Aztec Mythology: The Spiritual Fabric of a Lost Civilization

Aztec mythology, a rich collection of tales about gods, humans, and the cosmos, reflects the profound spiritual and philosophical landscape of one of Mesoamerica’s most remarkable civilizations.

The Pantheon of Aztec Deities

The Aztec pantheon comprises a multitude of gods and goddesses, each embodying different aspects of life and nature. Expanding on the primary deities, the list includes:

1. Huitzilopochtli: The god of war, sun, and the patron deity of Tenochtitlan. His importance is reflected in the grand temple, the Templo Mayor, dedicated to him in the Aztec capital. Huitzilopochtli’s myth involves the heroic and violent birth from his mother, Coatlicue, symbolizing the struggle and victory over chaos. During the annual Panquetzaliztli festival, numerous human sacrifices were made in his honor, illustrating the lengths to which the Aztecs would go to ensure his favor and the continued survival of their society.
2. Quetzalcoatl: The feathered serpent, god of wind, wisdom, and the morning star. Known as the creator god who, alongside his twin brother Tezcatlipoca, shaped the earth and heavens. Quetzalcoatl’s role as a cultural hero extends to teaching humanity arts, agriculture, and knowledge, embodying a more benevolent aspect of the divine. Artifacts depicting Quetzalcoatl date back to the Olmec civilization, indicating his widespread and longstanding reverence. His departure, promising to return, influenced later historical events, particularly during the Spanish Conquest when Hernán Cortés was initially mistaken for Quetzalcoatl by the Aztecs.
3. Tezcatlipoca: The god of night, sorcery, and conflict, often depicted as a rival to Quetzalcoatl. His name means “Smoking Mirror,” reflecting his association with darkness and the mysterious. Tezcatlipoca’s dual nature as both a creator and a destroyer underscores the Aztec belief in the cyclical nature of time and existence. Codices often depict him with a black stripe across his face and a missing foot, replaced by an obsidian mirror or a serpent, emphasizing his enigmatic and omnipotent character.
4. Tlaloc: The rain god, essential for agriculture and survival. Tlaloc’s worship is tied to the fertility of the land and the cycles of the seasons, with rituals often involving sacrifices to ensure favorable weather and bountiful harvests. The Templo Mayor had a dedicated shrine for Tlaloc, where children were often sacrificed to appease him, as their tears were believed to bring rain. This practice highlights the extreme measures taken to secure agricultural prosperity and the deep-seated fear of drought.
5. Xipe Totec: The god of agriculture, vegetation, the east, disease, and spring. Known as “Our Lord the Flayed One,” he represents the regenerative power of nature, with rituals often involving the flaying of human sacrifices to symbolize renewal and fertility. Statues of Xipe Totec, often depicted wearing the flayed skin of a sacrificial victim, have been found in various archaeological sites. The festival of Tlacaxipehualiztli, dedicated to him, involved gladiatorial combat where captives fought for their lives, adding a layer of social and military significance to the ritual.
6. Chalchiuhtlicue: The goddess of water, rivers, seas, streams, storms, and baptism. She is associated with fertility and childbirth, often depicted wearing a green skirt and turquoise ornaments, symbolizing her connection to water and growth. Her name means “She of the Jade Skirt,” emphasizing her connection to precious and life-giving waters. Chalchiuhtlicue’s influence extended to the practice of child baptism, a ritual believed to cleanse and prepare infants for life.
7. Mictlantecuhtli: The god of death and the underworld, ruling Mictlan, the realm of the dead. Often depicted as a skeletal figure, Mictlantecuhtli represents the inevitable fate of all living beings and the importance of the afterlife in Aztec belief. The Great Temple of Mictlantecuhtli in the ancient city of Tenochtitlan was a site of significant ritual activity, including offerings of human skulls and bones, underscoring the omnipresence of death in Aztec culture.
8. Tonatiuh: The sun god, central to the Aztec understanding of the universe. Depicted in the center of the Aztec calendar stone, Tonatiuh demands regular sacrifices to ensure the sun’s continued journey across the sky. The Aztec Sun Stone, weighing over 24 tons, prominently features Tonatiuh at its center, surrounded by symbols representing the previous eras and the cardinal directions. This stone, discovered in 1790, remains one of the most iconic artifacts of Aztec civilization.
9. Xochiquetzal: The goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and the arts. Associated with flowers, she embodies the creative and pleasurable aspects of life, often depicted as a young and beautiful woman adorned with flowers. Xochiquetzal was venerated during the annual festival of Xochilhuitl, a celebration of flowers and fertility. She also had a dual aspect as the goddess of weavers and prostitutes, reflecting the multifaceted nature of feminine power and creativity.
10. Tlazolteotl: The goddess of purification, steam baths, and lust. Known as the “Filth Eater,” she was associated with moral transgressions and their absolution. Tlazolteotl’s priests would hear confessions and grant absolution to those seeking forgiveness, illustrating the Aztec understanding of sin and redemption. Her role underscores the importance of ritual purification in maintaining social and spiritual order.

