Quetzacoatl Brings Corn to His People


Book Description

Perform this legend from Mexico about Quetzalcoatl's quest to find food for humans.




A Quetzalcoatl Tale of Corn


Book Description

Quetzalcóatl tales are ancient legends from Mexico and Central America that have been passed down through the ages, primarily by oral tradition. The Quetzalcóatl Tales Series, aimed at K-5 students, particularly in first and fifth grade, introduces young children to these wonderful stories with their sensitive portrayal of this rich and significant culture. These vividly illustrated texts are available in English and Spanish and are accompanied by teacher's guides that provide the archaeological and historical background of each story, as well as a wide range of engaging and educational activities for students. A Quetzalcóatl Tale of Corn tells how Quetzalcóatl followed a trail of ants to the Mountain of Sustenance and stole maize from the gods to feed his people, while A Quetzalcóatl Tale of Chocolate tells the story of Two Wind Deer, the boy who brought chocolate to the people of the earth. In A Quetzalcóatl Tale of the Ball Game, Quetzalcóatl saves his people from war by playing a game with a rubber ball against the Rain God and is rewarded for winning with jade and quetzal feathers.




The Legend of Maize


Book Description

An ancient Aztec myth explains the how they got corn and why it is so important to their culture. This colorfully illustrated children's story uses geometric patterns and traditional motifs to represent this important Aztec legend.




How Music Came to the World


Book Description

Retells a Mexican legend in which the sky god and the wind god bring music from Sun's house to the Earth.




Our Sacred Maíz Is Our Mother


Book Description

Weaving archival records, ancient maps and narratives, and the wisdom of the elders, Roberto Cintli Rodriguez offers compelling evidence that maíz is the historical connector between Indigenous peoples of this continent. Rodriguez brings together the wisdom of scholars and elders to show how maíz/corn connects the peoples of the Americas.




Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns


Book Description

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings an ancient Mesoamerican creation myth to life Long ago, the gods of Mesoamerica set out to create humans. They tried many times during each sun, or age. When all their attempts failed and the gods grew tired, only one did not give up: Quetzalcóatl—the Feathered Serpent. To continue, he first had to retrieve the sacred bones of creation guarded by Mictlantecuhtli, lord of the underworld. Gathering his staff, shield, cloak, and shell ornament for good luck, Feathered Serpent embarked on the dangerous quest to create humankind. Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the story of Feathered Serpent, one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerica. With his instantly recognizable, acclaimed art style and grand storytelling, Tonatiuh recounts a thrilling creation tale of epic proportions.




History and Mythology of the Aztecs


Book Description

One of the great documents of colonial Mexico, the Codex Chimalpopoca chronicles the rise of Aztec civilization and preserves the mythology on which it was based. Its two complementary texts, Annals of Cuauhtitlan and Legend of the Suns, record the pre-CortŽsian history of the Valley of Mexico together with firsthand versions of that region's myths. Of particular interest are the stories of the hero-god Quetzalcoatl, for which the Chimalpopoca is the premier source. John Bierhorst's work is the first major scholarship on the Codex Chimalpopoca in more than forty years. His is the first edition in English and the first in any language to include the complete text of the Legend of the Suns. The precise, readable translation not only contributes to the study of Aztec history and literature but also makes the codex an indispensable reference for Aztec cultural topics, including land tenure, statecraft, the role of women, the tribute system, warfare, and human sacrifice.




A Quetzalcóatl Tale of the Ball Game


Book Description

Retelling of an Aztec legend concerning a rivalry between Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc, two mythological figures.




The Corn Woman


Book Description

The culture, history, and spirit of the Hispanic Southwest are brought to readers through this fascinating collection of 45 cuentos (stories and legends) from the region. From ancient creation myths of the Aztecs and traditional tales of Spanish colonialists to an eclectic sampling of the work of modern Latino storytellers, this book provides a rich tapestry of both obscure and well-loved stories-religious stories; animal tales; stories of magic, transformation, and wisdom; and chistes (short comic tales). Fifteen tales are also presented in Spanish. The origin and historical development of the stories are examined in an introductory chapter. A discussion of dichos (proverbs) and adivinanzas (riddles) illuminates the larger context of the oral tradition in which the tales have flourished. Lavishly illustrated with pictures of original paintings and sculpture by contemporary Latino artists, this fascinating collection will appeal to children and adults alike and is a must for the multicultural class




Handbook to Life in the Aztec World


Book Description

Describes daily life in the Aztec world, including coverage of geography, foods, trades, arts, games, wars, political systems, class structure, religious practices, trading networks, writings, architecture and science.