Weird A-Z - Q is for Quetzalcoatl

Weird A-Z - Q is for Quetzalcoatl

Quetzalcoatl ('feathered serpent' or 'plumed serpent') is the Nahuatl name for the winged serpent-god of ancient Mesoamerican Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec and Aztec civilisations who may have adopted it from the people of Teotihuacan, amd the Maya. It was also the name given to some Toltec rulers.

It was worshipped for almost 2000 years, until the Spanish Conquest. the snake represents the earth and vegetation, but it was in Teotihuacan (around 150 BCE) that the snake acquired the precious feathers of the quetzal bird, as seen in murals in the city.

The most elaborate representations come from the ancient Quetzalcoatl Temple built around 200 BCE, which show a rattlesnake with the long green feathers of the quetzal.

In time Quetzalcoatl was mixed with other gods and acquired some of their attributes. Eventually Quetzalcoatl was transformed into one of the gods of creation. The Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II initially believed that the landing of conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1519 signified Quetzalcoatl's return. As a gift, Moctezuma specifically sent Cortes treasures depicting Quetzalcoatl. 

It is believed by many Mormons that Quetzalcoatl was a name given to Jesus Christ when he visited the Nephites (or group of Native Americans) on the American continent shortly after his resurrection, as is depicted in The Book of Mormon.