl literally means quetzalbird snake or serpent with feathers of the quetzal which implies something divine or precious. I created my first childrens story book, the legend of maize. Times and tales of gods and heroes by edith hamilton. The encyclopedia mythica is an online encyclopedia on mythology, folklore, and legends. Topiltizin ce acatl quetzalcoatl the man was a legendary exiled toltec ruler who is believed to have reigned from a.
Quetzalcoatl is deeper than just a mayan story or myth. Quetzalcoatl is a primordial god of creation, a giver of life. Encyclopedia mythica online resource for information about all sorts of. Myths and prophecies in the aztec tradition, revised edition. He was called kukulcan in the postclassic maya culture that developed from. The name is also that of a toltec ruler, who is credited with the discovery of corn, the arts, science, and the calendar. The kukulcan or quetzalcoatl pyramid at chichen itza is a huge solar clock or mayan calendar located on the yucatan peninsula in mexico.
Quetzalcoatl was often pictured as a snake with feathers, although he was sometimes shown in the form of a human. Quetzalcoat was one of the most important gods in ancient mesoamerica. He then showed quetzalcoatls true image as a feathered serpent in his smoking. Unquestionably, the very pure essence of our own soul can manifest herself within any other organism apart from our personal one. According to yet another tradition he left on a raft of snakes over the sea. Enrique florescano, a preeminent mexican scholar, has written more than a dozen books on mexico and is the editor of two book series on mexican culture and history. He was also known as kukulkan to the maya, gucumatz to the. Encyclopedia mythica online resource for information about all sorts of different mythology systems. History reveals fascinating details about quetzalcoatl.
The dissection becomes more difficult still as the spanish friars introduced christianity and in an attempt to assimilate the indians, created a parallel between indian deity. The romans and greeks took the egyptian gods and goddesses and renamed them along with making. Myths and prophecies in the aztec tradition, revised edition carrasco, david on. As the god of learning, of writing, and of books, quetzalcoatl was particularly venerated in the calmecac, religious colleges annexed to ancient mesoamerican temples, in which future priests and sons of the nobility were educated. Mythica is the most ambitious indie fantasy project ever undertaken. This is not just one book, but many little books thrown in to the pages. She had a male partner, another halfdragon named fu xi, and he taught humans how to hunt, fish and create music. The great birdserpent is the most powerful figure in mexican mythology. He is woven into a mythical prince topiltzin of tula, who left that kingdom to found. He is the god intelligence and selfreflection, a patron of priests. Elian, takes its name from the aztec god quetzalcoatl. This dichotomy contrasted the stages of human progression from a primeval, nonchristian paradise to a christian, capitalist hell. A quest for heroes is a 2014 arrowstorm entertainment fantasy film written and directed by anne k.
Kukulcans, quetzalcoatls and even viracocha were in their human representation a complete contrast, having white or silver hair, white skin, blue eyes, and were much taller than the natives. Quetzalcoatl, asteroid 1,915 the 1,915th asteroid to be discovered, on march 9, 1953, is approximately. Quetzalcoatl, the winged serpent god occultopedia, the. The name is a combination of quetzalli, a brightly colored mesoamerican bird, and, which means serpent. For thousands of years, quetzalcoatl was one of the most important figures in the traditional mythologies of mesoamerica. Warrior, raingod, and spirit of the maize, quetzalcoatl the most familiar of the mesoamerican gods is better known for his attributes than for his complex history. Everything from aaron to zygius, with thousands of articles in between. Encyclopedia mythica is the premier encyclopedia on mythology, folklore, and religion. Accordingly, he dominated the great early american civilizations, from the land of the incas in south america, to the pueblo indians of the our southwestern desert. West, author of whispers out of the dust and cold slither.
Encyclopedia mythica pronunciation guide article pronunciation area acheron. Quetzalcoatl dreams by terry andrews and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. They were like the greeks and romans to the egyptians. Representations of a feathered snake occur as early as the teotihuacan civilization 3rd to 8th century ce on the central plateau. That need is to understand the world around us, or. Quetzalcoatl was one of the most powerful and multifaceted gods in mesoamerican religions. It is unclear whether the ruler took his name from the god or as a great ruler was revered and later deified. The deity quetzalcoatl, or the plumed serpent is inseparable from the man ce acatl topitlzin quetzalcoatl, known to be a famous leader in prehistorical mexican myth. The god known as the plumed serpent is a mix of bird and rattle snake and his name is a combination of the nahuatl words for the quetzal the emerald plumed bird and coatl or serpent. In dualistic toltec religion, the opposing deity, tezcatlipoca smoking mirror, a god of the night, had reputedly driven quetzalcoatl into exile. As others have said this is not a book for small children to be left with. Articles arent comprehensive, but are a good place to start. The order of quetzalcoatl, colloquially known as the q, is a masonic invitational body.
Mythwebs illustrated encyclopedia of greek mythology. Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent or plumed serpent, was one of the most important gods in the ancient mesoamerican pantheon. His works include mesoamericas classic heritage, moctezumas mexico, waiting for the dawn, aztec ceremonial landscapes university press of colorado, and city of sacrifice. He was known as the inventor of books and the calendar, the giver of maize corn to mankind, and sometimes as a symbol of death and resurrection. Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, one of the major deities of the ancient mexican pantheon. I was fortunate to be there one year for the spring equinox and witness the light display of the great feathered serpent kukulcan or quetzalcoatl depending on where youre from, descending down the stairs of the pyramid and into the ground. Quetzalcoatl the man not only laid claim to direct lineage to the feathered serpent, he lived the part of the deity. Known to the zapotecs, olmecs, toltecs, mayans, aztecs, and others, and at times the shared hero of warring peoples, quetzalcoatl transcends both cultural and chronological barriers. Quetzalcoatl get acquainted with the mesoamerican deity, quetzalcoatl, whose incredible powers saw him create universe, earth, sea and sky, as well as our distant human ancestors.
What dazzling beauty there is in the myth of quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl is a deity that will intrigue many historians, theologians and people who are interested in ancient mythology for centuries to come. Lo and behold here, the mystery of the twin souls, one of the most great and sublime mysteries of love. Quetzalcoatl s departure from his people was the work of his old enemy, tezcatlipoca, who wanted people to make bloodier sacrifices than the flowers, jade, and butterflies they offered to quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent or precious twin. Bump to top front corner edge, creating a fold mark on cover and pages. U virgina etext library one of dozens of publicdomain, online books relating to native american myth, history, and culture archived on this mustvisit site. Quetzalcoatl pronounced kehtzalcohwahtul and roughly translated as the feathered serpent, the plumed serpent or the quetzalfeathered serpent, is the name of an important mesoamerican deity who was worshiped throughout the region in one form or another for 1,200 years.
His works previously translated into english include memory, myth, and time in mexico and the myth of quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl has 167 books on goodreads, and recently added consider her ways and others by john wyndham, by john wyndham. Its chapters called teocallis, nahuatl for house of. Quetzalcoatl occupied a central place in the pantheon of the aztec people of central mexico, but he dates back to a time long before the aztecs. The name quetzalcoatl was also taken on by several ancient aztec leaders.
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