Mythology of the Mexica

 

Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology

 by Matthew Torres

Because European invaders destroyed indigenous houses of worship and burned their codices, much of Aztec lore has been lost to history. Today, we are left to reconstruct what remains. In Myths, Gods and Rituals of Aztec Mythology, Matthew Torres does exactly that, beautifully reconstructing these ancient myths in alignment with the true spirit of Mexica spirituality to make history both accessible and entertaining.

First, let us set the record straight: the "Aztecs" never actually called themselves by that name. They were the Mexica (pronounced Meh-shee-ka), a Nahuatl-speaking people whose origins lie in the mythical, undiscovered land of Aztlan [1]. Once nomadic wanderers, their journey ended when they witnessed a divine prophecy: an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. On that exact spot, they founded their magnificent capital, Tenochtitlan [2]. Today, modern Mexico bears their name, and this sacred foundational emblem is proudly displayed on the Mexican flag.

When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Central America, they decimated native villages through military conquest and the introduction of devastating European diseases [3]. While a popular myth suggests the Mexica viewed these pale newcomers as gods, reality tells a different story. In truth, the Europeans smelled so poorly from months of travel without bathing that the hygienic Mexica—who bathed daily—had to douse them with incense and perfume to endure their presence.

Eurocentric history often paints the Mexica as savage barbarians, yet they built an incredibly sophisticated civilization featuring lavish architecture and masterful gold craftsmanship. The Spanish ultimately destroyed this vibrant empire, igniting a war based on a fabricated rumor of an assassination plot against Hernán Cortés [4]. Upon the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the invaders constructed modern Mexico City [2].

Furthermore, the text accurately challenges the sensationalized numbers regarding Mexica human sacrifice. While the practice did exist, claims that they sacrificed 80,000 people in a single week are wildly exaggerated; a timeline of 1,000 over a month is far more historically plausible. Ironically, European societies of the same era routinely practiced their own brutal forms of public execution and sacrifice.

Overall, Torres has delivered an excellent, highly enjoyable book. While I have summarized the historical context here, you will have to dive into the book yourself to fully experience the rich mythology he uncovers.