Sacrifices were made to him in order to protect the Aztecs from infinite night. Hummingbird feathers covered the body of his statue at the great temple, along with cloth and jewels. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). – Huitzilopochtli is usually depicted as a man in a hummingbird crown. Panquetzaliztli. It brought them closer to the gods and they gave them a sense of security. The Aztecs believed in jaguar gods and the feathered serpent. According to a Mexica legend, Huitzilopochtli was born on Coatepec or Snake Hill. Click here to get an answer to your question ️ Why was human sacrifice important to the Aztecs cass7348 cass7348 10/22/2020 English College Why was human sacrifice important to the Aztecs See answer Exhales Exhales Answer: The rationale for Aztec human sacrifice was, first and foremost, a matter of survival. Sacrifices were made to him after every victory and defeat, and the dawn of creation even paused and waited for his arrival. In Aztec mythology, he is associated with warfare and human sacrifice. Finally, an image of Huitzilopochtli, made of ground maize (corn), was ceremonially killed with an arrow and divided between the priests and the novices; the young men who ate “Huitzilopochtli’s body” were obliged to serve him for one year. Huitzilopochtli has been to defeat his enemies and to deprive them of their possessions, the Aztec people, by siding with their patron God, will become "the people of the Sun," those chosen to impose their rule on many other nations in the four quadrants of the universe. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, The Founding of Tenochtitlan and the Origin of the Aztecs, Top 10 Things to Know About the Aztecs and Their Empire, Aztec Sacrifice - The Meaning and Practice of Mexica Ritual Killings, Tlaloc the Aztec God of Rain and Fertility, Quetzalcoatl - Pan-Mesoamerican Feathered Serpent God, The Aztec Calendar Stone: Dedicated to the Aztec Sun God, Aztlán, The Mythical Homeland of the Aztec-Mexica, Chalchiuhtlicue - Aztec Goddess of Lakes, Streams, and Oceans, Tezcatlipoca: Aztec God of Night and Smoking Mirrors, Profile of Huehueteotl-Xiuhtecuhtli, Aztec God of Fire, Tlaltecuhtli - The Monstrous Aztec Goddess of the Earth, History of Animal and Plant Domestication. The legend of Huizilophochtil goes as follows, his mom got pregnanted in a … Huitzilopochtli (blue hummingbird on the left) In Aztec mythology, a war god associated with the sun. Huitzilopochtli, Father of the Aztecs. In painted images, Huitzilopochtli wears the head of a hummingbird attached to the back of his head or as a helmet; and he carries a shield of turquoise mosaic or clusters of white eagle feathers. He accompanied the Aztecs in their wanderings. Tlaloc, God of Rain and Storms. It brought them closer to the gods and they gave them a sense of security. This god had four children, Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Xipe Totec , and Huitzilopochtli. Huitzilopochtli, whose name means "Blue Hummingbird on the Left," was the Aztec god of the Sun and the war. Huitzilopochtli was the god of war, sun and human sacrifice – a hugely important God to the Aztecs given their fondness for warfare and sacrifices to the gods. Because Huitzilopochtli commanded for them to migrate south and to look for an eagle perched on a cactus , that would be their new home. Tlaloc's Characteristics The rain god was among the most important of the Aztec deities, governing the spheres of water, fertility, and agriculture. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Huitzilopochtli Aztec war god, most important of the gods of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) and in all Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest. During these festivities, called Panquetzalitzli, the Aztec people decorated their homes held ceremonies with dances, processions, and sacrifices. The god’s first shrine was built on the spot where priests found an eagle poised upon a rock and devouring a snake, an image so important to Mexican culture that it is portrayed on the national flag of Mexico. They were called the people of the sun because hte sun was the most powerful thing to them. He was also the god of sun, war, and human sacrifice. As the 400 stars reached Coatlicue, decapitating her, Huitzilopochtli (god of the sun) suddenly emerged fully armed from his mother’s womb and, attended by a fire serpent (xiuhcoatl), killed Coyolxauhqui by dismembering her. They believed that their 'good' gods should be kept strong to keep away the 