Supernatural powers and Deities
The Aztec people had an extremely complex pantheon. It is believed that the Aztec’s worshipped over 1000 gods, and these gods were divided into different categories, or groups. With each group being responsible for one aspect of the universe, such as; the heavens, the rain, fertility and agriculture, and finally war and sacrifice. The people had many agricultural gods because their culture was based heavily on farming.
They believed in the balance of the natural world, the processes that make life possible (like the rain or solar energy) and that the destiny of people depended on the will of these gods.
While some deities were benevolent, others had terrifying characteristics.
Among the many God’s there are certain deities that stand out and have become more important, or significant, in the ancient religion. These deities include;
They believed in the balance of the natural world, the processes that make life possible (like the rain or solar energy) and that the destiny of people depended on the will of these gods.
While some deities were benevolent, others had terrifying characteristics.
Among the many God’s there are certain deities that stand out and have become more important, or significant, in the ancient religion. These deities include;
Huitzolpochtli
(pronounced: Weetz-ee-loh-POTCHT-lee) was the patron god of the Aztecs. He was the god that, during their migration, directed them to Tenochtitlan, which would become their capital. His name translates to ‘Hummingbird of the left’ and he was known as the patron of war and sacrifice. His shrine was decorated in skulls and painted in red, to represent blood, and was located on top of the pyramid of the Templo Mayor (The Great Temple of Tenochtitlan).
(Click image to enlarge)
(Click image to enlarge)
Tlaloc
(pronounced: Tlá-loc) was the rain god and one of the most ancient deities in all Mesoamerica. He is associated with fertility and agriculture. The second shrine on top of the Templo Mayor, was dedicated to Tlaloc, and was decorated with blue bands representing rain and water. The Aztec believed that the cries and tears of newborn children were sacred to the god, and, therefore, many ceremonies for Tlaloc involved the sacrifice of children.
(Click image to enlarge)
(Click image to enlarge)
Tonatiuh
(pronounced Toh-nah-tee-uh) was the sun god. He was a nourishing god who provided warmth and fertility. In order to do so, he needed sacrificial blood. Tonatiuh was also the patron of warriors. For Aztec mythology, Tonatiuh governed the era under which the Aztec believed to live, the era of the Fifth Sun.
(Click image to enlarge)
(Click image to enlarge)
Tezcatlipoca
(pronounced Tez-cah-tlee-poh-ka) was the patron of the night,, and in many aspects represented the opposite of Quetzalcoatl. His name means “Smoking Mirror” and he often represented as an evil power.
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(Click image to enlarge)
Chalchiuhtlicue
(pronounced Tchal-chee-uh-tlee-ku-eh) was the goddess of water and all aquatic elements. She was the wife and/or sister of Tlaloc and was also patroness of childbirth.
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(Click image to enlarge)
Centeotl
(pronounced Cen-teh-otl) was the god of maize (plant). His name means “Maize cob Lord”. He was closely related to Tlaloc and is usually represented as a young man with a maize cob on his headdress.
(Click image to enlarge)
(Click image to enlarge)
Quetzalcoatl
(pronounced Keh-tzal-coh-atl) is probably the most famous Aztec deity and is known in many other Mesoamerican cultures such as Teotihuacan and the Maya. He represented the positive counterpart of Tezcatlipoca. He was patron of knowledge and learning and also a creative god.
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(Click image to enlarge)
Xipe Totec
(pronounced: Shee-peh Toh-tek) was the god of agricultural fertility, the east and the goldsmiths. He is usually portrayed wearing a flayed human skin representing the death of the old and the growth of the new vegetation. His name means “Our Lord with the flayed skin”.
(Click image to enlarge)
(Click image to enlarge)