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leaslichoma · 6 months

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I've been fascinated with the Aztec god Xolotl recently.

Xolotl (pronunced Sho-lo-t followed by an L like sound that doesn't exist in the English language) was a Mesoamerican god associated with many things, including fire, lightning, disease, deformity, twins, the Mesoamerican ball game, death, dogs, the planet Venus as the evening star, twilight, shapeshifting, and monsters. Xolotl was the twin and sometimes companion of his more famous brother Quetzalcoatl. Xolotl was thought to guide the dead in their journey through the underworld, and to guide the sun through the underworld each night. Xolotl is usually depicted as either a dog anthro, a man with a dog head, or a dwarf skeletal jester. Xolotl is usually depicted missing eyes. Xolotl seems to have been feared by the Aztecs and especially hated by the Spanish, but I have a more favorable view.

Some of the most prominent myths about Xolotl involve the story of the fifth sun, or how the current world was made from the previous, destroyed one.

The first myth involves the recreation of humanity. The tales differ as to whether Quetzalcoatl was responsible, Xolotl was responsible, or if it was a collaborative effort. The humans of the fourth world were destroyed, and humanity had to be brought back. To this end Xolotl and/or Quetzalcoatl traveled to the Aztec underworld, Mictlan and met with its king, Mictlantecutli. The god(s) asked to gather the bones of the previous humans so they could be created anew. Mictlantecutli. Mictlantecutli gives them tests but later decides against letting them gather the bones. Xolotl and/or Quetzalcoatl fall into pit, breaking the bones in the process which is why people have different heights. The bones are later resurrected. The versions of this tale differ as to which god went to Mictlan and whether they did tests for Mictlantecutli or simply stole the bones.

In the second myth, the gods are sacrificing themselves in a fire to create a fifth sun for humanity because the previous one went out. They choose Nanahuatzin, a poor and humble god with syphilis and some relation to Xolotl to become the moon; and Tecciztecatl to become the sun because he is wealthy and strong. However, Tecciztecatl is unable to throw himself in the fire when the time comes, so Nanahuatzin becomes the sun instead. Tecciztecatl is sacrificed after and becomes the moon (and also the man on the moon), but has a rabbit thrown at his face which is one explanation for the rabbit people sometimes see.

Later, Xolotl is the last to be sacrificed to the new sun. In some versions this is because he was the executioner for the previous gods. However, in some tales he refuses to sacrifice himself. Xolotl begs and cries until his eyes literally fall out but this does nothing. Xolotl transforms to escape Ehecatl who has been executing other gods to make the sun move. Xolotl at first transforms into a corn plant with two stalks, then an Agave americana, and finally an Axolotl amphibian. But he was still caught in the end.

What I find most interesting about Xolotl is his relation to disability. Since deformities are among Xolotl's best known domains, he could be considered a god of disabilities as well. Xolotl is also a god of monsters, and it's worth mentioning that the Nahua word "Xolo" which his name is derived from and means monster, is used for both mythological monsters and those with physical abnormalities, much like the Latin word "Monstrum". (I think in literature analysis the themes of monsters as outcasts could be explored more) In many, perhaps even most historical (and unfortunately even modern) societies the attitude towards those with disabilities has been very negative. In the Aztec world twins were considered unnatural, and sometimes one of them would be murdered shortly after birth. Wikipedia mentions an speculation by Eduard Seler that resonates with me: that Xolotl represents the murdered twin who dwells in the underworld while Quetzalcoatl is the living one who is cherished in the world of light.

Another connection with Xolotl and disability is that he was sometimes depicted as a jester with dwarfism. It's relevant the jesters around the world were often disabled. European court jesters were known for having the freedom to criticize and mock royalty, and were sometimes selected from the intellectually disabled because they could not be held responsible for what they said. Additionally, the Spanish during the colonization of the Aztecs sent some Aztec jesters to Spain, who were described as humpbacks.

This is what I find most interesting about Xolotl, that he is a reflection or shadow of society. Historically Xolotl was often considered a sinister god, but when society is itself sinister who is to be believed? My view of Xolotl is more favorable. The god of the disabled is feared because the disabled are hated. Xolotl is the outcast, who is hated and feared yet has done no wrong. Xolotl is the murdered twin, who looks upon the world of light and life, from a place of darkness, the world he was not given, never had the right to enjoy. He is the god who is looked upon with disgust due to his role in hardship, yet is the only one who stays with you through that hardship the entire time. Xolotl is the disabled child, who is called a child of shame and hidden away in some institution to be forgotten by their more privileged relatives. Xolotl is viewed with contempt, but his domains are just as necessary to the universe's function as any of the more handsome gods. The janitor, who is viewed with contempt and disgust yet whose works are vital for society.

