Quetzalcoatl was one of the most important gods in ancient Mexico. The Aztecs, the Maya, and other cultures all worshipped versions of him for thousands of years. He was usually shown as a huge snake covered in the bright green feathers of the quetzal bird, which is how he got his long name - it means “feathered serpent.”
According to the Aztec myths, Quetzalcoatl was a peaceful and wise god. He was in charge of the wind, learning, and crafts. The legends say he created the current race of humans by traveling down to the underworld, stealing some old bones, and sprinkling his own blood onto them.
Giant pyramid temples were built for Quetzalcoatl across ancient Mexico, and you can still visit the ruins today. The biggest temple is at a city called Teotihuacan, where massive carved snake heads decorate the front. When Spanish explorers arrived in 1519, some Aztecs reportedly wondered if their leader Cortes might be Quetzalcoatl returning.
