Although clearly agents in the destruction of the previous four suns, Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl are also credited with the re-creation of the heavens and earth, not as adversaries, but as allies. The Historia de los mexicanos por sus pinturas relates one important version in which, aided by four other deities, the four sons of the creator couple greate four roads leading to the center of the earth. With the earth thus divided into four quadrants, the eight gods raise the heavens. To help support and sustain the sky, Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl transformed themselves into two enormous trees. The tree of Tezcatlipoca is marked by shining mirrors, and that of Quetzalcoatl by the plumes of the emerald quetzal bird. To reward them for their efforts, Tonacatecuhtli makes them lords of the heavens and stars; the Milky Way is their road by which they cross the starry sky.

In another Aztec myth of creation, Quetzalcoatl and tezcatlipoca fashion the heavens and earth by dismembering the great earth monster, Tlaltecuhtli. Although the name Tlaltecuhtli means Earth Lord , this being is actually dually sexed and is often described as female. Tlaltecuhtli sometimes merges with another earth monster, a great caiman whose spiny crocodilian back forms the mountain ridges of the world. The Tlaltecuhtli myth was widespread in Meso-america.

In one Aztec version ,Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca descend from the sky to observe Tlaltecuhtli striding upon the sea. So fierce is her desire for flesh that not only does she have a great toothy maw, but also gnashing mouths at her elbows, knees and joints. Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca transform themselves into two great serpents. One snake seizes the left hand and right foot of Tlaltecuhtli and the other her right hand and left foot, and between them thet tear the monster apart. The upper portion of her body then becomes the earth, while the other half is thrown into the sky to create the heavens.

The violent slaying and dismemberment of Tlaltecuhtli angers the other gods. To console the mutilated earth, they decree that all plants needed for human life will derive from her body. From her hair are fashioned trees, flowers and herbs, and from her skin come the grasses and small flowers. Her eyes are the source of wells, springs and small caves; her mouth, great rivers and caverns; and her nose, mountain ridges and valleys. At times, the earth goddess can still be heard screaming in the night for the blood and the hearts of people. Ultimately, only sacrifical flesh and blood can soothe and quiet Tlaltecuhtli sufficiently to keep her producing the fruits needed for human life.

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