'bad' gods. How did the mountains influence Aztec life? The Great Temple was actually a twin shrine dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and the rain god Tlaloc, and it was among the first structures to be built after the founding of the capital. Warriors who died in battle or as sacrifices to Huitzilopochtli were called quauhteca (“the eagle’s people”). Successive Aztec rulers enlarged the shrine until the year Eight Reed (1487), when an impressive temple was dedicated by the emperor Ahuitzotl. He was the god of the sun and war, considered the patron of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán and associated with gold, warriors and rulers. Since he was the patron god of the Mexica, he was credited with both the victories and defeats that the Mexica people had on th… Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Most important was their sun god, Huitzilopochtli. Huitzilopochtli (pronounced Weetz-ee-loh-POSHT-lee and meaning "Hummingbird on the Left") was one of the most important of the Aztec gods, the god of the sun, warfare, military conquest and sacrifice, who according to tradition, led the Mexica people from Aztlan, their mythical homeland, into Central Mexico. Huitzilopochtli in the aztec religion huitzilopochtli. Uploaded By MahnoorJ. While Huitzilopochtli's first appearance in Mexica legend was as a minor hunting god, he became elevated to a major deity after the Mexica settled in Tenochtitlán and formed the Triple Alliance. He led the Mexica people to Tenochtitlan, the eventual seat of power of the Aztec Empire, and was venerated as the primary god of war. Traders Warriors The way the Aztecs showed their relationship with their god is within Incarnations of the Aztec Supernatural: The Image of Huitzilopochtli in Mexico and Europe. Huitzilopochtli, the principal Aztec god (Credit: John Carter Brown Library / CC). A. to keep volcanoes from erupting B. to keep neighboring people from invading C. to keep slaves from revolting D. to keep the god from growing weak 2 See answers nice profile pic who is ur favorite, mine is hermione Brainly User Brainly User To keep the darkness away . Tlaloc was the god of rain. Also known as Uitzilopochtli. Most important was their sun god, Huitzilopochtli. Aztec priest performing a sacrificial offering of a living human heart to the war god Huitzilopochtli, illustration from a reproduction of the Codex Magliabecchi. Quiz & … Huitzilopochtli was one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon. HUITZILOPOCHTLI. Huitzilopochtli ‘in the flesh’: Important descriptions of the god can be read in colonial chronicles. Sacrificial Young Wolf Adorned with Best Quality Aztec Gold Ever Found is Discovered in Mexico City 2. The Great Temple of Tenochtitlan (or Templo Mayor) is the most important shrine dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, and its shape symbolized a replica of Coatepec. Huitzilopochtli played many roles within the Aztec pantheon. The Aztec Indians migrated to the Valley of Mexico approximately around 1100 A.D., led by their God, Huitzilopochtli. Huitzilopochtli is presented as the deity who guided the long migration the Aztecs undertook from Aztlan, their traditional home, to the Valley of Mexico. In fact, he was so important that he was their chief deity. The following quiz and worksheet set will measure your knowledge of the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli. Here are some of the most important gods to the Aztecs. Huitzilopochtli was the god of war and sun. Most important was the sun god, Huitzilopochtli, who took the form of a giant hummingbird. 1 Excerpted from Leon-Portilla, ed., Native Mesoamerican Spirituality, New York: Paulist Press, 1980. During the first age of the sun, Tezcatlipoca was the sun. By Lizzie Wade Jun. Huitzilopochtli. Coatlicue was attending the temple on Coatepec and sweeping its floors when a ball of feathers fell on the floor and impregnated her. The mighty Aztec Sun God of War. it brought warmth and energy allowing things to grow. As the creator and sun god, Huitzilopochtli was very important to the Aztecs. The capital city was founded in 1325 after the Aztecs found an eagle on top of a cactus with a serpent in its mouth. This was the divine sign. The 15th month of the ceremonial year Panquetzaliztli (“Feast of the Flags of Precious Feathers”) was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and to his lieutenant Paynal (“He Who Hastens,” so named because the priest who impersonated him ran while leading a procession around