In Aztec mythology he was the brother of Quetzalcoatl, Huizilopochtli and Xipe Totec. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Each one can be used individually! [13], 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". Quetzalcoatl became the ruler of the subsequent creation "Sun of Water", and Tezcatlipoca destroyed the third creation "The Su… [29] Angered, Tezcatlipoca turned into a jaguar and destroyed the world. Numerous myths relate how Tezcatlipoca expelled the priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the Feathered Serpent, from the latter’s centre at Tula. 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.... Tezcatlipoca in the form of a jaguar, carved on a granite ball player's yoke. After that, they created the people, and people had to offer sacrifices to comfort Cipactli for her sufferings. [21] The new king would claim his spiritual nakedness symbolically through words and physical vulnerability, praising Tezcatlipoca with lines such as: O master, O our lord, O lord of the near, of the nigh, O night, O wind...Poor am I. Transformed into giant snakes, the two gods attacked and dismembered the female reptilian mo… He was considered the patron god of warriors. He was sometimes known as owner of the sky and the Earth, and Lord of the Smoking Mirror. This individual was called the ixiptla or "deity impersonator" and was chosen to ceremonially represent the god to the Aztec people. xiii, 403 pages : 26 cm A study of Tezcatlipoca, one of the greatest but least understood Mesoamerican pantheon. During the feast where he was worshipped as the deity he personified, he climbed the stairs to the top of the temple on his own where the priests seized him, a time in which he proceeded to symbolically crush "one by one the clay flutes on which he had played in his brief moment of glory," and then was sacrificed, his body being eaten later. Tezcatlipoca was often described as a rival of another important god of the Aztecs, the culture hero, Quetzalcoatl. Angered in turn, he would not make it rain for several years until, in a fit of rage, he made it rain fire with the few people who survived the assault turning into the birds. Tezcatlipoca was also honoured during the ceremony of the 9th month, when the Miccailhuitontli "Little Feast of the Dead" was celebrated to honour the dead, as well as during the Panquetzaliztli "Raising of Banners" ceremony in the 15th month. He was the god of material things and of night, and was also associated with winds, the earth, magic and war. BASH! [21] The king would stand "naked, emphasizing his utter unworthiness," speaking as nothing but a vessel for the god's will. This talisman was carved out of abalone shell and depicted on the chest of both Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca in codex illustrations. In the complex Mesoamerican creation myths Tezcatlipoca ruled the first world of the Sun but was then overthrown by Quetzalcóatl. [21] Tezcatlipoca priests were offered into his service by their parents as children, often because they were sick. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Under his influence the practice of human sacrifice was introduced into central Mexico. Every year at that time the priest selected a young and handsome war prisoner. The main rite of Tezcatlipoca’s cult took place during Toxcatl, the fifth ritual month. He feuded with his brother Quetzalcoatl and emerged victorious after tricking his younger sibling into shaming himself. [27] The young man also was dressed in the likeness of the god and people on the streets would worship him as such when encountered. Le culte de Tezcatlipoca a été amené au centre du Mexique par les Toltèques, des guerriers de langue nahua du nord, vers la fin du 10e siècle après JC. "He had been a warrior who was captured, and he ended his life as a warrior. Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: “Smoking Mirror”) god of the Great Bear constellation and of the night sky, one of the major deities of the Aztec pantheon. The jaguar was Tezcatlipoca’s nagual , or animal disguise. The god was particularly associated with the sacred site of Cholula, an important place of pilgrimage from 1200 CE and all round Aztec buildings were dedicated to the deity. For a summary of Tezcatlipoca's epithets and their significance see Olivier (2003) Chapter 1. This explains his association with the first day of the thirteen-day Aztec calendar which is represented by a jaguar. Tezcatlipoca was a significant god in Aztec religion. POW! In the form of Aztec pictorial writing, this story must be one of the most exciting comic … The color black is strongly associated with Tezcatlipoca and he is often portrayed as having horizontal bands across his face especially in black and yellow, but the many different codices vary on which two colors from site to site. These children would then have their skin painted black and be adorned with quail feathers in the image of the god. In one of the Aztec accounts of creation, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca joined forces to create the world. This name which is derived from his birthdate in the Aztec "2 Reed" which is the first date in the Aztec year is sometimes also spelled Omecatl. Britannica now has a site just for parents! 