Huitzilopochtli facts for kids
In Aztec mythology, Huitzilopochtli (pronounced Weet-see-loh-POCH-tlee) was a very important god. He was known as the god of war and the sun god. He was also the special protector god of the city of Tenochtitlan.
The Story of Huitzilopochtli
The legend of Huitzilopochtli is a famous Aztec story. It is written down in an old book called the Mexicayotl Chronicle.
The story tells that Huitzilopochtli's mother became pregnant in a mysterious way. She was touched by a ball of feathers. Her daughter, Coyolxauhqui, and her 400 brothers and sisters were very angry about this. They decided to try and kill their mother.
But Huitzilopochtli learned of their plan while he was still in his mother's womb. Before his sister and brothers could attack, he sprang out of his mother's womb. He was already fully grown and ready for battle.
Huitzilopochtli then defeated his sister Coyolxauhqui. He also fought and defeated many of his 400 brothers and sisters. After the battle, he tossed his sister's head into the sky. It became the moon, so his mother could see her daughter every night. He also threw his other brothers and sisters into the sky, where they became the stars.
Images for kids
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Huitzilopochtli, as depicted in the Tovar Codex
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A tzompantli (skull rack) to the right of an Aztec temple dedicated to Huitzilopochtli; illustrated in the 16th-century manuscript, the Ramírez Codex
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An imaginative European depiction of an Aztec shrine. The idol of Huitzilopochtli is seated in the background. (1602)
See also
In Spanish: Huitzilopochtli para niños
