The Aztec myth of the unlikeliest sun god - Kay Almere Read
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Lord Quetzalcoatl created the Fifth Sun by sacrificing himself to nourish Nanahuatl, who became the Lord Sun, with Tecciztecatl failing due to his pride. Other gods sacrificed themselves to support Nanahuatl, leading to the establishment of the fifth age and the movement of the sun, inspired by Nanahuatl's bravery and sacrifice.
Insights
- Lord Quetzalcoatl created the Fifth Sun by using bones from the underworld, nourishing them with his blood to bring new life, and choosing Nanahuatl and Tecciztecatl to become the fifth sun through a fiery sacrifice, with Nanahuatl's humility and bravery ultimately leading to the establishment of the new age.
- The establishment of the Fifth Sun was marked by Nanahuatl's selfless sacrifice, Tecciztecatl's failed attempt due to pride, and subsequent sacrifices by other gods to empower Nanahuatl as the Lord Sun, resolving conflicts among the gods and initiating the movement of the sun through the sky, symbolizing the beginning of a new era founded on Nanahuatl's courage.
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Who created the Fifth Sun?
Lord Quetzalcoatl
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Summary
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Creation of Fifth Sun through Sacrifice
- To establish the Fifth Sun, Lord Quetzalcoatl retrieved bones from the underworld, nourishing them with his blood to create new life. Nanahuatl and Tecciztecatl were chosen to leap into a bonfire to become the fifth sun, with Nanahuatl being the humble and brave one, while Tecciztecatl was proud and rich.
- Nanahuatl sacrificed himself by leaping into the fire, becoming the Lord Sun, shining for four days without moving. Tecciztecatl, inspired by Nanahuatl, also jumped into the fire but was dimmed due to his pride. Other gods eventually sacrificed themselves to nourish Nanahuatl, allowing the sun to move through the sky and establish the fifth age.
- Lord Dawn's attempt to harm Lord Sun led to a conflict among the gods, resolved by five gods sacrificing themselves to nourish Lord Sun. The embers of the fire were reignited, and the sun finally began to move through the sky, marking the beginning of the fifth age inspired by Nanahuatl's fortitude.