Cosmogony and the Cyclical Nature of Time

Central to Aztec mythology is the belief in the cyclical nature of time, embodied in the myth of the Five Suns. According to this cosmological narrative, the universe has undergone four previous epochs, each ending in cataclysmic destruction:

1. The First Sun (Jaguar Sun): Devoured by jaguars. This era was ruled by Tezcatlipoca.
2. The Second Sun (Wind Sun): Destroyed by hurricanes. This era was ruled by Quetzalcoatl.
3. The Third Sun (Rain Sun): Destroyed by fiery rain. This era was ruled by Tlaloc.
4. The Fourth Sun (Water Sun): Destroyed by floods. This era was ruled by Chalchiuhtlicue.

The current epoch, the Fifth Sun, is destined to end in earthquakes. This cyclical view of time profoundly influenced Aztec society, driving them to maintain cosmic balance through rituals, sacrifices, and strict adherence to religious observances.

The Aztec calendar, comprising a 365-day agricultural calendar (Xiuhpohualli) and a 260-day ritual calendar (Tonalpohualli), reflects this cyclical worldview. The two calendars interlock in a 52-year cycle, known as the “century,” after which the New Fire Ceremony was performed to prevent the end of the world.

Rituals and Sacrifices

Human sacrifice is one of the most controversial aspects of Aztec religion. While it may appear barbaric by modern standards, it was deeply rooted in their cosmology and the need to appease the gods. Sacrifices, often performed atop pyramidal temples, were believed to nourish the gods and ensure the continuation of the world.

One of the most significant rituals was the New Fire Ceremony, held every 52 years to mark the end of a “century” in the Aztec calendar. During this time, all fires were extinguished, and the people awaited the renewal of the fire atop the Hill of the Star. This ritual symbolized the renewal of the cosmic cycle and the hope for continued existence.

The annual Tlacaxipehualiztli festival involved the flaying of sacrificial victims to honor Xipe Totec. This ceremony, held in the second month of the Aztec calendar, symbolized the renewal of vegetation and agricultural fertility.

The Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan was a focal point for many of these rituals. Excavations have revealed evidence of numerous sacrificial victims, including the remains of over 100 individuals found in a single offering.

The Flowery War (Xochiyaoyotl) was another unique aspect of Aztec ritual and warfare. These wars were fought not for territorial gain but to capture prisoners for sacrifice. This practice highlights the integration of warfare and religion in Aztec society, as well as the belief that the gods demanded a constant supply of human hearts and blood.

Symbolism and Cultural Integration

Aztec mythology is not only a collection of religious stories but also a framework that integrated their entire society. Symbols such as the eagle and the cactus from the foundation myth of Tenochtitlan, depicted on the modern Mexican flag, illustrate how mythology was intertwined with the Aztecs’ daily life and national identity.

The Calendar Stone or Sun Stone is another profound example, combining astronomical knowledge, mythology, and prophecy. The stone, weighing over 24 tons and measuring 12 feet in diameter, intricately depicts the sun god Tonatiuh, surrounded by symbols representing the previous eras, the cardinal directions, and calendrical signs.

Aztec art and architecture are replete with mythological symbolism. For instance, the double-headed serpent motif found in numerous artifacts symbolizes duality and the balance of opposing forces. This motif is evident in various forms, from jewelry to monumental sculptures, underscoring its significance in Aztec culture.

Mythical Narratives and Literary Traditions

Aztec mythology is rich with narratives that explain natural phenomena, human behavior, and the spiritual realm. These stories were passed down orally and later documented in codices. Expanding on key narratives, the list includes:

1. The Creation of Humanity: According to Aztec mythology, humanity was created multiple times by different gods. In one version, Quetzalcoatl descends to Mictlan (the underworld) to retrieve the bones of past generations. He mixes these bones with his own blood to create humans, symbolizing sacrifice and renewal. This story is detailed in the Codex Borgia, an important pre-Columbian document.
2. The Legend of the Five Suns: This story provides an overarching framework for the Aztec understanding of cosmic cycles and the fate of the world. Each sun represents a different epoch, each destroyed by different cataclysms, highlighting the transient nature of existence.
3. The Tale of Popol Vuh: Although primarily associated with the Maya, the Popol Vuh contains elements that influenced Aztec myths, such as the hero twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque, whose adventures in the underworld parallel Aztec stories of divine heroism and struggle.
4. The Birth of Huitzilopochtli: This narrative describes how Huitzilopochtli was born fully armed from his mother Coatlicue after she was impregnated by a ball of feathers. He immediately defended his mother from his siblings, who planned to kill her, symbolizing the victory of order over chaos. The Florentine Codex elaborates on this tale, emphasizing Huitzilopochtli’s role in establishing Tenochtitlan.
5. The Journey of Quetzalcoatl: Quetzalcoatl’s journey to the underworld to retrieve the bones of past humans is a tale of bravery and ingenuity. Facing numerous challenges, he brings back the bones and, with his own blood, creates new humans, underscoring themes of life, death, and rebirth.
6. The Tale of Tlaloc’s Tears: Tlaloc, the rain god, is often depicted shedding tears that fall as rain. This story highlights the importance of Tlaloc’s role in agriculture and the well-being of the community, with rituals and offerings made to ensure his favor.
7. The Descent of Mictlantecuhtli: As the god of the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli’s stories often involve guiding souls through the afterlife. One tale describes his interactions with Quetzalcoatl, who descends into Mictlan to retrieve the bones necessary for creating humanity.
8. The Legend of Tamoanchan: This myth describes a paradise where the gods and the first humans lived before descending to Earth. Tamoanchan is depicted as a lush, fertile land where the gods created humans. This myth emphasizes the ideal of a primordial state of harmony and abundance.
9. The Story of Coyolxauhqui: Coyolxauhqui, the moon goddess, plotted against her mother, Coatlicue, who was pregnant with Huitzilopochtli. When Huitzilopochtli was born, he dismembered Coyolxauhqui and threw her body parts into the sky, creating the moon. This story symbolizes the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Influence on Art and Architecture

Aztec mythology heavily influenced their art and architecture, which served both religious and practical purposes. Temples, sculptures, and pictographs all reflect mythological themes and were integral to ritual practices.

• Templo Mayor: This grand temple in Tenochtitlan is a prime example of how mythology and architecture intertwine. Dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, it symbolizes the dual nature of life and the balance of forces. Excavations of the Templo Mayor have revealed numerous offerings, including jade figurines, obsidian knives, and sacrificial victims, underscoring its religious significance.
• Sculptures and Reliefs: Deities and mythological scenes were commonly depicted in stone carvings. The statue of Coatlicue, the earth goddess, with its intricate design, reflects the importance of maternal and destructive aspects of nature. The stone sculpture of the god Xochipilli, adorned with intricate floral motifs, symbolizes the god’s association with art and beauty.
• Codices: Illustrated manuscripts like the Codex Mendoza and Codex Borbonicus provide visual narratives of mythological stories, rituals, and daily life, offering a window into how the Aztecs understood their world. These codices serve as crucial historical records, preserving Aztec knowledge and cosmology.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

The legacy of Aztec mythology continues to be felt in modern Mexican culture and beyond. Elements of Aztec mythology, symbolism, and ritual practices have been integrated into contemporary art, literature, and national identity.

• Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos): This modern Mexican celebration has roots in pre-Columbian traditions, reflecting Aztec beliefs about the afterlife and the cyclical nature of life and death. The festival, which includes elaborate altars and offerings, honors deceased loved ones and celebrates the continuity of life.
• Cultural Identity: The imagery of Aztec myths, such as the eagle and cactus, remains a potent symbol of Mexican national identity, depicted on the national flag and embraced in cultural narratives. The modern Mexican coat of arms, featuring an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak, directly references the foundation myth of Tenochtitlan.
• Academic Study: Scholars continue to explore Aztec mythology to understand better Mesoamerican cultures and their contributions to human history. Studies in archaeology, anthropology, and comparative mythology reveal the depth and complexity of Aztec spiritual and philosophical thought. Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the uncovering of the Huey Tzompantli (Great Skull Rack) in Mexico City, provide further insights into Aztec ritual practices and beliefs.

In a Nutshell

Aztec mythology is a profound and intricate system that reveals the spiritual and intellectual depth of a civilization often misunderstood through the lens of its conquerors. It encapsulates the Aztecs’ attempts to comprehend the universe, the forces of nature, and their place within it. The myths, rituals, and symbols continue to fascinate scholars and the general public alike, offering a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Aztecs.

In a broader context, the study of Aztec mythology not only enhances our understanding of Mesoamerican civilizations but also enriches our appreciation of humanity’s diverse attempts to grapple with the mysteries of existence. Through the lens of these ancient stories, we glimpse the universal human quest for meaning, continuity, and connection with the cosmos.