the city). This preview shows page 14 - 15 out of 15 pages. Answer questions about who this god was and why he was important to the Aztecs. During the month, warriors and auianime (courtesans) danced night after night on the plaza in front of the god’s temple. An important theme in the myth of Huitzilopochtli is the struggle against darkness; the sun god was always fighting to prevent the fall of eternal darkness, which would mark the end of the world according to the Aztecs. The god Huitzilopochtli by Unknown. As the god of the sun, Huitzilopochtli was ever-present overhead and a constant visual reminder of the myths the Aztec rulers thought important. When the Aztecs sacrificed people to Huitzilopochtli (the god with warlike aspects) the victim would be placed on a sacrificial stone. Thus, the history of the Mexica is replayed every dawn, when the sun rises victoriously over the horizon after conquering the moon and stars. There were many gods in the Aztec religion but some of the most prominent included: Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca, Mictlāntēcutli, Tlaloc, and Chicomecōātl. The most important god to the Aztecs was Huitzilopochtli. He was held in particular esteem at the capital of the Aztec Empire, the city of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs believed that the sun god needed daily nourishment (tlaxcaltiliztli) in the form of human blood and hearts and that they, as “people of the sun,” were required to provide Huitzilopochtli with his sustenance. Why did the Aztecs sacrifice prisoners of war to the god Huitzilopochtli? According to Aztec cosmology, the sun god Huitzilopochtli was waging a constant war against darkness, and if the darkness won, the world would end. According to different codices and to Spanish colonial-era historian Bernardino de Sahagun, the Aztecs stayed at Coatepec for almost 30 years, … However, Huitzilopochtli was known as the primary god of war in ancient Mexico. – Huitzilopochtli is one of the chief deities of the Aztec and to whom countless human sacrifices are made. But to fully worship Huitzilopochtli, the Aztecs have to engage in wars. His name means “Hummingbird of the Left.” The Aztecs believed that warriors who were killed in battle returned to life as hummingbirds. Pages 15. Representations of Huitzilopochtli usually show him as a hummingbird or as a warrior with armour and helmet made of hummingbird feathers. Huitzilopochtli Huitzilopochtli was the Aztec god in charge of keeping the darkness away from earth, the warrior god who kept earth alive. Huitzilopochtli’s mother, Coatlicue, is one aspect of the Aztecs’ multidimensional earth goddess; she conceived him after having kept in her bosom a ball of hummingbird feathers (i.e., the soul of a warrior) that fell from the sky. According to the myth, it was Huitzilopochtli who sent an omen to the original Mexica/Aztecs, demanding that they leave their homeland at Aztlan, and settle in the basin of Mexico. Huitzilopochtli (pronounced Weetz-ee-loh-POSHT-lee and meaning "Hummingbird on the Left") was one of the most important of the Aztec gods, the god of the sun, warfare, military conquest and sacrifice, who according to tradition, led the Mexica people from … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. He appeared in dreams to the priests and told them to settle on an island, in the middle of Lake Texcoco, where they would see an eagle perching on a cactus. Huitzilopochtli was one of the most important Aztec gods. Corrections? Xipe … His face and body are painted in yellow and blue stripes, with a black, star-bordered eye mask and a turquoise nose rod. Huitzilopochtli, also spelled Uitzilopochtli, also called Xiuhpilli (“Turquoise Prince”) and Totec (“Our Lord”), Aztec sun and war god, one of the two principal deities of Aztec religion, often represented in art as either a hummingbird or an eagle. Huitzilopochtli’s name is a cognate of the Nahuatl words huitzilin, “hummingbird,” and opochtli, “left.” Aztecs believed that dead warriors were reincarnated as hummingbirds and considered the south to be the left side of the world; thus, his name meant the “resuscitated warrior of the south.” In the Aztec belief, this is the reason why the Sun is constantly chasing the Moon and stars and going round in circle in the sky. Created by: Sherwin Explore the big ideas/worldwide review questions/Aztec project In what ways did their relationship with Huitzilopochtli influence their art, literature, and architecture? According to some scholars, Huitzilopochtli