The four Tezcatlipocas were the sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, lady and lord of the duality, and were the creators of all the other gods, as well as the world and all humanity. The rivalry between Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca is also recounted in the legends of Tollan where Tezcatlipoca deceives Quetzalcoatl who was the ruler of the legendary city and forces him into exile.
Who were the four Tezcatlipocas?
The four Tezcatlipocas were the sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, lady and lord of the duality, and were the creators of all the other gods, as well as the world and all humanity.
What are some other names for Tezcatlipoca?
Alternative Titles: Hurakan, Telpochtli, Yaotl, Yoalli Ehécatl. Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: “Smoking Mirror”) god of the Great Bear constellation and of the night sky, one of the major deities of the Aztec pantheon.
What are the aspects of Tezcatlipoca?
As with many Aztec gods, he was associated with several aspects of Aztec religion, the sky, and the earth, winds and the north, kingship, divination, and war. For the different aspects he embodied, Tezcatlipoca was also known as the Red Tezcatlipoca of the West, and the Black Tezcatlipoca of the North, associated with death and cold.
What did Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl have in common?
He was associated with the color black, while Quetzalcoatl was the White Tezcatlipoca. In one version of the creation story, the two worked together to create the world. Before they created the land, all that existed was the sea.
Who is the Tezcatlipoca?
What animal is Tezcatlipoca?
What does the tezcatlipoca sign mean?
What is the name of the deity in the Codex Borgia?
What did priests wear in Tezcatlipoca?
What is the meaning of the word "Momoztli"?
Where is Tezcatlipoca in the Codex?
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About this website
What were the 4 main Aztec gods?
The four main Aztec gods are considered to be Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca, and Xipe Totec. These gods were the children of Ometecuhtli.
Who was Tezcatlipoca?
Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: “Smoking Mirror”) god of the Great Bear constellation and of the night sky, one of the major deities of the Aztec pantheon. Tezcatlipoca's cult was brought to central Mexico by the Toltecs, Nahua-speaking warriors from the north, about the end of the 10th century ad.
What is the Fifth Sun Aztec?
The Fifth Sun (called "4-Movement") is ruled by Tonatiuh, the sun god. This fifth sun is characterized by the daysign Ollin, which means movement. According to Aztec beliefs, this indicated that this world would come to an end through earthquakes, and all the people will be eaten by sky monsters.
What are Tezcatlipoca powers?
Tezcatlipoca (DC Comics)Tezcatlipoca IAlter egoTezcatlipocaTeam affiliationsAztec godsAbilitiesVarious godlike powers, including magical mirrors revealing inner fears and desires, superhuman strength and enhanced senses, jaguar form, power to hurl lightning, and power to possess a human host.6 more rows
Who is Tezcatlipoca wife?
Wife of the water god, Tlaloc, and consort to the creator deity, Tezcatlipoca, Xochiquetzal lived in the Aztec paradise of Tamoanchan. She was widely worshipped and many great rituals were made in her honour; from incredible acts of sacrifice to sombre confessions.
Which leg did Tezcatlipoca lose?
Tezcatlipoca's actions were costly, however; he lost his left foot in the process.
What does Quinto Sol mean?
Fifth SunThe name "Quinto Sol" is Spanish for "Fifth Sun" and it refers to the Aztec myth of creation and destruction. Since the beginning of the Chicano movement in the 1960s, this concept has become a pathway to cultural expression.
How many Aztec sun gods are there?
Aztec Sun God Summary According to this myth, the creation of the Earth and its inhabitants have happened five times in five eras of five different Sun Gods. Each of the first four eras had ended in disaster and destruction of the Earth. Each subsequent era had a new Sun God.
What did the Aztecs fear would happen every 52 years?
Every 52 years, the people were terrified that the world would end. All religious fires were extinguished, people all over the empire would destroy their furniture and precious belongings and go into mourning.
Why is Tezcatlipoca a jaguar?
Another story of creation goes that Tezcatlipoca turned himself into the sun, but Quetzalcoatl was furious possibly because they were enemies, he is a night god or due to his missing foot, so he knocked Tezcatlipoca out of the sky with a stone club. Angered, Tezcatlipoca turned into a jaguar and destroyed the world.
What happened between Quetzalcóatl and Tezcatlipoca?
