Quetzalcoatl
Latin America’s
Feathered Serpent God
Meaning and Origin
Quetzalcoatl literally
means “feathered serpent”
Versions of the
Quetzalcoatl myth can be
found in Olmec, Mixtec,
Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan
cultures, and also in
Mexico, Guatemala, and
other countries of Central
America
God or Human?
Like all gods with
transformative
properties,
Quetzalcoatl often
took human form
Here is a human
representation of
Quetzalcoatl
Dualistic Properties
Like human beings,
Quetzalcoatl had both
good and bad
qualities.
Tezcatlipoca can be
regarded as his “evil
twin.”
Can you think of good
and bad qualities in
both brothers?
What makes Quetzalcoatl a hero?
He is known as a true
teacher of his people.
According to myth, he
taught people of his land
the following skills:
Farming
Weaving
Writing
Art, music, dance,
craftsmanship
Superpowers?
Quetzalcoatl’s Journey
The Call – “The vultures quickly found
Quetzalcoatl and told him of [his father’s]
murder.”
Crossing the Threshold – “The animals helped
Quetzalcoatl dig up his father’s body.”
The Road of Trials – “Tezcatlipoca transformed
himself into a jaguar and chased Quetzalcoatl…”
Belly of the Whale – “He burned his rich
palaces…[and] went on his way.”
The Journey, continued
Atonement with the Father – “Sun has called
me, and that is where I am going!”
Flight - “He climbed on a raft woven of snakes
and set off toward Sun, who was beginning his
morning journey across the heavens.”
The Ultimate Boon – “Someday I will return to
my people and my land!”
Transformation – “They saw that his ashes
became transformed into a colorful array of birds.”
Gift – Final gifts to his people as he ends his
journey
Master of Two Worlds – The Morning Star
Mayan Basketball
American basketball was
adapted from the Mayans.
Hoop was 25 feet high.
Ball was solid rubber.
Ball court at Chichén Itzá
is adorned with
Quetzalcoatl’s feathers.
Cannot use hands – only
forearms, hips and thighs to move the ball.
Losing captain was
decapitated!