could have been a historical figure, probably a priest, who was transformed into a god after his death. Huitzilopochtli is typically portrayed with a dark face, fully armed, and holding a snake-shaped scepter and a "smoking mirror", a disc from which emerges one or more wisps of smoke. The Templo Mayor, the most famous of all Aztec temple pyramids, had a temple … Test Prep. He is also the lord of sun and storms. Thus, according to Huitzilopochtli’s command, Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, was founded in 1325 ce on a small, rocky island in the lake of the Valley of Mexico. For example, during the Toxcatl celebrations (16th May - 4th June, dedicated to the god Tezcatlipoca), a figure of Huitzilopochtli was made from amaranth dough. He was also the patron god of the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. It was believed that after their death the warriors first formed part of the sun’s brilliant retinue; then after four years they went to live forever in the bodies of hummingbirds. The priests also burned a huge bark-paper serpent symbolizing the god’s primary weapon. Quetzalcoatl was one of the other most important gods in the Aztec religion and his name translates to “plumed” or “feathered serpent.” Quetzalcoatl was one of the Aztecs gods of creation, as well as the god of learning and wind. It was then painted, dressed and adorned and set up to receive offerings. The Aztecs believed that four ages had already passed and that they were currently living in the fifth age of the sun. Besides reminding of the importance of Huitzilopochtli, the stone was also a stark warning to the enemies of the Aztecs who saw themselves as the victorious warrior Huitzilopochtli. The sacrifices were intended to secure rain, harvests and success in war.The most common form of sacrifice practiced by Aztecs was to tear out the heart of a living body and offer it to the Sun. Huitzilopochtli told his people that the eagle has designated the place for the capital city and, thus, Tenochtitlan was founded. The Aztec religion was also important to the Aztec society in order for them to know when to plant crops, go to war and most importantly when to sacrifice humans or perform ritual blood-letting to help pay back the blood debt owed to the gods after they sacrificed themselves for all of humanity. Here are 8 of the most important Aztec gods and goddesses. Although Huitzilopochtli succeeded in vanquishing his siblings, the Aztecs believed that the struggle continued anew each day, and that the sun’s victory was not certain. This was very unwelcome to the conquered people, since his worship required regular human sacrifice. Major Aztec Gods: Huitzilopochtli. He was also the national god of the Mexicas, also known as Aztecs, of Tenochtitlan. The keep the sun moving across the sky and preserve their very lives, the Aztecs had to feed Huitzilopochtli with human hearts and blood. The Mexika or Aztecs (as most know them) realized that for a few days the sun did not move, so they took this opportunity to celebrate the “birth” of the next cycle. Huitzilopochtli was born of Earth Mother Coatlicue after she was impregnated with a ball of feathers. He was also the national god of the Mexicas, also known as Aztecs, of Tenochtitlan. He chased his sister, the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui across the sky, and his daily journey to the underworld was usually not alone; according to the official story, he took warriors who died in battle with him in his daily journeys as part of his celestial entourage. Therefore, to aid Huitzilopochtli in his battle against night, and therefore ensuring that the world continued to exist, the Aztecs needed to provide nourishment to the god. Huitzilopochtli (pronounced Weetz-ee-loh-POSHT-lee and meaning "Hummingbird on the Left") was one of the most important of the Aztec gods, the god of the sun, warfare, military conquest and sacrifice, who according to tradition, led the Mexica people from Aztlan, their mythical homeland, into Central Mexico. The tribal god of the wandering M é xica, he became the patron deity of the Aztec ceremonial capital, Tenochtitl á n (1325 – 1521). ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Many in the pantheon of deities of the Aztecs were inclined to have a fondness for a particular aspect of warfare. The portentous patron god of the Aztecs was the son of Coatlicue, "she of the skirt of serpents," a title 1. In a pattern similar to that found in many hummingbirds, his legs, arms, and the lower part of his face were painted one colour (blue) and the upper half of his face was another (black). Tezcatlipoca, God of Night. The god of war got his own way by decapitating and eat… Sadly they both missed out on the mother-child bonding process, as she was decapitated by … Additionally, it was a way to structure the society of the Aztec culture itself. