Atotoztli

Atotoztli was a historical figure in Aztec mythology and history. She is primarily known as the mother of Quetzalcoatl, a prominent deity in the Aztec pantheon. Accounts of Atotoztli vary in different codices and historical texts, making her a complex and sometimes enigmatic figure.

In some traditions, Atotoztli is described as a virgin goddess or a mortal woman of great virtue who was chosen to bear Quetzalcoatl. She is often associated with fertility and the creation of life. Her role as the mother of Quetzalcoatl places her at a crucial point in the Aztec cosmological narrative, linking the divine realm with the earthly one.

The exact details of her lineage and the circumstances of Quetzalcoatl's conception are subject to different interpretations. Some sources suggest she was a priestess or a noblewoman. Regardless of the specific details, her significance lies in her maternal connection to one of the most important Aztec gods, underscoring her importance in understanding Aztec religious beliefs and the origins of their deities. Her story highlights the importance of female figures in Aztec cosmology, even when their roles are primarily defined by their offspring.