The Myth of Coatlicue: Mother of the Aztec Gods
In the heart of Aztec mythology lies a powerful and complex figure: Coatlicue, the "She of the Serpent Skirt." She is a goddess revered for her role as the mother of the gods, a protector of the Earth, and a fierce warrior. Her story is a fascinating blend of creation, destruction, and the enduring power of motherhood.
Coatlicue: A Formidable and Complex Deity
Coatlicue's image is as striking as her story. Often depicted with a skirt of snakes, a necklace of severed hands and hearts, and a skull as her headdress, she is a visual embodiment of both creation and destruction. Her name, "Coatlicue," means "she of the serpent skirt," and this image represents the constant cycle of life and death that she embodies.
Coatlicue is a goddess of many faces: she is a fierce warrior, a protector of the Earth, and a loving mother. Her power is immense, and her presence is felt in the natural world, in the cycles of life and death, and in the very foundation of Aztec society. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is also a source of nourishment and sustenance, embodying the intertwined nature of life and death.
The Birth of the Gods: A Tale of Trickery and Deception
Coatlicue's story begins with a divine act of creation. While sweeping the temple, she was miraculously impregnated by a ball of feathers that fell from the sky. She gave birth to Coyolxauhqui, the Moon goddess, and a multitude of stars, who were her children. However, her life was soon disrupted by a sinister plot.
A powerful god, Tezcatlipoca, desired Coatlicue's daughter, Coyolxauhqui. He used trickery and deception to incite her jealousy and anger. Tezcatlipoca convinced Coyolxauhqui to gather her brothers, the stars, and attack their mother.
Coatlicue’s Defense: A Battle for the Future of the World
When Coyolxauhqui and her brothers descended upon Coatlicue, ready to attack her, she was prepared. She called upon her son, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, sun, and sacrifice, who was still in her womb. Huitzilopochtli was born fully armed, ready to defend his mother.
The ensuing battle was epic. Huitzilopochtli, enraged by his sister's attack, emerged from his mother's womb and fought back with incredible fury. He defeated his sister Coyolxauhqui, severing her head and scattering it across the sky, creating the Milky Way. Huitzilopochtli also defeated his other siblings, who became the stars that adorn the night sky.
The Legacy of Coatlicue: A Powerful Symbol of Motherhood and Creation
The myth of Coatlicue is a powerful allegory for the cyclical nature of life and death. She represents the creative and destructive forces that shape our world, and her role as mother underscores the importance of family and lineage in Aztec culture. Her story is a reminder that even within darkness, light can emerge, and that motherhood can be a source of both great love and fierce protection.
The Birth of the Gods: A Tale of Trickery and Deception
Coatlicue's story begins with a divine act of creation. While