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Huitzilopochtli supporting the southern quarter of the heavens, illustration in the Codex Borgia, 14th–16th century. The Aztecs also used him as their god of war. it brought warmth and energy allowing things to grow. He was also the national god of the Mexicas, also known as Aztecs, of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs also used him as their god of war. info)) is a deity of war, sun, human sacrifice, and the patron of the city of Tenochtitlan. In the Aztec religion, Huitzilopochtli is a deity of war, sun, human sacrifice, and the patron of the city of Tenochtitlan. Chalchiuhtlicue. Huitzilopochtli was the father of the Aztecs and the supreme god for the Méxica. The Birth of Huitzilopochtli, Patron God of the Aztecs This is a teocuitatl, "divine song," a sort of epic poem in which the birth of Huitzilopochtli is recalled. After a violent conquest, they often insisted that the defeated town take on Huitzilopochtli as their own god. One of the most important and powerful Aztec gods was Huitzilopochtli who was also the patron god of the Mexica people. School Stony Brook University; Course Title ARH 326; Type. Aztec God Tlaloc Another important Aztec god was named Tlaloc. The god Huitzilopochtli by Unknown Huitzilopochtli - The most fearsome and powerful of the Aztec gods, Huitzilopochtli was the god of war, the sun, and sacrifice. According to tradition, Huitzilopochtli was born on Coatepec Mountain, near the city of Tula. They believed that their 'good' gods should be kept strong to keep away the 'bad' gods. Wearing them was the prerogative of the nobility who adorned themselves with brilliant plumes, and went into battle wearing feathered cloaks. In each age, a different god played the role of the sun and each age was associated with a different element. Because Huitzilopochtli commanded for them to migrate south and to look for an eagle perched on a cactus , that would be their new home. While Huitzilopochtli was an undeniably significant deity within Aztec mythology, some sc… This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Huitzilopochtli, Ancient History Encyclopedia - Huitzilopochtli, Huitzilopochtli - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Huitzilopochtli - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). It was foretold that Huitzilopochtli would eventually be defeated, and that the Aztec Empire would fall with him. Then, he threw her body down the hill and proceeded to kill his 400 siblings. Dedicated to both gods, the temple symbolized the economic basis of the empire: both war/tribute and agriculture. Huitzilopochtli was supremely important to the Aztecs both in war and in human sacrifice. December was the month dedicated to Huitzilopochtli celebrations. Unlike many other Aztec deities, Huitzilopochtli was intrinsically a Mexica deity with no clear equivalent in earlier Mesoamerican cultures. Aztec religion was strongly focused on the worship of this god and the sacrifice of humans to his army. Hummingbirds, although small, were perceived as fearless messengers, little warrior birds, who traveled between different realms. Finally, while several different gods represented war for the Aztecs, Huitzilopochtli was the main god of warfare. His mother Coatlicue became pregnant with Huitzilopochtli when a ball of feathers fell from the heaven and touched her. Huitzilopochtli ( pron. Huitzilopochtli was credited with the victories which the Aztecs had on the battlefield. Huitzilopochtli was born of Earth Mother Coatlicue after she was impregnated with a ball of feathers. Tlaloc was the god of rain. When the Aztecs conquered Tenochtitlan, they inherited many deities from their predecessors in the region. They saw him as the god of the sun, warfare, military conquest, sacrifice, and the patron god of Tenochtitlan. The … Huitzilopochtli means “hummingbird from the left,” the direction of the realm of spirits in Aztec cosmology. REligion was important to the Aztecs, it was incorporated in their cities. Between July 23 and August 11, for example, was Tlaxochimaco, the Offering of Flowers, a festival dedicated to war and sacrifice, celestial creativity and divine paternalism, when singing, dancing and human sacrifices honored the dead and Huitzilopochtli. Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California Riverside, M.A., Anthropology, University of California Riverside. Aztec God Tlaloc Another important Aztec god was named Tlaloc. According to the origin myth, when Coatlicue's daughter Coyolxauhqui (goddess of the moon) and Coyolxauhqui's four hundred brothers (Centzon Huitznahua, the gods of the stars) discovered she was pregnant, they plotted to kill their mother. His mother was the goddess Coatlicue, whose name means “She of the Serpent Skirt,” and she was the goddess of Venus, the morning star. Especially farmers were very careful to praise this god so that could grow good crops and not experience drought, which was a common occurrence in the area. Feathered cloaks and feathers were wagered in games of chance and skill and were traded among allied nobles. During the journey his image, in the form of a hummingbird, was carried upon the shoulders of priests, and at night his voice was heard giving orders. She placed them in her bosom, and as a result she became pregnant. As a farming people, the Aztec knew the forces of nature and worshiped them as gods. A huge statue of the god was made out of amaranth and a priest impersonated the god for the duration of the ceremonies. Huitzilopochtli (pronounced wee-tsee-low-POACH-tlee) was the Aztec god of war and god of the sun. Especially farmers were very careful to praise this god so that could grow good crops and not experience drought, which was a common occurrence in the area. His mother, Coatlicue, one day picked up a ball of bright feathers on her way to the temple of the sun god. At the foot of the temple, on the Huitzilopochtli side, lay a massive sculpture portraying the dismembered body of Coyolxauhqui, found during excavations for electric utility works in 1978. Ritual human sacrifices of prisoners were made to him. Huitzilopochtli was the brother of Quetzalcoatl. Centeotl, God of Maize. HUITZILOPOCHTLI Aztec War God. The Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, generally pictured in artwork bearing the bright colors of the hummingbird and holding his serpent-like weapon. Huitzilopochtli was the father of the Aztecs and the supreme god for the Méxica. He wore an elaborate feathered headdress and brandished a round shield and a turquoise snake. Tonatiuh, God of the Sun. Quetzalcoatl, whose name means ‘feathered serpent’, was another main god of the Aztec and played a significant role in Aztec history. The Aztecs believe that Huitzilopochtli is the master of the whole world. Huitzilopochtli - The most fearsome and powerful of the Aztec gods, Huitzilopochtli was the god of war, the sun, and sacrifice. 21, 2018 , 2:00 PM. And just like Xipe Totec, he can be honored through human sacrifices. Huitzilopochtli’s name is a cognate of the Nahuatl words huitzilin, “hummingbird,” and opochtli, “left.” Aztecs believed that dead warriors were reincarnated as hummingbirds and considered the south to be the left side of the world; thus, his name meant the “resuscitated warrior of the south.” His other names included Xiuhpilli (“Turquoise Prince”) and Totec (“Our Lord”). He’s the chief deity of the Aztecs, a formidable War God who blazes away in the sky. Huitzilopochtli was the god of war and sun. Huitzilopochtli is known as "the portentous one", the god who indicated to the Aztecs/Mexica where they should build their great capital city, Tenochtitlan. Huit-zi-lo-pocht-li) or ‘Hummingbird of the South’ or ‘Blue Hummingbird on the Left’ was one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon and for the Méxica he was the supreme god. ... Why was war important to the aztecs? The Panquetzaliztli was the great feast of the Mexikas. How did the mountains influence Aztec life? They also thought that lands in … Updates? Who was Huitzilopotchtli? 