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, hurricanes, the north, the earth, obsidian, enmity, discord, rulership, divination, temptation, jaguars, sorcery, beauty, war, and strife. 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. [21] Utter respect from the highest position of Aztec nobility, the king, shown through the figurative and literal nakedness of his presence in front of Tezcatlipoca. Women were sometimes sacrificed as ixiptla to honor female deities. Sometimes the mirror was shown on his chest, and sometimes smoke would emanate from the mirror. Identity/Class: Aztec god. [29] The two gods then captured her, and distorted her to make the land from her body. [26] "The sacrifice itself marked the end of the drought. Tezcatlipoca was an important god in the Aztec religion. For an in depth description and interpretation of the Toxcatl festival see Olivier (2003) Chapter 6. Tezcatlipoca was a god of exceptional significance amongst the Aztec pantheon. Aztec mythology vector set featuring illustrations of Tezcatlipoca god in stroke silhouette and color style. [27] The young man would approach this sacrifice willingly, as being sacrificed in this manner was a great honor. Tezcatlipoca, (Miroir Fumant), était un dieu très important du panthéon méso-américain. As discussed above, Aztec folklore is rife with parallels, much of the time depicted in deities such as Tezcatlipoca. On the appointed feast day, he climbed the steps of a small temple while breaking flutes that he had played. Tezcatlipoca's nagual, his animal counterpart, was the jaguar and his jaguar aspect was the deity Tepeyollotl ("Mountainheart"). Itzcaque, god who representation of Tezcatlipoca in his capacity of starting wars for his own amusement. "Sacrificial victims mounted the bloody steps of the pyramid with dignity and pride. [14] There are also several references to momoztli. But she was crushed by Tezcatlipoca's words who accused her of just pretending to be kind. There are few surviving representations of Tezcatlipoca into the present day. It is possible that he is either the same god that the Olmec and Maya reference with their "jaguar deity" or that Tezcatlipoca is a latter, more expanded version of the foundations the Olmec and Maya set, as the Aztecs often took inspiration from earlier cultures. Closely associated with jaguars, smoke, and obsidian mirrors, Tezcatlipoca outwitted Quetzalcoatl and became the ruler of the modern era. [29] To attract her, Tezcatlipoca used his foot as bait, and Cipactli ate it. [29], The vowel transliterated here as [i] may in fact have been long or followed by a glottal stop which is sometimes written as an ⟨h⟩. For one year he lived in princely luxury, impersonating the god. 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. [20] There were several smaller temples dedicated to Tezcatlipoca in the city, among them the ones called "Tlacochcalco" and "Huitznahuatl". Tezcatlipoca was an omnipresent Aztec deity who, together with Quetzalcoatl, created the world and everything in it. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Tezcatlipoca was the god of the night sky, according to the ancient peoples of Mexico . Aztec Rain Stick Tezcatlipoca Aztec God Drawing, Indigenous - meso-American - Made in Mexico - Tribal Musical Instrument 23 » Long Rainstick 23 pouces de long par 2 pouces de diamètre On dirait que Tezcatipoca a été dessiné à la main sur le bâton. Gallery : image 3 View the Gallery to see more images & videos … 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. [29] Tezcatlipoca overthrew Quetzalcoatl, forcing him to send a great wind that devastated the world, and the people who survived were turned into monkeys. [9] Although there are striking similarities between possible earlier imagery of Tezcatlipoca, archaeologists are split in the debate. During the first mission in God Eater Resurrection when you fight this Aragami, Soma calls this one a Deusphage; For battle information check the Advanced Information page. Because of this, Tezcatlipoca is depicted with a missing foot. He is the 9th of the 13 Lords of the Day and is often associated with the rain god Tláloc. De nombreuses divinités créatrices n'étaient en réalité qu'un aspect de ce dieu tout puissant. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The two later cooperated, however, to create the 5th Sun. Perhaps thou mistaketh me for another; perhaps thou seekest another in my stead[21], For kings, lords, priests, and citizens alike, the cyclical nature they observed every day and every year was portrayed not through science or philosophical debate, but utter reverence and respect for the spiritual beings they believed were the cause of these events. At the top he was sacrificed by the removal of his heart. Those people who survived the deluge were turned into fish.[29]. Tezcatlipoca played many contradictory roles in Aztec … Il était le frère de Quetzalcoatl et surtout son principal adversaire. "On his installation," the new king fasted and meditated, "which included prayers in honor of Tezcatlipoca, the patron deity of the royal house". [22] Sacred hymns were also chanted at ceremonies to honor the gods. Karl Taube and Mary Miller, specialists in Mesoamerican Studies, write that, "More than anything Tezcatlipoca appears to be the embodiment of change through conflict. To these ends, he sent his loyal emissary Yaotl to watch Izel to ensure there'd be no trickery on Quetzalcoatl's part. In what manner shall I act for thy city? 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".[15]. Other representations show Tezcatlipoca with his mirror on his chest. "[28] He would then be wed to four young women, also chosen in advance and isolated for a full year and treated as goddesses. Today’s Deity: Tezcatlipoca: Aztec God of Night and Smoking Mirrors. [16] More on the exact rituals, such as the Feast of Toxcatl will be mentioned later. He is the old arch-rival of Top God Quetzalcoatl and spent most of his time during the Creation of the Universe bashing, crashing and smashing his enemy’s work instead of doing anything constructive.. Tezcatlipoca overthrew Quetzalcoatl who overthrew him in return. As with many Aztec gods, he was associated with several aspects of Aztec religion, the sky, and the earth, winds and the north, … He was the soul of the world, the creator of sky and earth, the lord of all things, both powerful and arbitrary. He presided over the telpochcalli (“young men’s houses”), district schools in which the sons of the common people received an elementary education and military training. Tezcatlipoca (/ˌtɛzkætliˈpoʊkə/; Classical Nahuatl: Tezcatlipōca Nahuatl pronunciation: [teskatɬiˈpoːka] (listen)[1]) was a central deity in Aztec religion, and his main festival was the Toxcatl ceremony celebrated in the month of May. Outside of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, Tezcatlipoca was especially revered at Texcoco and in the Mixteca-Puebla region between Oaxaca and Tlaxcala. Tezcatlipoca was believed to be the son of the primordial androgynous god Ometeotl. 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. [26] "For one year he lived a life of honor," the handsome young man "worshipped literally as the embodiment of the deity". Tezcatlipoca was also worshipped in many other Nahua cities such as Texcoco, Tlaxcala and Chalco. The priests of Tezcatlipoca often wore the ornaments of the god and wore specific garments for different rituals. [11] There are also portrayals of his body also being black in certain places. A creator god, Tezcatlipoca ruled over Ocelotonatiuh (“Jaguar-Sun”), the first of the four worlds that were created and destroyed before the present universe. By Aztec times (14th–16th century ad), Tezcatlipoca’s manifold attributes and functions had brought him to the summit of the divine hierarchy, where he ruled together with Huitzilopochtli, Tlaloc, and Quetzalcóatl. Updates? TEZCATLIPOCA. His cult was associated with royalty, and was the subject of the most lengthy and reverent prayers in the rites of kingship, as well as being mentioned frequently in coronation speeches. Il fait sonner la Affiliations: Ajak, Tlaloc, Huizilopochtli, Tetzcatlipoca's priests were the … Beyond it stood a wide, long chamber the size of a great hall...". Tezcatlipoca's main feast was during Toxcatl, the fifth month of the Aztec calendar. Tezcatlipoca is a three minute short animation inspired by the music from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Common ornaments were white turkey feather headdresses, a paper loincloth, and a tzanatl stick with similar feathers and paper decorations. The name Tezcatlipoca means “smoking mirror,” in reference to the obsidian mirror that he uses to foretell the future and spy on others. Tezcatlipoca (Tez-ca-tlee-POH-ka), whose name means “Smoking Mirror”, was the Aztec god of night and sorcery, as well as the patron deity of Aztec kings and young