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Quetzlcoatl
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Physiology This dragon is a type of Amphiptere, it
resembles a giant serpentine bird. It has green feathers covering its body. This type of
"dragon" also has wings and no legs.
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History The Quetzalcoatl was the god of the Aztecs. The legend states that this god
would return in a cloud of white, which was later misinterpreted by the Aztec when Cortes and his
Conquistidores arrived in ships with white sails. He was a god of such importance and power that
nearly no aspect of everyday life seemed to go untouched by him. As a historical figure, his actions
would/could not be contained by History and thus eventually evolved into myth. As a legend, he would
signal an end to mortla kingship. An interesting phenomena that distinguished Quetzalcoatl is that despite
the fact that he is not the most powerful god within the Mesoamerican pantheon, or one of the eldest, he
is nonetheless an integral part of the system. This was partially accomplished by his ability to integrate
himself so securely to attributes of his fellow brethren, to such an extent it is virtually impossible to tell
if Quetzalcoatl was the true originator or vise versa. Hence, to establish a single definitive personality to a
god is extremely difficult.
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Despite Quetzalcoatl being an Aztec name, the cultures preceding them had their name for him as well, and applying
their own unique attributes to him. Consequently, Quetzalcoatl is related to many names and incarnations, and seems
to play a prominent role in a pantheon of virtually all other Mesoamerican deities. Quetzalcoatl himself goes by the
names of Gukumatz, Nine Wind, and Kukulcan among others. These are the most common names found in the general Aztec and
Mayan cultures with Quetzalcoatl maintaining a ost of avatars with whom he is intimately connected with or represented by.
There are also certain gods that Quetzalcoatl is involved with most of the time as well, such as Xolotl, Tlaloc, Xipe, and
Tezcatlipoca. These "upperlevel" gods are either contrary, complimentary, or both at the same time towards Quetzalcoatl,
creating a sense of duality around these myths.
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Scientists believe that the myths of Quetzalcoatl started with a bird called the Quetzal. This bright green bird has tail feathers
over 2 fet long, when it flies the bird looks like a shimmering serpent.
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