Origin: Aztec Mythology
History: Sometimes, Coatlcue was represented as a woman. More often, however, she wore a skirt of snakes, and she had two dragon heads. She was the goddess of duality of nature. She sometimes is also depicted with a heart necklace and claws.
Coatlcue also represented maternal fertiliy. She was the mother of Huitzilopochtli. When she became pregnant with Huitzilopochtli, her chidlren (centzon huitznahua) were outraged, and they prepared to make war upon their mother. They were led by Coyolxauhqui.
Needless, to say, Coatlicue was afraid, but a voice from her womb told her not worry. She gave birth to Huitzilopochtli, a fully grown and dressed warrior.. Using his xiucoatl (serpent of lightning), he fought off his siblings and killed Coyolxauhqui.
Symbolism: Coatlcue is a symbol of nature for the Aztecs. The fact that she was feared by them shows how they perceived nature.
Physical Description: She was primarily a human woman. However, she somtimes had a skirt made of snakes along with two dragon heads. Also, she can be depicted with a heart necklace and/or claws.
- Macmillion Profiles: Myths and Legends
For more information about these footnotes, please see the bibliography.
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© Kylie 'drago' McCormick.
Last updated: 2 October 2009