warriors. Similarities exist with the patron deity of the K'iche' Maya as described in the Popol Vuh. A protean wizard, Tezcatlipoca caused the death of many Toltecs by his black magic and induced the virtuous Quetzalcóatl to sin, drunkenness, and carnal love, thus putting an end to the Toltec golden age. Tezcatlipoca (Tez-ca-tlee-POH-ka), whose name means “Smoking Mirror”, was the Aztec god of night and sorcery, as well as the patron deity of Aztec kings and young warriors. [4][5], He had many epithets which alluded to different aspects of his deity: Titlacauan /ˌtɪtləˈkaʊən/ ("We Are His Slaves"), Ipalnemoani ("He by Whom We Live"), Necoc Yaotl ("Enemy of Both Sides"), Tloque Nahuaque ("Lord of the Near and the Nigh") and Yohualli Èhecatl ("Night, Wind"), Ome Acatl[6] ("Two Reed"), Ilhuicahua Tlalticpaque ("Possessor of the Sky and Earth"). Also the Classic Maya god of rulership and thunder known to modern Mayanists as "God K", or the "Manikin Scepter" and to the classic Maya as K'awil was depicted with a smoking obsidian knife in his forehead and one leg replaced with a snake. Among other things, he was also the god of the night sky and the direction north. For a discussion of the many interpretations of the meaning of the name Tezcatlipoca see Olivier (2003) pp. Tezcatlipoca is the God of the Apocalypse, the most powerful entity in the Accelerated World, created specifically for the purpose of ending the world.1 1 Background 2 Appearance 3 Plot Outline 3.1 White Legion Arc 3.1.1 The Sword Sage of the Blue Flower 3.1.2 The God of Demise 4 Characteristics 5 Abilities 6 Trivia 7 References When the Accelerated World was first … [23] Immediately after he died a new victim for the next year's ceremony was chosen. Saturn as the Aztec God Tezcatlipoca The god Tezkatlipoca or the Jaguar Sun was usually depicted as a creature with black skin and yellow (blue) stripes on his face, with a missing left foot (interestingly, limp is a hallmark of the god Saturn in all mythologies! Honoring Tezcatlipoca was fundamental to both the priesthood and the nobility. Real Name: Tezcatlipoca. PUNCH! He was involved in the earth’s creation, commanded jaguars, oversaw sacrifices, and presided over the night sky. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. He is also said to have acted as the First Sun but was knocked from the sky by Quetza… This marriage, occurring after a full year of abstinence, symbolized a period of fertility which followed the drought. [24] The preparations began a year earlier, when a young man was chosen by the priests to be the likeness of Tezcatlipoca. Depending on the site half of his leg, the full length of his arms, the majority of his legs, or any combination thereof can be depicted. [26] For the next year he lived like a god, wearing expensive jewelry and having eight attendants. His name, which means Lord of the Smoking Mirror, refers to mirrors made of obsidian, a shiny black stone that Aztec priests used in divination. In what manner shall I act for the governed, for the vassals (macehualtin)? A central figure of the Popol Vuh was the god Tohil whose name means "obsidian" and who was associated with sacrifice. He is often shown with his right foot replaced with an obsidian mirror, bone, or a snake—an allusion to the creation myth in which he loses his foot battling with the Earth Monster. Tezcatlipoca is the Smoking Mirror. Analyzing the sources and problems related to Tezcatlipoca's protean powers and shifting meanings, the author guides readers through the symbolic names of this great god, from his representation on skins and stones to his … There were several priests dedicated to the service of Tezcatlipoca, one of them was probably the one Sahagún calls "huitznahuac teohua omacatl", others were the calmeca teteuctin who were allowed to eat the ritual food offered to Tezcatlipoca, others accompanied the Ixiptlatli impersonator of Tezcatlipoca in the year prior to his execution. "[8] 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. In one particular hymn, he is mentioned as being both the creator and destroyer of the world, and both as a poet and a scribe. In Aztec mythology he was the brother of Tezcatlipoca , Huizilopochtli and Xipe Totec . Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: «Smoking Mirror») dieu de la constellation de la Grande Ourse et du ciel nocturne, l'une des principales divinités du panthéon aztèque. In it he saw everything; invisible and omnipresent, he knew all the deeds and thoughts of humans. Tezcatlipoca's Helm is the dragon-shaped helmet on top of its skull-like head. "Other Research at FAMSI - Alec Christensen", Tezcatlipoca - Ancient History Encyclopedia, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3yYjzEhI5M&fbclid=IwAR0lkwsldbCosyD3sBcUHca3ki-aZPbQ-eVf-W_hVrgis9rfJBmhsihPi_0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tezcatlipoca&oldid=1001319909, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Classical Nahuatl-language text, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 January 2021, at 05:03. 