The Gods Of Aztec Mythology

Introduction

A host of interesting Gods with completely unpronounceable names. The Aztecs must have possessed the most dextrous tongues in the known world. By using Scrabble letters and adding the odd X you could probably make up your very own pantheon of Aztec deities.

The mighty Aztec Empire was happily established in Mexico before it was Mexico. Lots of colour, festivals, feathers and enough fighting and sacrifices to keep HUITZILOPOCHTLI happy and the sun shining.

There was just one slight problem. Since that nice God QUETZALCOATL had zoomed off promising to come back one rainy day, HUITZILOPOCHTLI had risen to ascendancy and he did like his heartburgers.

In fact the Aztecs believed that the Gods needed constant supplies of fresh blood otherwise they'd wither and die. Which is why the entire culture was built around human sacrifice. It was practically a charity gore-a-thon on the Gods' behalf. People queued up to donate their life and even played charity football matches for the honor.

There came a day when it was time for the 52 year Calendar Calculations. No miserable 52 week wimpishness for the Aztecs. Now, where were all those tatty charts and ancient priests? Oh dear - what is this? It is the Day of Nine-Wind in the year of One-Reed, and it looked like QUETZALCOATL could return to overthrow HUITZILOPOCHTLI.

And return he did, or so it seemed. Accompanied by strange pale men and many weapons. MOCTEZUMA the current Ruler chewed his nails and had another golden cup of hot chocolate. It was 1519 European Time and Cortez and the Spaniards had arrived...

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REGIONS COVERED: Mexico, basically.

Many Gods are spread across different regions, cultures and tribes. We've tried to pin them down to a particular area if possible. But amendments and corrections are always welcome, especially from people with first-hand knowledge. So if you live in the region and would like to comment, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.

TRIBES, CULTURES AND PEOPLES COVERED: The Aztecs were a close-knit bunch and didn't go in for tribes. The Aztecs were the Aztecs. But we've also covered the Totonac side of things too.

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The Gods told us to do it.