Tezcatlipoca ruled the first sun when the world was inhabited by giants. A fight between Tezcatlipoca and the god Quetzalcoatl, who wanted to replace him, put an end to this first world with the giants being devoured by jaguars.
What object did Tezcatlipoca carry?
He is carrying the glyph 'two reed' on his chest linking him to Tezcatlipoca. One of his animal forms was the coyote. Tezcatlipoca's statue: Tezcatlipoca was always represented as a young god and some important elements of his human form can be found in the statue dedicated to his worship.
5 Awesome Things You Can Learn From The 4 Tezcatlipocas (Part 1 of 4)
In this series we will examine what we can learn from the 4 Tezcatlipocas. In order to pierce of the veil of smoke masking the first Tezcatlipoca we have to take an unbiased look not only at ourselves, but beyond the smoke and mirrors, and look deep into ourselves.After-all, as you will soon learn, we are the projection reflected by Tezcatlipoca, so to really know Tezcatlipoca is to know ourself.
Tezcatlipoca | Aztec god | Britannica
Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: “Smoking Mirror”) god of the Great Bear constellation and of the night sky, one of the major deities of the Aztec pantheon. Tezcatlipoca’s cult was brought to central Mexico by the Toltecs, Nahua-speaking warriors from the north, about the end of the 10th century ad. Numerous myths relate how Tezcatlipoca expelled the priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the Feathered ...
Tezcatlipoca — Wikipedia Republished // WIKI 2
Tezcatlipoca (/ˌtɛzˌkætliˈpoʊkə/; Classical Nahuatl: Tezcatlipōca Nahuatl pronunciation: [teskatɬiˈpoːka] (listen)) was a central deity in Aztec religion, and his main festival was the Toxcatl ceremony celebrated in the month of May. One of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, he is associated with a wide range of concepts, including the night sky, the night winds ...
What does Tezcatlipoca represent?
In a similar vein, Tezcatlipoca could represent those other disagreeable elements of the human condition: intense cold, sin and misery when he took on the guise of Itztlacoliuhqui. Finally, in a more positive role, when he was Omácatl, he was seen as the patron of the aristocracy and feasts.
What is the meaning of Tezcatlipoca?
Definition. Tezcatlipoca ( pron. Tez-ca-tli-po-ca) or 'Smoking Mirror' in Nahuatl was one of the most important gods in Postclassical Mesoamerican culture and particularly important for the Toltecs and the Aztecs, especially at Texcoco. He was an invisible and omnipotent creator god, patron deity of warriors, and, ...
What was the significance of the Tezcatlipoca ceremony?
As with other Aztec religious rites an important part of the ceremony was the impersonation of the god , most often by a prisoner of war, typically the best looking and most courageous one.
Who was Tezcatlipoca's brother?
In Aztec mythology he was the brother of Quetzalcoatl, Huizilopochtli and Xipe Totec. In the complex Mesoamerican and Aztec creation myth, Tezcatlipoca ruled the first world of the Sun but was then overthrown by Quetzalcóatl.
Who were the first dogs in Tezcatlipoca?
The trouble began with the old couple Tata and Nene, survivors from the flood which had previously destroyed the 4th world.
What is Yaotl known for?
Also associated with conflict he was known as Yaotl or 'Enemy' and was patron of warriors and their training camps ( telpochcalli ). He was not always protective to soldiers, though, for sometimes he could be found at crossroads at the dead of night, ready to challenge any unsuspecting warriors.
Xipe Totec: Transformation
Our source of strength that allows us to transform and renew. We must have the strength to shed the old, which may hinder us, while embracing and accepting our new consciousness in order to transform the world.
Huitzilopochtil: The Will to Act
As we grow in consciousness, we must be willing to act with a revolutionary spirit that is positive, progressive, and creative.
Quetzalcoatl: Precious and Beautiful Knowledge
Gaining perspective on events and experiences that our ancestors endured allows us to become more fully realized human beings. We must listen to each other and our elders with humility and love in order to hear the indigenous wisdom within our hearts.
What Can We Learn From The 4 Tezcatlipocas?
Often mistaken as a God or several deities, Tezcatlipoca and all it’s complex aspects represent principles in nature, not unlike that which the people of Ancient Egypt (Kemet) call ‘neters’ or the neteru.
