Ehecatl facts for kids
Ehecatl (Classical Nahuatl: Ehēcatl) is a famous deity from the history of Mesoamerica. In Aztec mythology, he is the god of the wind. He was worshipped by the Aztec people and other cultures in central Mexico long ago.
Historians often view Ehecatl as a specific form of the Feathered Serpent god, known as Quetzalcoatl. When Quetzalcoatl appears as the wind god, he is called Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl. He is also considered a creator god and a hero in the ancient stories about how the world began.
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Who is Ehecatl?
Ehecatl played a major role in the beliefs of the Aztec people. As the god of wind, he was seen as a powerful force of nature.
The God of Wind
Because the wind blows everywhere, Ehecatl was associated with all the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West). The Aztecs believed that he brought the wind that moved the clouds to bring rain to their crops.
Connection to Quetzalcoatl
Ehecatl is closely linked to Quetzalcoatl, one of the most important gods in ancient Mexico. In many myths, Ehecatl is the wind aspect of Quetzalcoatl. This means they are the same god but showing different powers. As Ehecatl, he uses his breath to move the sun and the moon across the sky.
Temples and Architecture
The buildings made for Ehecatl were very different from other Aztec temples.
Why were the temples round?
Most Aztec temples were shaped like pyramids with square bases. However, Ehecatl's temples were built as cylinders (round shapes).
The ancient architects designed them this way for a scientific reason. The round shape reduced air resistance, allowing the wind to flow smoothly around the building instead of hitting it flat. This design showed respect for the wind and prevented strong gusts from damaging the structure. Sometimes, the temples had two masks sticking out that the wind would blow through.
