THE AZTEC GODS
The gods were very important to the Aztecs, Mesoamerican people worshipped lots of gods. They would ask their gods for good health and crops. Aztec gods were joined with nature/natural forces, but there were some gods for war, hunting and merchants. Here are the most important gods they worshipped.
Huitzilopochtli was called The War God, he was the most fearsome and powerful of all the Aztec gods. He was the god of war, the sun and sacrifice. The Great Temple in the middle of the city of Tenochtitlan in honour of Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. His name meant “left-handed hummingbird” He was drawn with feathers and holding a sceptre made from a snake. Huitzilopochtli was the tribal god of the Aztecs. Huitzilopochtli told the people to build a city where they saw and eagle on a cactus eating a snake. This was on an empty island in Lake Texcoco. Which is now in the modern day Mexico City.
Huitzilopochtli was called The War God, he was the most fearsome and powerful of all the Aztec gods. He was the god of war, the sun and sacrifice. The Great Temple in the middle of the city of Tenochtitlan in honour of Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. His name meant “left-handed hummingbird” He was drawn with feathers and holding a sceptre made from a snake. Huitzilopochtli was the tribal god of the Aztecs. Huitzilopochtli told the people to build a city where they saw and eagle on a cactus eating a snake. This was on an empty island in Lake Texcoco. Which is now in the modern day Mexico City.
Tlaloc was known as the god of rain and water. Tlaloc would send the Aztecs rain and helped plants to grow. He would get angry and also send thunder storms and hail. The top of the tall mountain was also named Mount Tlaloc. He was drawn with fangs and big goggle-like eyes. The Vessel below contains the vital liquid necessary to fertilize the earth.
Quetzalcoatl was known as the god of life, wind and nature. He was drawn as a serpent that could fly as his name meant feathered serpent. Very much like a dragon. Many people thought when Cortez first arrived he was Quetzalcoatl in real life. The temple of Quetzalcoatl is decorated with large feathered serpents.
Tezcatlipoca was a god associated with things like magic, the night and the earth. He was the rival of Quetzalcoatl. According to the Aztec mythology, Tezcatlipoca was the first to create the sun and the earth. He was struck down by Quetzalcoatl and turned into a jaguar. There was a temple built in honour of him. His name meant smoking mirror.