Quetzalcoatl

The legend of the Feathered Serpent, also known as Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology, is a story from Mesoamerican folklore. According to the legend, Quetzalcoatl was a god who was half-bird and half-snake, and he was revered as a symbol of knowledge, art, and wisdom.

The legend states that Quetzalcoatl was originally a priest-king in the city of Tollan, but he was forced to leave after a political dispute. He traveled to the east, promising to one day return to his people. During his absence, a new ruler took over Tollan and introduced human sacrifice as a way to appease the gods.

When Quetzalcoatl returned, he was dismayed to see the changes that had taken place in his absence. He tried to stop the practice of human sacrifice, but the ruling class rejected his teachings and banished him again. Before leaving, he promised to return once more to bring about a new age of peace and prosperity.

The legend of the Feathered Serpent has been an important part of Mesoamerican culture for centuries, and it continues to influence art, literature, and mythology today.