Story Summary
Discover The Legend of the Five Suns, an Aztec creation myth where gods face cosmic destruction and sacrifice themselves to birth the current world and sun.
In the beginning, the world underwent four cycles of creation and destruction, each ruled by a different god and known as a 'Sun.' The First Sun was the Sun of the Jaguar, ruled by Tezcatlipoca, which ended when giants were devoured by jaguars. The Second Sun, ruled by Quetzalcoatl, was destroyed by terrifying winds that turned humans into monkeys. The Third Sun, the Sun of Fire Rain, perished under a deluge of flaming lava, while the Fourth Sun, the Sun of Water, was consumed by a great flood that turned people into fish. After these failures, the gods gathered in the darkness of Teotihuacan to create a final, stable era. Two gods were chosen to leap into a sacred fire to become the new sun: the wealthy, boastful Tecuciztecatl and the humble, sickly Nanahuatzin. While the wealthy god hesitated, Nanahuatzin bravely threw himself into the flames, rising as the radiant Fifth Sun. Tecuciztecatl followed, becoming the moon. To set the sun in motion and begin the cycle of days, the remaining gods sacrificed their own blood, ensuring that life could finally flourish in this fifth and final world.
The Moral
The world is maintained through balance and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the community.
“To keep the world in motion, even the gods must give of themselves.”
Fun Fact
The famous Aztec Sun Stone, or Calendar Stone, depicts the symbols of the four previous suns surrounding the face of the current sun god, Tonatiuh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Legend of the Five Suns?
The legend teaches that creation and survival require sacrifice, courage, and collective effort. It emphasizes that the current world is fragile and must be maintained through duty and respect for the divine.
Who are the gods of the five suns?
The previous suns were ruled by Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Tlaloc, and Chalchiuhtlicue. The Fifth Sun, our current era, was created by the sacrifice of Nanahuatzin, who became Tonatiuh.
What happened to the previous four worlds?
Each previous world ended in a different catastrophe: the first by jaguars, the second by wind, the third by fire rain, and the fourth by a massive flood. Each destruction marked the end of a flawed human species.
How did the Fifth Sun begin?
The Fifth Sun began at Teotihuacan when the humble god Nanahuatzin sacrificed himself in a great fire. His bravery transformed him into the sun, while the hesitant Tecuciztecatl became the moon.
Why is sacrifice central to this legend?
In Aztec belief, the sun would not move across the sky without the energy provided by sacrifice. Since the gods gave their blood to start the world, humans believed they had a debt to keep the sun in motion.
Which sun are we currently living under?
According to Aztec mythology, we are currently living under the Fifth Sun, known as '4-Movement' (Nahui Ollin). It is predicted that this era will eventually end through great earthquakes.
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