Aztec mythology; Indian mythology -- Mexico; Mexico -- Religion
Torquemada’s account of the Quetzalcoatl myth somewhat resembles that
of Sahagun, due, no doubt, to the circumstance that he had access to
the unpublished MS. of that author, from which he borrowed in a
wholesale manner. The points of difference are these: Quetzalcoatl was
high-priest of Tollan, whence he migrated to Cholula. The ruler of
Tollan was one Huemac, but Quetzalcoatl was its chief in spiritual and
ecclesiastical matters. In drinking the magic potion of Tezcatlipocâ,
Quetzalcoatl desired to render himself immortal. He left the impress of
his body on a stone situated on a mountain near the city of
Tlalnepantla (or Temacpalco), two leagues from Mexico, as the natives
declared to Torquemada himself. Met by the sorcerers Tezcatlipocâ and
the others who tried to hinder his going, he refused to stay his
progress, and said that he must pass on to the sun-land. Father
Sahagun, remarks Torquemada, when at Xochimilco, was asked by the
natives, who were keenly desirous of knowledge on the point, where
Tlapallan was, and replied that he did not know, as he had then not
been long among them. The fountain in which Quetzalcoatl cast his
jewels was now called Coaapan, “in the snake-water.” He then passed on
to Cholula, where he was adored as a god. When he had resided there for
twenty years, he was expelled by Tezcatlipocâ. Setting out once more
for Tlapallan, accompanied by four virtuous youths, he embarked at
Coatzacoalco. Bidding farewell to his disciples, he assured them that
at a future time there would come by way of the sea, where the sun
rises, certain white men with white beards, like him, and that these
would be his brothers and would rule the land. These disciples became
the rulers of the four provinces of Cholula. Quetzalcoatl was god of
the air, and during his life on earth was devoted to the careful
observance of the older forms of worship, but instituted many new
rites, ceremonies, and festivals and made the calendar. Barren women
prayed to him. He swept the road, so that the Tlaloque might rain. For
a month or so before the rainy season stormy winds blew throughout New
Spain. The Cholulans preserved as relics green stones that had belonged
to him, on one of which was carved a monkey’s head. A great temple to
him was founded at Cholula. [154]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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