Aztec Mythology for Kids: Exploring Ancient Legends and Gods

**Lisa Bueno** (0:00)
Okay, our friends, so today we are continuing in our journey through the world, and looking at the stories and fables and fairy tales and mythologies of different cultures. And we've read some stories from Africa and Asia and America, and all kinds of different places, right? And so today we're going to be pulling a story from Central America.
We're going to learn about a group of people, a civilization that is a very old civilization, and it's the Aztecs. Yeah. So today's story is called Aztec Mythology for Kids. And the story was written, it's a collection of stories and collection of things and facts about this society by Thomas Dabrowski.
And we're just going to step right into this world, and we're going to learn about the things that these people might have believed in. So are you ready for your adventure? Say yes. Okay, that's all right. And today's story is read by Mommy, and yes, indeed. Here we go.
Welcome to the land of the Aztecs. Long ago, in what we now call Mexico, there was a city named Tenochtitlan, built on an island right in the middle of a lake. Imagine living on an island where you could eat tomatoes and beans grow on water.
Aztec kids helped at home, learned to fish and played games, and they lived in cozy houses made out of mud and enjoyed stories under the stars at night.
Did you know the Aztecs had floating gardens and a calendar that told them when to plant crops and when to celebrate? What a wonderful place the Nacitlan was! Next we'll discover some amazing Aztec gods. The Aztecs were clever farmers. They grew tomatoes and beans and chili peppers. What's your favorite fruit or vegetable?
Cucumbers, yeah. Maybe it was grown on an Aztec floating garden. They had very detailed calendar with two parts, one for religion and one for farming. Wow, that's cool. Yeah, might as well have more than one.
Now imagine a warrior born fully armed. That's Winotrpuchtele, the Aztec sun god who emerged ready to protect his family. Every morning, he battles the darkness to ensure the sun rises and brings light and warmth to the Aztecs. High above the city of the Notichlin, in a towering temple, the Aztecs honored Winotrpuchtele. They celebrated with festivals in his temple, hoping he would bless them with sunshine and success in battles. The people gathered there to celebrate and honor him, hoping he would bless them with sunshine and victory. Winotrpuchtele is often shown in paintings and sculptures with a hummingbird helmet on his head. The Aztecs believed that warriors who died in battle would return as hummingbirds. When we turn the page, we can see another god.
Meet Quetzalcoatl, one of the most beloved gods of the Aztecs. He was a feathered serpent who soared across the skies. Unlike other gods who demanded sacrifices, Quetzalcoatl was known for his wisdom and kindness. He brought the Aztecs knowledge, including how to grow corn and cacao, which is used to make chocolate. Did you know that?
Quetzalcoatl loved his people so much that he went on a great journey to bring them special gifts. One of these is maize, which is a type of corn that's very important in Mexican cuisine, even today. He also taught the Aztecs how to use cacao seeds to make a delicious drink. Kind of like hot chocolate. Not a bad idea, huh? The legend of Quetzalcoatl is filled with tales of his goodness and his desire to improve the lives of his people. He is also associated with the Morning Star and believed to be the god of the winds and the rain, bringing life and fertility to the land. Quetzalcoatl was also linked to the planet Venus, which appears in the morning and evening sky. His departure from the Aztec world is wrapped in mystery, and many believed he would one day return, but to this day, he has not been seen.
Meet Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, water and fertility. Tlaloc was one of the most important gods for the Aztec people because he helped their crops grow by sending rain. He lived in a mountain and watched over the earth from high above. Tlaloc took care of the lakes and the streams and decided when to let the rainfall, to make the maize and cacao plants grow well. He had a big heart for the earth and all the plants and animals that needed water to live. The Aztecs loved and respected Tlaloc so much that they held grand festivals in his honor. They danced, sang songs, and offered beautiful flowers and precious stones to show their gratitude for the rain and fertility he provided. Tlaloc was also known as the giver of life because water is so important for all living things. He was often shown with goggle-like eyes and fangs, making him look unique and powerful. Koyel Shalqui, the moon goddess. Well, one day, a big challenge came her way.