What is the first thing we learn about Tezcatlipoca?
The first awesome thing we learn about this mysterious Black Tezcatlipoca is how it’s energy is available to us. When we enter our dream state through its energy we can harness these natural forces to overcome ourselves – but not without a challenge! After all, if it was easy it probably wouldn’t be worth it. These sort of challenges are what the great mystic and occultist, George Ivanovich Gurdjieff referred to as “The Great Work”.
What does the black tezcatlipoca teach us?
The Black Tezcatlipoca teaches us to unbiased look at our true self. To be truthful to yourself is the key, without this you won’t get very far. Of course, this truth may be unpleasant or even scary for many of us. But the message of the black Tezcatlipoca is clear: Nothing will get better, until you tell yourself the truth.
What is the message of the black tezcatlipoca?
But the message of the black Tezcatlipoca is clear: Nothing will get better, until you tell yourself the truth. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: “Never by reflection, but only by doing is self-knowledge possible to one.”.
How many sons did Ometeotl have?
According to the Toltec legend, the original creator Ometeotl raised four sons, attributed to the four cardinal points of the cosmos – each named Tezcatlipoca, literally meaning a smoking mirror, a concept that could be likened to the veil of illusion, called Maya by the Hindu Vedas.
How to tell if Tezcatlipoca is a human?
In his human form, Tezcatlipoca is easily recognizable in codex images by the black stripes painted on his face, depending on the aspect of the god that was represented, and by an obsidian mirror on his chest, through which he could see all human thoughts and actions.
Where did Tezcatlipoca travel?
For the next year, the young man personified Tezcatlipoca, traveling through the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan attended by servants, fed with delicious food, wearing the finest clothing, and being trained in music and religion.
What was the name of the animal that shamans, priests, and kings sacrificed to the?
Jaguars were the epitome of hunting, warfare, and sacrifice to the Aztec people, and Tezcatlipoca was the familiar feline spirit of Aztec shamans, priests, and kings.
Why is Quetzalcoatl called the White Tezcatlipoca?
For this reason, Quetzalcoatl is sometimes known as the White Tezcatlipoca to distinguish him from his brother, the Black Tezcatlipoca. Many Aztec legends hold that Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl were the gods who originated the world, told in the myth of the Legend of the Fifth Sun.
What is the meaning of the name Tezcatlipoca?
According to Aztec mythology, Tezcatlipoca was a vengeful god, who could see and punish any evil behavior or action happening on earth.
Why were Aztec kings considered Tezcatlipoca's representatives?
For these qualities, Aztec kings were considered Tezcatlipoca’s representatives on earth; at their election, they had to stand in front of the god’s image and perform several ceremonies in order to legitimize their right to rule.
How many cycles did the Aztecs have?
According to Aztec mythology, prior to the current times, the world had passed through a series of four cycles, or “suns”, each one represented by a specific deity, and each one ending in a turbulent way. The Aztecs believed they lived in the fifth and last epoch.
What did Tezcatlipoca do to the Toltecs?
A protean wizard, Tezcatlipoca caused the death of many Toltecs by his black magic and induc ed the virtuous Quetzalcóatl to sin, drunkenness, and carnal love, thus putting an end to the Toltec golden age. Under his influence the practice of human sacrifice was introduced into central Mexico.
What was the main rite of Tezcatlipoca's cult?
The main rite of Tezcatlipoca’s cult took place during Toxcatl, the fifth ritual month.
Where was Tezcatlipoca sacrificed?
Outside of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, Tezcatlipoca was especially revered at Texcoco and in the Mixteca-Puebla region between Oaxaca and Tlaxcala.
What is the Toltec tribe?
Toltec. Toltec, Nahuatl-speaking tribe who held sway over what is now central Mexico from the 10th to the 12th century ce. The name has many meanings: an “urbanite,” a “cultured” person, and, literally, the “reed person,” derived from their urban centre, Tollan (“Place of the Reeds”), near the modern town of….
Who is the Tezcatlipoca?
The Tezcatlipoca figure goes back to earlier Mesoamerican deities worshipped by the Olmec and Maya. Similarities exist with the patron deity of the K'iche' Maya as described in the Popol Vuh. A central figure of the Popol Vuh was the god Tohil whose name means "obsidian" and who was associated with sacrifice.
What animal is Tezcatlipoca?
