Question

Compare and contrast Nanahuatzin and Tecuciztecatl.

Answer 1

Nanahuatzin and Tecuciztecatl are two Aztec Gods who have different characteristics far from each other. Nanahuatzin or Nanahuati is the most humble of all gods. He sacrificed himself so that he would continue to shine on earth as the sun by throwing himself to the fire. The meaning of Nanahuatzin is “full of sores”. Usually, Nanahuatzin is depicted as a man emerging from fire. Tecuciztecatl or Tecciztecatl on the other hand, is the lunar deity in the Aztec mythology. He represents the old “man-in-the-moon”. In the stories, it is said that all were living in a universe dominated by a generation of sun gods. The first few sun gods either perished by wind storms, jaguars, and fiery rain or by flood. After the fourth sun perished, Nanahuatzin and Tecuciztecatl vied for the honor of becoming the next sun god. A bonfire was built for it is there that they will sacrifice the next volunteer. It was Nanahuatzin, a poor god, who was favored by the majority to be the next sun god. Tecuciztecatl pushed that he was more deserving but at the last moment he hesitated. It was because of Nanahuatzin’s courage that he jumped into the fire. But then Tecuciztecatl gained courage too and followed the lead of Nanahuatzin. The other gods were mad at the rich and proud Tecuciztecatl for he had followed the humble Nanahuatzin and so they threw an imprint of the rabbit’s shape dimming Tecuciztecatl’s brightness. This is the reason Tecuciztecatl’s brightness could only be seen at night.