Aztec mythology

Aztec mythology is the body or collection of myths of the Aztec civilization, which flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from the 1300s to the 1520s. This mythology is an integral component of the broader Mesoamerican mythology that includes the beliefs of other cultures such as the Maya and the Teotihuacan civilization. Aztec myths explain the origins of the cosmos, the gods, and humanity, and they justify the Aztec social order and ritual practices.

Creation Myths

The Aztec cosmos was believed to be divided into thirteen heavens and nine underworlds, with the earthly realm in the middle. Central to Aztec mythology is the story of the creation of the world and humanity. The Aztecs believed in a cyclical concept of time, with the world being created and destroyed in a series of five ages, or Suns. Each Sun was associated with a specific god and was destroyed due to a specific catastrophe. The current era, the Fifth Sun, was believed to be sustained by human sacrifice to the sun god Huitzilopochtli.

Major Deities

Aztec mythology featured a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses. Among the most important deities were:

- Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, patron of the city of Tenochtitlan. - Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god of wind, air, and learning, associated with the creation of mankind. - Tezcatlipoca, the god of the night sky, magic, and prophecy. - Tlaloc, the rain god, responsible for both fertility and droughts. - Coatlicue, the earth mother goddess, associated with fertility, life, death, and rebirth.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Rituals and ceremonies were central to Aztec religion, with human sacrifice being the most infamous practice. Sacrifices were made to nourish the gods and maintain cosmic order. The Aztecs also observed a complex calendar system consisting of a 260-day ritual calendar and a 365-day solar calendar, which regulated religious and agricultural activities.

Mythological Themes and Symbols

Aztec mythology is rich in themes of birth, death, and rebirth, reflecting the agricultural cycle and the belief in an ongoing struggle between order and chaos. Symbols such as the eagle, jaguar, and feathered serpent recur throughout Aztec art and mythology, representing power, divine authority, and the connection between the earth and the sky.

Legacy

With the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, much of the Aztec culture and religion was suppressed, and many myths were lost or syncretized with Christian beliefs. However, Aztec mythology has endured through historical texts, such as those by Spanish friars who recorded many of the myths, and through the oral traditions of the descendants of the Aztec people. Today, it remains a vital part of Mexico's cultural heritage.