Aztec mythology is rich and fascinating, revealing many breathtaking tales in which gods and goddesses play crucial roles in the creation of the universe and the maintenance of cosmic order. At the heart of these legends is a poignant celestial figure, Coyolxauhqui, whose name is synonymous with majestic lunar splendor.
Introduction
- The meaning of her name is deeply rooted in the Nahuatl language, evoking "She who is decorated with golden bells", representing her role as lunar goddess.
- In the Aztec pantheon, she occupies a central position as the figure of the moon and its changing phases.
- Her birth from the goddess Coatlicue and her importance are intimately linked to the origin of the heavens and the family dynamics of Aztec deities.
Mythology and History
The myth of Coyolxauhqui is a dramatic tale rich in symbols and lessons from the Aztec world.
The legend of Coyolxauhqui and Huitzilopochtli
- The birth of Huitzilopochtli, god of sun and war, is miraculous, occurring from Coatlicue without conventional conception.
- Coyolxauhqui led her brothers, the Centzon Huitznahua, in the massacre conflict, indignant at what she considered her mother's affront.
- The battle at Coatepec is the climactic confrontation, where Huitzilopochtli emerges victorious, defeating his sister and illustrating the eternal conflict between sun and moon.
Symbolism and interpretations
- Coyolxauhqui is rooted in the Aztec cosmos, illuminating the cosmological nuances of mythology and the eternal cycle of night and day.
- The themes of betrayal and victory reflect the inner and outer struggles the Aztecs experienced, symbolizing broader aspects of human existence.
Representations and Coyolxauhqui worship
Coyolxauhqui's face is etched into Aztec art and religious practice , highlighting his cultural influence.
Artistic and iconographic representations
- The Coyolxauhqui stone is a monumental archaeological relic, telling the story of its fall through intricate engravings.
- Aztec codices illustrate its place among the deities and bear witness to the beliefs and respect of Mesoamerican peoples.
The cult of Coyolxauhqui
- Rituals and ceremonies linked to Coyolxauhqui mark lunar phases and seasonal events, illustrating his presence in daily life.
- His main places of worship, such as the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, served as centers of veneration and divine interaction.