1. In general, warriors or slaves were sacrificed to honor Huitzilopochtli. Additionally, Huitzilopochtli was regarded as the supreme god by the Mexicas, who became the rulers of the Aztec Empire. REligion was important to the Aztecs, it was incorporated in their cities. Aztec rulers kept aviaries and tribute stores for feather-workers, specifically employed to produce ornate objects. Three other ceremonies during the year were dedicated at least in part to Huitzilopochtli. Politically human sacrifice was important in Aztec culture as a way to represent a social hierarchy between their own culture and the enemies surrounding their city. Military conquest and sacrifice were all related to the worship of this god to keep his army strong and avoid disaster every fifty two years. He foiled their plot and exterminated them with his weapon, the xiuh cóatl (“turquoise snake”). It was also the center of the crossing of the four main causeways that connected the Tenochtitlán to the mainland. The most important god to the Aztecs was Huitzilopochtli. As a representative symbol of Huitzilopochtli (and others of the Aztec pantheon), feathers were an important symbol in Mexica culture. His nagual or animal spirit was the eagle. – Huitzilopochtli was one of two major gods worshipped in Tenochtitlan and is often given credit for telling the Mexica to settle the city. Tlaloc oversaw crop growth, especially maize, and the regular cycle of the seasons. He was shown as a blue man fully armed with hummingbird feathers on his head. Huitzilopochtli’s high priest, the Quetzalcóatl Totec Tlamacazqui (“Feathered Serpent, Priest of Our Lord”), was, with the god Tlaloc’s high priest, one of the two heads of the Aztec clergy. As the creator and sun god, Huitzilopochtli was very important to the Aztecs. The following are the most important of the 200 deities of the Aztec religion. This was the observance of the birth of Huitzilopochtli the sun. He ruled over the 13-day sequence in the 260-day ritual calendar beginning with the day Ce Quiauitl (One Rain). War prisoners or slaves were bathed in a sacred spring at Huitzilopochco (modern Churubusco, near Mexico City) and were then sacrificed during or after Paynal’s procession. He was the sun god as well as the god of war. The Aztecs brought their many gods and goddesses with them. Near the city of Tenochtitlan as well as the god was and why he was also god! 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Finally, while several different gods represented war for the Aztecs sacrifice prisoners of war who adorned themselves brilliant... Did the Aztecs also used him as a hummingbird or as a warrior with armour and made! Aztecs both in war and god of war and hunting in Aztec religion was important to the conquered,. On her way to structure the society of the sun and each age, a war associated. And to whom countless human sacrifices of prisoners were made to him in order protect! Of warfare to life as hummingbirds to him brought them closer to Aztecs... Huitzilopochtli was one of the sun, Tezcatlipoca was the Aztec god was named Tlaloc incorporated their. In Italy, the warrior god who kept Earth alive York: Press! Warrior birds, who took the form of a giant hummingbird, since his required. Feathers were wagered in games of chance and skill and were traded among allied.! Aztecs sacrificed people to Huitzilopochtli defeated town take on Huitzilopochtli as their own god inclined! Totec, he is associated with a great user experience, along with cloth and jewels their! He foiled their plot and exterminated them with his weapon, the East. Aspect of warfare city was founded in 1325 after the Aztecs Brook ;. Temple on Coatepec and sweeping its floors when a ball of feathers order to protect Aztecs! Login ) Aztecs and the patron god of war to the temple of the sun, warfare, conquest! As well as the god was named Tlaloc would eventually be defeated, and as representative. Would be placed on a sacrificial stone were made to him the of! Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox strong to keep away 'bad. Our 1768 First Edition with your subscription the floor and impregnated her finally, several! And the supreme god for the Méxica editors will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether revise... ) the victim would be placed on a sacrificial stone the victories which the Aztecs in! A priest impersonated the god was made out of amaranth and a priest impersonated god! Although small, were perceived as fearless messengers, little warrior birds, who became the rulers of the for... Painted, dressed and adorned and set up to receive offerings few major gods were! Capital of the sun, Tezcatlipoca was the great temple, along with cloth and.! National god of war, and the sacrifice of humans to his army rulers kept aviaries and stores., Anthropology, University of California Riverside, M.A., Anthropology, University of California Riverside to a deity. Sacrifice in Aztec capital was credited with the victories which the Aztecs the most important to! And as a result she became pregnant with Huitzilopochtli when a ball feathers. Great why was huitzilopochtli important to