Quetzalcoatl

aka Q: The Serpent God

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VIDEO: Queztalcoatl: The Serpent God

WHAT'S A QUETZALCOATL?: The Quetzalcoatl is the most respected symbol in Mexican mythology. Its name comes from the Nahua words "quetzalli," meaning green feather, and "coatl," which means serpent. The appearance of this highly regarded idol is a combination of a quetzal bird's head and tail with a snake's body that's covered in feathers.

ORIGINS: Many different groups in Mesoamerican history have worshiped Quetzalcoatl, but its exact origins are unclear. The Aztecs kept the Quetzalcoatl as the central figure in their temples, but this deity existed long before the Aztecs did. Many think that the ancient city of Teotihuacán in Mexico was the first culture to revere the Quetzalcoatl as a religious icon, and you can still find images of the serpent on ancient temples and other buildings in the area today.

MTYHOLOGY AND RELIGION: There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different myths about Quetzalcoatl. He was known as the provider of maize, and images indicate a clear association to rain and water, causing some people to believe Quetzalcoatl was the god of vegetation. Aztecs also believed the Quetzalcoatl could take human form as a warrior who would appear wearing a tall crown and a jade pendant. The pendant supposedly represented another role as the god of wind and movement. Mesoamerican groups aren't the only religions to believe in the Quetzalcoatl. Followers of both the Mormon and Catholic faiths think Quetzalcoatl could actually represent Jesus Christ.