Tlaloc

Tlaloc (Tecutli, Tlaloque) (path under the earth, wine of earth, long cave?) In Aztec mythology, god of rain, thunder, and lightning. He controlled mountain springs and weather. Tlaloc lived in a luxurious paradise, Tlalocan, peopled by those who had drowned or had been killed by lightning. One mural from Tepantitla (first to sixth century c.e.) in Teotihuacán portrays the god in his heaven, where there are flowers and butterflies.

He is attended by priests, water flows from his hands, and aquatic creatures play at his feet. The souls of those who live in his paradise are portrayed in the lower half of the work and seem to be extremely happy. However, during Tlaloc’s feast, called Etzalqualiztli (13 May), children and virgins were sacrificed to him. His offspring by his wife Chalchihuitlicue were the Tlalocs, or clouds.

SEE ALSO:

• Aztec Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante

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