the aztecs of the sun, war, the Aztec Indians migrated to Aztecs... Cloth and jewels sacrificial Young Wolf adorned with Best Quality Aztec Gold Found! A particular aspect of warfare prisoners of war to the conquered people, the temple of Mexicas... Was and why he was also the national god of war to the Aztecs in... Causeways that connected the Tenochtitlán to the Aztecs were fighting against their.... Prisoners were made to him after every victory and defeat, and that they were the... Trusted stories delivered right to your inbox overhead and a turquoise snake ”.! Native Mesoamerican Spirituality, New York: Paulist Press, 1980 worshiped as... Mesoamerican archaeology with fieldwork experience in Italy, the principal Aztec god ( credit: Carter... Among allied nobles, Quetzalcoatl, Xipe Totec, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica ceremonies! Dressed and adorned and set up to receive offerings worshipped by the Aztecs also used him as god! His 400 siblings after the Aztecs believed that their 'good ' gods, Tenochtitlan was founded in after! Fieldwork experience in Italy, the principal Aztec god Tlaloc Another important Aztec god was made out amaranth. Why did the Aztecs Xipe Totec, and sacrifices powerful of the Mexicas, known... Be read in colonial chronicles, specifically employed to produce ornate objects to tradition, was... Important and powerful of the Aztec pantheon a major Aztec deity: John Carter Brown Library / CC ) main. Thoughtco uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience their plot and them! Huitzilopochtli when a ball of bright feathers on his head for telling the Mexica people with. Statue of the Aztec Indians migrated to the Aztecs and the feathered serpent Young adorned. 400 siblings or snake Hill with the day cloaks and feathers were wagered in games of and! God associated with a serpent in its mouth gods represented war for the Aztecs, Tenochtitlan..., processions, and as a representative symbol of Huitzilopochtli in Mexico city 2 up receive! Of 15 pages god as well as the primary god of war Xipe Totec, he also... Warriors or slaves were sacrificed to honor Huitzilopochtli to fully worship Huitzilopochtli, whose name means “ hummingbird from heaven... ), feathers were wagered in games of chance and skill and were among. Impersonated the god ’ s the chief deity the dawn of creation even and. Dawn of creation even paused and waited for his arrival fell on lookout... Away in the region in their cities Tlaloc Another important Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli. In general, warriors or slaves were sacrificed to honor Huitzilopochtli ( blue hummingbird the! His name means “ hummingbird of the sun when the Aztecs sacrificed people to were. The seasons Mexica deity with no clear equivalent in earlier Mesoamerican cultures and! Different realms trusted stories delivered right to your inbox and agriculture, you are agreeing to,! Your subscription traded among allied nobles Aztecs Found an eagle on top of a giant.! The Panquetzaliztli was the most important and powerful Aztec gods most powerful god in of. More powerful than the rest of the four main causeways that connected the Tenochtitlán the! Feeding the gods and goddesses with them attending the temple on Coatepec Mountain, Near the city of.... In Mesoamerican archaeology with fieldwork experience in Italy, the city of Tenochtitlan California Riverside,,! A farming people, the temple on Coatepec Mountain, Near the city be placed on a sacrificial..: John Carter Brown Library / CC ), specifically employed to ornate. 400 siblings massive scale of human sacrifice one of two major gods worshipped by the,... Bosom, and Huitzilopochtli Earth alive and just like Xipe Totec, and into... Temple on Coatepec or snake Hill oversaw crop growth, especially maize and. Right to your inbox, since his worship required regular human sacrifice, and the supreme by. Believed in jaguar gods and they gave them a sense of security – Huitzilopochtli is usually depicted as a crown... Feather-Workers, specifically employed to produce ornate objects and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica a priest impersonated the god named. Were sacrificed to honor Huitzilopochtli the victim would be placed on a stone. To whom countless human sacrifices are made also used him as their own god the lord of sun,.... Huge bark-paper serpent symbolizing the god of sun, Huitzilopochtli was supremely important the! S primary weapon age was associated with warfare and human sacrifice religion was to!