| The Creation of the Sun and the Moon |
| This creation myth of the Aztecs marks the beginning of the Fifth Sun. The events take place exactly 52 years after the end of the Fourth Sun while there was still darkness over the land. When the gods decided it was time for a new creation, they assembled themselves at Teotihuacan to decide who should receive the task of becoming the sun. After some discussion, it was decided that two of them, Tecuciztecatl and Nanauatzin, should sacrifice themselves to bring light to the world. The two gods then began to do penance by fasting for four days while the fire were being built in the hearth. Tecuciztecatl, a wealthy and proud god, did penance with costly and extravagant items such as fir branches of quetzal feathers, grass balls of gold, good incense, and coral. Nanauatzin, a poorer, sickly god, could only afford to do his penance with fir branches made of green water rushes, grass balls of dried pine needles, and his own blood. When the time came for the two to sacrifice themselves, the gods first commanded Tecuciztecatl to cast himself into the fire to become the sun. He attempted this four times but always found the heat too unbearable once he neared the flames and retreated back.. Nanauatzin however, was determined and resolved and did not falter, but quickly threw himself into the fire and was burned up. Upon seeing this, Tecuciztecatl was shamed and quickly threw himself to the fire as well.. Quetzalcoatl and the other gods waited to see where Nanauatzin would rise to the sky as the sun. Finally in the east, he appeared with a blinding red light, shining so intensely it was impossible to look into his face. Later, Tecuciztecatl followed his path, equal in appearance so that the gods asked themselves whether the two should be allowed to shine together. Then one of the gods came out with a rabbit and threw it at the face of Tecuciztecatl, wounding him and causing his face to be darkened. His brilliance was lessened from that of the sun, and he is now known as the moon. |
 |