The "evil twin" Xolotl, misunderstood twin and hound of Quetzalcoatl who lives in the world's shadow, watching the world of life and guarding the light of the sun through the underworld.

#LONG POST #xolotl #aztecs #aztec mythology #aztec religion #aztec gods #mexica mythology #mesoamerica #ableism cw #cw ableism #ableism tw #ableism mention #infanticide mention #filicide mention #mesoamerican mythology #infodump #infodumping

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thegoldenshi-shi · 8 months

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"My name is Death, and the end is here"

Mictlantecuhtli and my OC Meztli.

#mictlantecuhtli #meztli #Xibalba #maya #mesoamerica #mayan #mesoamerican #flowers of xibalba #mesoamerican mythology #mayan mythology #original art #original character #aztec mythology

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andrewvehansen · 14 days

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Behold My Beauty and Weep

This 36″ x 36″ quilt was made for the 2024 Brooklyn Quilters Guild fence show, which is entitled THE STORIES WE TELL: Folktales, Fantasy & Folly. I knew I wanted to do something similar to my O, Beware… quilt with some kind of creature staring out through scales or feathers, etc. While looking for images of feathered dragons, I became intrigued with illustrations of Quetzalcoatl from Mesoamerican…

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#Andrew Ve Hansen #Art quilt #Boy meets quilt #boymeetsquilt #Brooklyn quilter #Contemporary quilt #FMQ #Free-motion quilting #Mesoamerican mythology #Modern quilt #Quetzalcoatl #Quilt blog #Quilt blogger #quilting #quilts #Whole-cloth quilt

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arthistoryanimalia · 1 year

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For #MosaicMonday, here is Diego Rivera's (Mexican, 1886-1957) 1956 Exekatlkalli mosaic on the façade of La Casa de los Vientos (The House of the Winds, home of Dolores Olmedo) in Acapulco, Mexico. It was one of his last great works before his death. In addition to the depictions of the Mesoamerican deities Quetzalcóatl, Cōātlīcue, and Tlāloc, there is a Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless Dog) and a "Sapo-Rana" ("Toad-Frog" - a character based on Rivera's nickname).

Images from and more photos here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:La_Casa_de_los_Vientos,_Acapulco

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lunarobyn22 · 3 months

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Not exactly fae per-se, but I'm tired so here's a mythological winged creature for ya.

Faebruary 8 - Quetzalcoatl

#art #traditional art #quetzalcoatl #faebruary #febufairy #pencil drawing #mythology #mesoamerican mythology

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mythos-soup · 4 months

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heyyyyy so Ik ur probably tired of seeing me in your asks but

Snake🐍

OH MY GODDDD LITTLE GUYYYYY I LOVE HIMMMMM WHATTTT HBAVDJBEIVIEBKNAKV

#mythology #classical mythology #aztec gods #aztec mythology #aztec #mesoamerican mythology #quetzalcoatl #art #go follow her #now

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ode-on-a-grecian-butt · 1 year

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art by @MiCorazonMexica A nahual is a "spirit animal", a part of one's spirit which lives in another being (which can be an animal, an object or a natural phenomenon).The word nahual is also used to refer to a kind of magician with shapeshifting powers. In this painting one of these magicians rides on top of an eagle. Their faces have been exchanged to symbolize a profound connection: they are a single being. You can buy a copy of this painting on his etsy shop

#Mesoamerican mythology #Mexico #mythology

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metanoiamorii · 8 months

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I've done this once or twice now, so I'm willing to give it another shot—

I'm looking to start up a small roleplay group. Ideally, between five and nine individuals. Some need to know things mechanic wise:

The roleplay group will be run like a tabletop roleplay game [ttrpg].

It will be played very similar to Dungeon and Dragons [DnD] or Pathfinder. For those familiar with the system. When I say its similar, it uses the same dice sets, stats, and usage of rolls. But it has its entire own handbook for skills, feats, classes, equipment and the likes. But you don't need any experience if you don't know the other ttrpg systems, as it has its own handbook for you to access.

It will be in text format however, like a roleplay. People will tag each other after their replies. And you'll have access to an entire server with different channel and sections for different places to explore in character.

Every individual/player will have one character (unless they would like to have a second or third, or wish to play what could be classified as an npc).

Now, if it's caught your attention this far. I'll let you know the premise of the game/roleplay:

The player/individual's characters receive a scholarship from an intentional school. It is a full ride for housing, tuition, supplies, and anything else they might need. But there is trickery afoot they have to unravel and navigate.

Things you won't necessarily know in character however: every player/character is a demigod. They have divine blood. And the reason they are brought to the school is for their divine parent to try to reconnect with them.