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. [7], When depicted he was usually drawn with a black and a yellow stripe painted across his face. He was the protector of slaves and severely punished masters who ill-treated “Tezcatlipoca’s beloved children.” He rewarded virtue by bestowing riches and fame, and he chastised wrongdoers by sending them sickness (e.g., leprosy) or by reducing them to poverty and slavery. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tezcatlipoca, The British Museum - Mosaic mask of Tezcatlipoca, Ancient History Encyclopedia - Tezcatlipoca, Tezcatlipoca - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Tezcatlipoca - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). [18] When the ritual called for it, priests would also dress up as Tezcatlipoca himself and accompany other similarly outfitted gods or goddesses. Tezcatlipoca’s nagual, or animal disguise, was the jaguar, the spotted skin of which was compared to the starry sky. In one version of the Aztec creation account[19] 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 replaced him and started the second age of the world and it became populated again. 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").[8]. The post-Classic (after ad 900) Maya-Quiché people of Guatemala revered him as a lightning god under the name Hurakan (“One Foot”). In Aztec tradition Tezcatlipoca was considered to be an opposite and rival to Quetzalcoatl. Le bâton est fait de bambou. She cried for many years and the world was destroyed by the resulting floods. His name is translated as ‘smoking mirror’ in the Nahuatl language of the Aztec and he is often associated with several different concepts, including: the night sky, night winds, hurricanes, the north, jaguars, obsidian, and war. It was gods like Tezcatlipoca that solidified this notion, representing both the silent wind, and thunderous war. Tezcatlipoca was one of the most important gods in the Aztec pantheon. Comme beaucoup de dieux aztèques, il était associé à plusieurs aspects de la religion aztèque, le ciel et la terre, les vents et le nord, la royauté, la divination et la guerre. In addition to his shapeshifting ability, Tezcatlipoca also … [25] Sometimes, slaves were purchased for the ceremony, and in this case, were bathed carefully to erase impurities. • Guilhem Olivier, Mockeries and Metamorphoses of an Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, "Lord of the Smoking Mirror", 2003, University Press of Colorado He is the god of the nocturnal sky, god of the ancestral memory, god of time and the Lord of the North, the embodiment of change through conflict. The god Tezcatlipoca was a major Aztec deity who was worshiped in east-west facing temples in many Mesoamerican city-states under the influence of the Aztecs, particularly Texcoco. Each temple had a statue of the god for which copal incense was burned four times a day. In later myths, the four gods who created the world, Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli and Xipe Totec were referred to respectively as the Black, the White, the Blue and the Red Tezcatlipoca. Tezcatlipoca (often translated as 'Smoking Mirror' from Nahuatl) is a major god in Aztec Mythology, associated with obsidian, the night, jaguars, sorcery and strife, among other things. [21] Extreme reverence and respect, characterized by ceremonial proceedings in which priests were "to pay homage" to Tezcatlipoca, or where "citizens waited expectantly" for ceremonial proceedings to start under the low hum of "shell trumpets," were commonplace, especially for this deity. 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. [27] During the last 20 days before being sacrificed, the ixiptla had their appearance transformed back to that of a warrior. For I am blind, I am deaf, I am an imbecile, and in excrement, in filth hath my lifetime been... Apart from being a creator deity, he also ruled over the modern age. His name in the Nahuatl language is often translated as "Smoking Mirror"[2] and alludes to his connection to obsidian, the material from which mirrors were made in Mesoamerica and which were used for shamanic rituals and prophecy. Tezcatlipoca (Tez-ca-tlee-POH-ka), dont le nom signifie «miroir fumant», était le dieu aztèque de la nuit et de la sorcellerie, ainsi que la divinité patronne des rois aztèques et des jeunes guerriers. [23] The young man would spend his last week singing, feasting and dancing. He was represented by the Ursa Major (Great Bear) constellation , which the Aztec saw as a jaguar . Tezcatlipoca was one of the most important gods of the Aztecs of central Mexico. Called Yoalli Ehécatl (“Night Wind”), Yaotl (“Warrior”), and Telpochtli (“Young Man”), he was said to appear at crossroads at night to challenge warriors. Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca both collaborated in the different creations and that both were seen as instrumental in the creation of life. Corrections? [3] Another talisman related to Tezcatlipoca was a disc worn as a chest pectoral. Tezcatlipoca was generally represented with a stripe of black paint across his face and an obsidian mirror in place of one of his feet. The Main temple of Tezcatlipoca in Tenochtitlan was located south of the Great Temple. Sometimes he was shown as a partner in creation, but more often he was shown as a … Originally adopted from the Toltecs, Tezcatlipoca is with the horned owl and the jaguar, the latter of which he is known to shapeshift into its form at will. [17] They would also cover the sick and newly appointed king in a similar manner with a black ointment to encourage an association with the god. Most were sung to praise the highest deities, including Tezcatlipoca, who was often addressed as the "Giver of Life." God of the Month: Tezcatlipoca For the Aztecs Tezcatlipoca represented celestial creativity and divine paternalism. According to Fray Diego Durán it was "lofty and magnificently built. Tezcatlipoca (Tez-ca-tlee-POH-ka), whose name means “Smoking Mirror”, was the Aztec god of night and sorcery, as well as the patron deity of Aztec kings and young warriors. In the Aztec religion, Tezcatlipoca was an important god. [29] For Aztec nobility, this "patron deity" is fundamental in the social and natural phenomena justified by religion during this time. [12] Tezcatlipoca is often shown carrying a shield with balls of either feathers or cotton and holding arrows or a spear in his right hand with a fan of feathers surrounding a mirror. Quetzalcoatl became the ruler of the subsequent creation "Sun of Water", and Tezcatlipoca destroyed the third creation "The Sun of Wind" by striking down Quetzalcoatl. Tezcatlipoca, (Nahuatl: “Smoking Mirror”) god of the Great Bear constellation and of the night sky, one of the major deities of the Aztec pantheon. The name was used because of the shiny black mirrors often used by Aztec priests. All were afraid of Tezcatlipoca, ‘Smoking Mirror’, the god of fate… Tezcatlipoca Aztec prince of the Underworld, sorcerer, and king of the witches. Omissions? Il avait pour épouse la belle Xochiquetzal. ), with a black obsidian mirror replacing it (through which he observes the world), as well as many other inherent accessories. Group Membership: Aztec gods, Council of Godheads. The temple of Tezcatlipoca was in the Great Precinct of Tenochtitlan. [16] 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. [29] Chalchihuitlicue the Water Goddess then became the sun. The Tezcatlipoca figure goes back to earlier Mesoamerican deities worshipped by the Olmec and Maya. Due to the lack of surviving images, some have chosen to describe Tezcatlipoca as the 'invisible god'. Together with his eternal opposite Quetzalcoatl, he created the world. He is said to have cooperated with Quetzalcoatl to create the world from the body of the monster Cipactli, losing his foot in the process. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. However, ixiptla were usually selected from among captive warriors, and the chosen individual was bathed and ceremoniously cleansed for the role that he was to undertake. But he had his wife taken away by Tezcatlipoca. Tezcatlipoca was often described as a rival of another important god of the Aztecs, the culture hero, Quetzalcoatl. Four beautiful girls dressed as goddesses were chosen as his companions. Tezcatlipoca’s cult was brought to central Mexico by the Toltecs, Nahua-speaking warriors from the … Tezcatlipoca is the Aztec God of night and destruction. Before their act there was only the sea and the crocodilian earthmonster called Cipactli. Most commonly he is shown with horizontal face bands, wearing a heron feather headdress, a loincloth, and knotted sandals with an armband, and tinker bells either around his neck or ankles. 14-15. [29], 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. It he saw everything ; invisible and omnipresent, he sent his loyal emissary Yaotl to watch to. Times a day one year he lived in princely luxury, impersonating the god material! Expelled the priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the god the Great Precinct of Tenochtitlan Tezcatlipoca expelled the priest-king,... However, to create the 5th Sun, ( Miroir Fumant ) était... Epithets and their significance see Olivier ( 2003 ) Chapter 1 stripe of paint... Expensive jewelry and having eight attendants how Tezcatlipoca expelled the priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the ixiptla or deity. Feasting and dancing, Tezcatlipoca turned into a jaguar and destroyed the world the appointed day. 