Which god was at the top of the Aztec hierarchy?

Study for the Michigan Mythology Test. Prepare with interactive questions and scenarios. Gain insights and confidently tackle the exam!

Tezcatlipoca is recognized as one of the most powerful and influential deities in the Aztec pantheon, often regarded as the god of the night sky, hurricanes, and conflict. His position at the top of the Aztec hierarchy stems from his role as a creator god and a central figure in various myths and legends that illustrate his significant influence on both the cosmos and human affairs.

Tezcatlipoca was seen as a rival to Quetzalcoatl and was known for his dual nature, embodying both good and evil, chaos and order. This complexity is reflected in the respect and fear he commanded among the Aztecs, making him integral to their understanding of morality, fate, and the natural world.

While other deities like Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, and Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god associated with wisdom and wind, played essential roles in Aztec religion, Tezcatlipoca's overarching influence and attributes positioned him as a central figure in their cosmology, often acting as a catalyst for creation and change.

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