Other themes that there will be

If you like Percy Jackson, and wanted a ttrpg system for it. Or if you just like mythology in general.

If you like the dark academia aesthetic.

If you like the found family trope.

If you like time traveling, or second experiences.

Now, if you've made it this far, I only have a very few requests I would ask of you:

I know a lot might be interested, but again I will restate: I'm looking for between 6-9 people.

Please be 18+, there will be mature topics discussed.

Be LGBTQ+ friendly

And if you're interested, send me a message and we'll chat. I'll get you the link to the group server on discord, and we'll start making your characters.

Thank you for reading this far. I hope this reaches the right crowd!

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therivercocytus · 3 months

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love the greek gods but the feathered serpent is always gonna be 1# ancient mystery deity prize award nominated for the godscars. like. come on

#quetzalcoatl #the feathered serpent #aztec mythology #aztec gods #mesoamerican mythology

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nyxirrationalstories · 2 years

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Mythology open request

Summary: Very few are against the gods, many are the charlatans who claim to deny their existence (to live outside their yoke). The godslayers are not born from abandoning their faith, but from having met their creators. Even with the pain in his heart, with all the lives and deaths he suffered, the godslayer would raise his sword for that soul he swore to protect.

A little bit of lore to make the mythology asks. See the tags to know what mythologies I do (Sorry for the masive tags).

The boy of many names ran with the soul of that person he swore to protect, of that person who promised him that no god would play with his destiny and of that person who promised himself that he would not end up like Agnes.

--- I promise that, whatever it takes, no one will harm you. I will give you your freedom --- whispered to the soul, which approached the lips of the young man as a sign of a kiss --- No matter the deaths and lives, I promise to give you moments of joy and freedom.

--- Argenis --- whispered the soul --- Thank you.

Asier looked at his nanny as in past lives he had seen her before: A friend, a sister, a lover, a confidant… a person to protect.

He knew that Hades had already had his eye on the young woman, it was not difficult to identify: in his first life, his first name and prophesied curse: Argenis, had spent time with the once called uncle. He knew the traces left by the gods, this one in particular was that of Hades.

Asier, even with his child's body, would protect the girl from the madness that the god of the dead was committing. Didn't he realize that he was condemning his beloved? Persephone would be so cruel to the poor girl that Minthe would seem like a wise mercy.

Worst of all, Asier suspected that more gods had taken notice of the human. The boy knew that he would not be able to take them all on, that it would result in his death.

But an oath, a promise and his word had to be kept, that was what he had been taught by his parents in the past: Ares, Athena, Lugh, Urd, Ibejis and many more.

And he hoped not to face them, to avoid the pain it would cause in his spirit and heart.

--- Asier, did your father buy me a sack of rice? --- asked the nanny looking at the sack with her name on a little card. The boy gave a sigh and shook his head, pushing the woman away from the sack. He thought he still had time to get rid of it, but he was so busy burning the black tiger that he forgot about the sack of rice.

--- No, maybe it's something he' s going to donate to the trough.

--- Ugh, thank goodness, I was already scared.

Asier was happy for her, but he was the one who was now more terrified and worried.

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shung-chai · 1 year

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First Mention of Chaac in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever!!

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor of the Talokanil reveals that Chaac, the Mayan God of Rain & Abundance, gave the shaman of his people a vision that provided them the means to adapt to life underwater.

In Marvel Comics, Chaac debuted in Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica #1 (2009), where he is also described as the Mayan God of Rain & Lightning, able to command the elements of the storm (such as wind, rain, thunder & lightning)!

#chaac #black panther #wakanda forever #wakanda forever spoilers #black panther 2 #black panther wakanda forever #namor #shuri #mayan civilization #mayan mythology #mesoamerican mythology #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #mcu #marvel mcu #marvel movies #black panther spoilers

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leaslichoma · 4 months

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A sketch of Xolotl, Aztec god of fire, lightning, monsters, and a guide of the dead, offering the viewer his blood in a bowl.

Religious bloodletting was common in Mesoamerica. In the religion of the Aztecs (or more accurately, Mexica) it was believed that the gods sacrificed themselves in the creation of humanity and the world. Xolotl played a particularly important role in this, as depending on the version of the myth of the fifth sun he either alone or assisting his brother Quetzalcoatl gave humanity life, by sprinkling his blood on the bones the previous humans who had gone extinct.

In the view of the Mexica, and many other Mesoamerican cultures, it was believed that everyone has divine essence within them due to legends like these. So when human blood was sacrificed, either through bloodletting or human sacrifice, it was returning the favor to the gods.

