Did the Aztecs think Cortés was Quetzalcoatl?

Many within the Aztec Empire came to believe that Cortés was Quetzalcoatl the god who would return to overthrow the god Tezcatlipoca, who demanded human sacrifice. Cortés was aided by an Indian woman La Malinche or Malintzin, who became an invaluable interpreter for and mistress and confidant of Cortés.

What did the Aztecs believe about Quetzalcoatl?

Among the Aztecs, whose beliefs are the best-documented in the historical sources, Quetzalcoatl was related to gods of the wind, of the planet Venus, of the dawn, of merchants and of arts, crafts and knowledge. He was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood, of learning and knowledge.

Who was the Aztec god known as the feathered serpent?

Quetzalcóatl
Quetzalcóatl, Mayan name Kukulcán, (from Nahuatl quetzalli, “tail feather of the quetzal bird [Pharomachrus mocinno],” and coatl, “snake”), the Feathered Serpent, one of the major deities of the ancient Mexican pantheon.

When was Quetzalcoatl supposed to return?

Cortés and his troops arrived at the edge of the Aztec territory in 1519, the same year that Quetzalcoatl was said to return to bring peace to the Aztec Empire.

How was Quetzalcoatl connected to the cosmos?

He and three brother gods created the sun, the heavens, and the earth. In the Aztec creation myth, Quetzalcoatl’s cosmic conflicts with the god Tezcatlipoca brought about the creation and destruction of a series of four suns and earths, leading to the fifth sun and today’s earth.

Which Mayan god is Quetzalcoatl similar to in appearance?

Many scholars suggest that Quetzalcoatl of Mesoamerica (also known as the Feathered Serpent), the Maya Maize God, and Jesus Christ could all be the same being. By looking at ancient Mayan writings such as the Popol Vuh, this theory is further explored and developed.

Who killed Quetzalcoatl?

One Aztec story claims that Quetzalcoatl was tricked by Tezcatlipoca into becoming drunk and sleeping with a celibate priestess (in some accounts, his sister Quetzalpetlatl) and then burned himself to death out of remorse.

What did Quetzalcoatl promise?

An unnerving series of coincidences led Montezuma to believe that perhaps Cortés was the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, who had promised to return one day to reclaim his kingdom. Quetzalcoatl, “the feathered serpent,” stood for the solar light, the morning star. He symbolized knowledge, arts, and religion.

Why did Montezuma think Cortes was Quetzalcoatl?