Sometimes the mirror was shown on his chest, and sometimes smoke would emanate from the mirror. Tezcatlipoca's nagual, his animal counterpart, was the jaguar and his jaguar aspect was the deity Tepeyollotl ("Mountainheart"). In the Aztec ritual calendar the Tonalpohualli Tezcatlipoca ruled the trecena 1 Ocelotl ("1 Jaguar")—he was also patron of the days with the name Acatl ("reed").
What does the tezcatlipoca sign mean?
Tezcatlipoca with all 20 day signs, symbolizing the divine calendar.
What is the name of the deity in the Codex Borgia?
Tezcatlipoca one of the deities described in the Codex Borgia.
What did priests wear in Tezcatlipoca?
The priests of Tezcatlipoca often wore the ornaments of the god and wore specific garments for different rituals. Common ornaments were white turkey feather headdresses, a paper loincloth, and a tzanatl stick with similar feathers and paper decorations.
What is the meaning of the word "Momoztli"?
Although the exact definition of the momoztli is unknown, with definitions varying from "mound", "stone seat" and "temple", there is an overall consensus that it is a general holy place to worship the gods, specifically mentioned as "his [Tezcatlipoca's] viewing place".
Where is Tezcatlipoca in the Codex?
Tezcatlipoca appears on the first page of the Codex Borgia carrying the 20 day signs of the calendar; in the Codex Cospi he is shown as a spirit of darkness, as well as in the Codex Laud and the Dresden Codex.
Overview
Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl
Tezcatlipoca was often described as a rival of another important god of the Aztecs, the culture hero, Quetzalcoatl. In one version of the Aztec creation account the myth of the Five Suns, the first creation, "The Sun of the Earth" was ruled by Tezcatlipoca but destroyed by Quetzalcoatl when he struck down Tezcatlipoca who then transformed into a jaguar. Quetzalcoatl became the rul…
Representations
There are few surviving representations of Tezcatlipoca into the present day, expedited by a significant portion of Codexes being destroyed by Catholic Priests. Due to the lack of surviving images, some have chosen to describe Tezcatlipoca as the 'invisible god'. However, the fact that many images are difficult to identify as one god or another does not mean that no generalization…
Temples
Many of the temples now associated with Tezcatlipoca are built facing east–west, as Olivier quotes Felipe Solis: "the sacred building of the war god [Tezcatlipoca] was in direct relation with the movement of the sun, in the same manner of the Great Temple was, their façades being towards the West". There are also several references to momoztli. Although the exact definition of the momoztli is unknown, with definitions varying from "mound", "stone seat" and "temple", there …
Priests
The priests of Tezcatlipoca often wore the ornaments of the god and wore specific garments for different rituals. Common ornaments were white turkey feather headdresses, a paper loincloth, and a tzanatl stick with similar feathers and paper decorations. Another common practice was to cover themselves in black soot or ground charcoal while they were involved in priestly activities at the temple or during rituals. They would also cover the sick and newly appointed king in a simila…
Aztec religion
The Main temple of Tezcatlipoca in Tenochtitlan was located south of the Great Temple. According to Fray Diego Durán it was "lofty and magnificently built. Eighty steps led to a landing twelve or fourteen feet wide. Beyond it stood a wide, long chamber the size of a great hall...". There were several smaller temples dedicated to Tezcatlipoca in the city, among them the ones called "Tlacochcalco" and "Huitznahuatl". Tezcatlipoca was also worshipped in many other Nahua citie…
Creation histories
In one of the Aztec accounts of creation, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca joined forces to create the world. Before their act there was only the sea and the crocodilian earthmonster called Cipactli. To attract her, Tezcatlipoca used his foot as bait, and Cipactli ate it. The two gods then captured her, and distorted her to make the land from her body. After that, they created the people, and people had to offer sacrifices to comfort Cipactli for her sufferings. Because of this, Tezcatlipoca is dep…
Aztec reverence
As discussed above, Aztec folklore is rife with parallels, much of the time depicted in deities such as Tezcatlipoca. For Aztec nobility, this "patron deity" is fundamental in the social and natural phenomena justified by religion during this time. Extreme reverence and respect, characterized by ceremonial proceedings in which priests were "to pay homage" to Tezcatlipoca, or where "citizens waite…