With the artwork itself I've tried using Krita again after using GIMP and mspaint for a while. I think I've achieved better results with GIMP. I posted this sketch as figuring out coloring has been a little more difficult. Because I'm using simpler methods with GIMP I have a better idea of the workflow and find it easier to finish my works. With Krita I've had trouble getting the edges to how I want them as I'm going for a proper painting look rather than line art. (Though I seem to do better with line art)

Also, Xolotl had no dedicated temples nor priests. Most worship of Xolotl was leaving offerings in the forms of artwork. And I just made some. Hmm.

#xolotl #my art #krita artwork #bloodletting #cw blood #aztec mythology #mesoamerican mythology #aztec religon #mesoamerican religon

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thegoldenshi-shi · 8 months

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Chantico: Dama del Volcan

Someone was interested in my Chantico design, and I realized I haven't drawn her in three years.

Queue my fickle muse hitting me with a baseball bat.

#chantico #goddess #aztec mythology #mesoamerican mythology #mexico #fire #I enjoy mesoamerican designs so much >_<#but they always feel like a guilty pleasure for some reason

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annachum · 1 year

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Namor's grandparents, father and mother all are more accepting of the surface world despite all that happened in Talocan history

Taloc, his grandfather and founder of Talocan, opened doors to an escaping Mayan family for refuging

Chalchiuhtlicue, a powerful Water Goddess and Namor's grandma, treated his mother's family like they are one of the native Talokanis, and even vouched for his parents' union - a union of an aquatic dragon and a mortal.

His father, a powerful aquatic dragon like Namor, never had any true resentment for the surface world even after knowing Fen and her family escaped to Talocan from Spanish colonisers

And his mother, Fen, wants to be buried in the surface world as one of her dying wishes even after all that happened.

Namor sometimes doesn't understand why his grandparents and parents still have no true resentment for the surface world even after all that happened

Yet him meeting Shuri of Wakanda changed....Well, everything

Deep down, he actually regretted inadvertently causing the death of Queen Ramonda, and upon his brawl with Shuri, she gave him one thing he never expected.

Mercy.

Even after all the chaos and madness happening in the Wakanda Talocan War, Shuri shows him mercy and only asks him to yield.

He was so surprised ( yet relieved ) that he complies, understanding that all the hatred and vengeance consuming them and their people is not what their mothers would have wanted.

Namor actually wants Shuri to be his Queen, to drink the magic blue potion his mother drank that can enable her to breathe both on land and sea. He actually gave Shuri his mother's bracelet partially for that reason.

But for now, with all the chaos and aftermath of the Wakanda Talocan War, he is actually quite content with being a political ally of Wakanda. Perhaps, one day, he and Shuri can be something more than political allies.

Every time he sees Shuri, whether during or after the Wakanda Talocan War, there is something about her warmth and caring for people of her own, and her openness to non Wakandans who don't pose as a threat to Wakanda yet, made his heart race. She shares that similar quality with his mother, who never cared that his father is an aquatic dragon, and never truly held resentment of the surface world even after all that happened.

Perhaps the ocean dragon God King can learn something from the charming and inquisitive Wakandan princess/engineer/diplomat, to try be more open of others who isn't a threat to him and his people yet.

#namor x shuri #unrequited crush for now #requited feelings maybe later #namor is smitten with her but completely understands why shuri doesnt exactly feel the same way to him at that point #namor and the talocans really need healing from their ptsd #bpwf spoilers #taloc mesoamerican god of rain #yes kukulkan is a sea dragon in true form in mesoamerican myths #and in mcu namor is a sea dragon like kukulkan in the mesoamerican myths #Chalchiuhtlicue mesoamerican goddess of water #mesoamerican mythology

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rachaelmayo · 5 months

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This is Serpent Star 4 from 2009.

The serpent is modeled after a "hairy bush viper" - a snake that has deeply keeled scales that look almost like leaves. The snakes look fluffy. They have adorable little faces, too.

Codex Borgia came to the rescue once again; there are visual elements from it worked into the golden/sandstone walls on either side of the flying snake.

I made the flying snake with Prismacolor pencil over a watercolor wash. The "stonework" of the two walls is mostly Prismacolor, with some high-viscosity gel medium that I painted with acrylics (the tea/orange bits). The central coppery background was done with acrylic.

#dragon #dragon art #serpent dragon #feathered serpent #quetzalcoatl #flying snake #mesoamerican mythology #traditional art #traditional media #mixed media #prismacolor

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kayas-kosmos · 1 year

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CM - Quetzalcoatl

#Fantasy Art #Fantasy Artist #Quetzalcoatl #Mesoamerican mythology #mythological creature #Dragon art #Dragon artist

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