Aztec empire
Before delving into the legend of corn, we must explore the Aztec Empire, the original creator of this legend. The Aztec Empire is known by many names, including the Triple Alliance, the Mexica Empire, and the Tenochca Empire. Although many believe it to be a single period, it was actually an entity of territorial, political, and economic control established in the central region of Mesoamerica.
Formally, the Triple Alliance, or Aztec Empire, was comprised of only three cities: Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Mexico-Tenochtitlan. However, in reality, Mexica dominion extended over all the territories under the control of the altepetl (city-states ). When the Spanish arrived in 1519, they found that the lands were governed by a unified center in Tenochtitlan , while the other city-states were relegated to subordinate positions.
These peoples worshipped Huitzilopochtli , a warrior god considered a patron deity for the Mexica. Due to the large number of peoples comprising the Triple Alliance, most of their teachings, customs, and culture in general have been passed down from generation to generation to the present day.
The legend of corn is very important for this culture and for the rest of Mexico, knowing that corn is one of its main food bases. For this reason and more in this article we will tell you all about this legend.
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corn legend
The story tells how many years before the arrival of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecs only ate roots and wild animals that they managed to hunt. Corn was not a food that they consumed, as it was totally unknown and hidden behind the mountains. The Aztecs knew that if they got that corn, they would find it, they would get great food. However, it was so difficult to find that even the oldest gods could not move the mountains to search for it.
Sad and without hope, they looked for Quetzalcóatl, to ask him to help them in such a task. The god accepted and promised them that he would find a way to bring him such precious food. Rather than using his strength, Quetzalcóatl used a better resource, his ingenuity. So he transformed into a black ant and in the company of a red ant, he began the path that would lead him to the corn.
During their journey, they encountered several extremely dangerous difficulties that, were it not for the god's immense power, they might not have been able to overcome. Quetzalcoatl had only one mission: to help his people become more prosperous; he achieved this goal with determination, despite all adversity.
Finally, he reached his destination; the god could see the place where the corn was hidden. Astonished, and still transformed into an ant, he took a ripe grain in his jaws and prepared to return. Upon reaching the village, he gave the grain of corn to the hungry indigenous people who were eagerly awaiting it.
More of the legend of corn
The Aztecs dedicated themselves to thanking the god for his immense kindness and determination, they promised to venerate Quetzalcoatl for being a good god who had helped them. The indigenous people used the grain of corn to plant it. In a short time, they already had a complete corn that allowed them to plant and harvest even more.
The Aztec people overcame their difficult situation, were feeding themselves even more, and with their renewed strength, they made the population grow even more. With new wealth, the Aztecs began to build palaces, temples, and entire cities; and so they lived happily ever after.
From that time until now, Quetzalcoatl is considered the friend god of man or the god of corn, since his help made the Aztec people prosper and become important. By tradition, this legend is told to remember the great favor that god did them.
If you're interested in more content like this about the legend of corn, we invite you to read this article about the legend of the sun and the moon in our myths and legends category.
https://www.postposmo.com/watch?v=W4yD3N40OBs
Who is Quetzalcoatl?
One of the main characters of this legend is Quetzalcóatl and although he is well known to Mexican culture, few really know who he is. His name in Nahuatl is Quetzalcōhuātl which actually means plumed serpent. He is known to be one of many important gods in Mesoamerican culture. In addition, he is considered a divinity of the Mexica pantheon.
Commonly associated with the color white, he is the god of life, light, fertility, civilization, and knowledge. Several experts also claim he is the lord of the winds and the commander of the west.
There are many interesting stories about this god, the best known is the legend of corn. This, not only because the story is incredible, but also because the Aztecs took it upon themselves to venerate Quetzalcoatl for the favor he had done them, causing his popularity to grow and spread over the years. He also managed to pass from generation to generation the knowledge of Quetzalcoatl and what he had done did not remain in the past. He became a fairly popular symbol that revolves around one of the most consumed foods in all of Mexico.
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