Aztec mythology facts for kids
The Aztec mythology is a collection of amazing stories and beliefs from the Aztec civilization. They were a powerful people who lived in what is now Mexico. Their mythology helped them understand the world and build a strong society. The Aztecs even borrowed some ideas from older cultures like the Toltec and Mayans. Their empire was important from the 14th century until the Spanish arrived.
The Aztecs had a unique idea about how the universe worked. They believed it went through different ages, which they called "suns." They thought they were living in the fifth sun. According to their beliefs, the gods ended each sun with a huge event, then created a new world.
- In the first sun, the world was destroyed by giant jaguars.
- In the second sun, a terrible storm destroyed the world.
- The third sun ended when the earth was destroyed by a rain of fire.
- At the end of the fourth sun, a huge flood covered everything.
The Aztecs believed that the fifth sun, their current age, would eventually end with a massive earthquake.
In their religion, the Aztecs worshipped many gods and goddesses. They honored these gods with special ceremonies and offerings.
Some of the important gods and goddesses in Aztec mythology include Huitzilopochtli, Chicomecōātl, Tezcatlipoca, and Xochiquetzal. Each god had a special role in their world and daily lives.
Images for kids
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Embodied spirits; Tonalleque (1), Cihuateteo (2).
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Patterns of War; (1a) Tlaloc, (1b) Xiuhtecuhtli, (2a) Mixcoatl, (2b) Xipe-Totec.
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Patterns of Merchants; (1a) Huehuecoyotl, (1b) Zacatzontli, (2a) Yacatecuhtli, (2b) Tlacotzontli, (3a) Tlazolteotl, (3b) Tonatiuh.
See also
In Spanish: Mitología mexica para niños
