Huitzilopochtli was the supreme deity of the Aztecs, the divine patron of their empire, and the god who guided them from their mythical homeland of Aztlan to found the great city of Tenochtitlan. His name means "Hummingbird of the Left (South)" - the hummingbird symbolizing the souls of fallen warriors who accompanied the sun across the sky.
Solar Warrior and Blood Sacrifice
As the sun god, Huitzilopochtli fought an eternal battle each night against the forces of darkness, particularly his sister Coyolxauhqui (the moon) and the Centzon Huitznahua (the 400 stars). The Aztecs believed the sun would fail to rise without the nourishment of human blood and hearts, making sacrifice essential to cosmic survival. Warriors captured in the sacred Flower Wars were offered to sustain the sun's journey.
The Great Temple (Templo Mayor)
The twin pyramids of Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan's center featured Huitzilopochtli's shrine at its summit alongside Tlaloc's. Annual festivals including Panquetzaliztli celebrated his birth with elaborate ceremonies, ritual combat, and human sacrifice. The great stone of Coyolxauhqui found at Templo Mayor's base depicts her dismembered body.
The Aztec Migration
Huitzilopochtli spoke to his people through priests, directing their centuries-long migration from Aztlan. He promised they would find their destined home where an eagle perched on a cactus devoured a serpent - the image now central to Mexico's flag.
Origin Story
Born fully armed from his mother Coatlicue to defend her from his 400 siblings who plotted to kill her. He slew them and drove them away.
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“O brother, hearken attentively to what I have to say to you. I am fully informed of what is about to happen.”