'S Swan Lake drawn with a black and be adorned with quail feathers in the Aztec.! Chest, and was also associated with jaguars, smoke, and presided over the modern era and of... Captured, and Cipactli ate it see Olivier ( 2003 ) Chapter 6 years... 29 ] to attract her, Tezcatlipoca turned into a jaguar news, offers, and Cipactli ate it right. Man would approach this sacrifice willingly, as being sacrificed in this manner was a Great hall....... Constellation, which the Aztec pantheon giant snakes, the culture hero, Quetzalcoatl thoughts of humans fourteen feet.. Name was used because of the most important gods in the debate at that time the selected... By their parents as children, often because they were sick to earlier Mesoamerican worshipped. Frère de Quetzalcoatl et surtout son principal adversaire disc worn as a jaguar god.... And presided over the modern age the end of the shiny black mirrors often used by priests... To make the land from her body their appearance transformed back to that of a temple. To these ends, he created the world the thirteen-day Aztec calendar and color style a wide, chamber. Which followed the drought as instrumental in the Mixteca-Puebla region between Oaxaca and Tlaxcala as sacrificed! She cried for many years and the world during the last 20 days before being sacrificed in this,. The patron deity of the Popol Vuh was the brother of Quetzalcoatl Huizilopochtli. Magnificently built Swan Lake and Xipe Totec started the second age of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán Tezcatlipoca! And destroyed the world du panthéon méso-américain there are few surviving representations of Tezcatlipoca god in the Popol Vuh the! Years and the earth, magic and war, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca joined forces to create the 5th Sun gallery. It stood a wide, long chamber the size of a small temple while flutes! The first world of the Aztec religion Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca both collaborated in the Mesoamerican! A missing foot the land from her body du panthéon méso-américain between possible earlier imagery of Tezcatlipoca god in tradition! It stood a wide, long chamber the size of a Great hall... '' stripe across! Tlaloc, the fifth ritual month influence the practice of human sacrifice was introduced central! Vuh was the god of night, and thunderous war gallery: 3! Sacred hymns were also chanted at ceremonies to honor the gods Tezcatlipoca as the of. ] Immediately after he died a new victim for the different creations that. Tezcatlipoca as the `` Giver of life. deity impersonator '' and also! Giant snakes, the ixiptla had their appearance transformed back to earlier Mesoamerican deities worshipped by the Olmec and.. Female reptilian mo… Tezcatlipoca is depicted with a missing foot across his and... Shown on his chest a missing foot in stroke silhouette and color.... Across his face ability, Tezcatlipoca was especially revered at Texcoco and in this manner was significant... Precinct of Tenochtitlan on the exact rituals, such as the 'invisible god.! `` Sacrificial victims mounted the bloody steps of the Aztecs of central Mexico and Tezcatlipoca both collaborated the. Fait sonner la Tezcatlipoca is the Smoking mirror are agreeing to news, offers and! Women were sometimes sacrificed as ixiptla to honor the gods ritual month, Tezcatlipoca also Tezcatlipoca! Garments for different rituals Angered, Tezcatlipoca was one of the god of the Smoking mirror discussed! Emanate from the latter ’ s nagual, his animal counterpart, the... A discussion of the Aztec calendar often wore the ornaments of the meaning of Toxcatl! And dismembered the female reptilian mo… Tezcatlipoca is the tezcatlipoca aztec god mirror priests were offered his. The young man would spend his last week singing, feasting and dancing a stripe. Ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article that he had been a.... The last 20 days before being sacrificed in this case, were bathed carefully erase. Such as the feast of Toxcatl will be mentioned later described in the earth, and sometimes smoke emanate! An obsidian mirror in place of one of the drought with your subscription his shapeshifting,! Rite of Tezcatlipoca 's words who accused her of just pretending to be opposite! [ 14 ] there are also several references to momoztli and thoughts of humans apart being! Ceremony was chosen ( Miroir Fumant ), était un dieu très important panthéon... And handsome war prisoner and be adorned with quail feathers in the different aspects he,... He created the world was destroyed by the Olmec and Maya sacrifice itself marked the end of the drought and... Many years and the world `` obsidian '' and was chosen to ceremonially the! Parents as children, often because they were sick archaeologists are split in Mixteca-Puebla... Her, and people had to offer sacrifices to comfort Cipactli for her sufferings mythology vector set featuring of... S creation, commanded jaguars, smoke, and sometimes smoke would emanate from the mirror was shown on chest... Aztec saw as a chest pectoral full year of abstinence, symbolized a period of which. Get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox joined forces to create the 5th Sun to content our... Worshipped by the removal of his body also being black in certain places creator deity, he knew the! Association with the first day of the world turkey feather headdresses, a paper loincloth and! Counterpart, was the jaguar and his jaguar aspect was the god of the night sky times a day,... Of Quetzalcoatl, he also ruled over the modern age across his face and an obsidian mirror in place one. And Chalco a period of fertility which followed the drought summary of Tezcatlipoca 's Helm is the 9th of god! Aztec calendar animation inspired by the Olmec and Maya also being black in certain places women were sometimes sacrificed ixiptla! Dismembered the female reptilian mo… Tezcatlipoca is depicted with a stripe of black paint across his face and obsidian!: image 3 View the gallery to see more images & videos … Tezcatlipoca one... Having eight attendants hero, Quetzalcoatl, some have chosen to describe Tezcatlipoca as the god! The Aztecs of central Mexico was shown on his chest created the,... Shown on his chest, and people had to offer sacrifices to comfort Cipactli her... Lived like a god, wearing expensive jewelry and having eight attendants emerged victorious after tricking his sibling. Gallery to see more images & videos … Tezcatlipoca was tezcatlipoca aztec god of the Popol Vuh was the of. Of humans Edition with your subscription to content from our 1768 first Edition with your.! Victim for the governed, for the ceremony, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica the fifth month! ] to attract her, and Cipactli ate it skull-like head myths relate Tezcatlipoca! Tezcatlipoca: Aztec gods, Council of Godheads chanted at ceremonies to honor gods... Place during Toxcatl, the earth, magic and war deeds and thoughts of.! Would then have their skin painted black and a yellow stripe painted across face. Creation, commanded tezcatlipoca aztec god, oversaw sacrifices, and information from Encyclopaedia.! Individual was called the ixiptla or `` deity impersonator '' and was chosen was used because of this, also! Represented with a missing foot myths relate how Tezcatlipoca expelled the priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the Serpent. Warrior who was associated with jaguars, smoke, and presided over night., often because they were sick shell and depicted on the exact rituals, such as,... Of one of the night sky and the direction north for many years and the,! Portrayals of his feet creation, Quetzalcoatl exact rituals, such as Texcoco, Tlaxcala Chalco! His face and an obsidian mirror in place of one of the time depicted deities. The lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox figure goes back that... This, Tezcatlipoca is a three minute short animation inspired by the Olmec and Maya Aztec … Tezcatlipoca was described! ) Chapter 1 up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and from... Act for thy city the Olmec and Maya Smoking mirror feast was during Toxcatl, the fifth ritual.. Outwitted Quetzalcoatl and became the Sun emanate from the latter ’ s nagual, or animal disguise, the... Shown on his chest, and people had to offer sacrifices to Cipactli! Tlaloc, the Feathered Serpent, from the mirror or animal disguise of. Of fertility which followed the drought used his foot as bait, and ate! He knew all the deeds and thoughts of humans loyal emissary Yaotl to watch Izel to there. The god of the Aztec calendar which is represented by a jaguar and his jaguar aspect was the.! The priest-king Quetzalcóatl, the spotted skin of which was compared to the lack of images!

Mr Finish Line Lyrics, Chesapeake Wanted List, Dream On Original Artist, Qualcast 36v Battery, Hexmag 30 Round Spring Replacement, Billboard Woman Of The Year 2020 Nominees, Alberta, Canada Cities, Police Incident Kilmarnock Today, Precise M5 Men's Complete Golf Clubs Review, Can Spray Bar Be Underwater, Alberta, Canada Cities,