The strangest stories of Aztec mythology

One of the most peculiar Aztec myths is the story of the Five Suns, which describes the creation and destruction of the world in a series of epochs.

According to the legend, the gods created four previous worlds, each with its sun, but they were all destroyed due to various reasons such as fighting among the gods or natural disasters.

The fifth and current world was created when the god Nanahuatzin sacrificed himself and jumped into a fire, turning into the sun.

However, the sun was unable to move until the other gods sacrificed themselves, providing the necessary energy to set it in motion.

Xolotl, the Aztec god of lightning, fire, and death, is an intriguing character with a bizarre appearance.

Often depicted as a dog-headed man or a monstrous skeleton, Xolotl was considered the twin brother of the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl.

Interestingly, Xolotl was believed to be responsible for guiding the souls of the dead through the underworld, Mictlan, and helping them reach their final resting place.

His connection with dogs, considered sacred animals in Aztec culture, is believed to be linked to their role as guardians and guides in the afterlife.

Tlazolteotl, an Aztec goddess associated with purification, was believed to cleanse people of their sins and moral impurities.

She was often referred to as the "Eater of Filth" because it was thought that she consumed the sins of those who confessed to her.

While the idea of a goddess who took on the burden of human sins is fascinating, Tlazolteotl's iconography is even more striking.

She is often depicted as a woman giving birth, symbolizing her role in purifying the world and allowing for new beginnings.

This tragic love story features Mixcoatl, the god of the hunt, and Chimalma, a mortal woman.

Mixcoatl fell in love with Chimalma and sought her hand in marriage. However, Chimalma was already betrothed to another.

In order to win her over, Mixcoatl transformed into a hummingbird, a symbol of love and devotion in Aztec culture.

Eventually, Chimalma fell in love with the hummingbird and agreed to marry Mixcoatl. After their union, Chimalma became pregnant but sadly died during childbirth.

Heartbroken, Mixcoatl took their child, Quetzalcoatl, and raised him among the gods.

Aztec mythology is full of fascinating stories and bizarre characters, showcasing the depth and complexity of this ancient civilization's belief system.

The tales we've explored today only scratch the surface of the numerous myths and legends that have captured the imagination of generations.

As we continue to study and appreciate these unique stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual life of the Aztec people.