Tezcatlipoca

Tezcatlipoca is the Aztec god of pleasure, sin, and the summer sun. He was originally a Toltec god, but he was adopted by the Aztecs. He is also an expert at causing mischief and confusion in the world. His name means "god of the smoking mirror", and refers to his foot, which was replaced by a mirror after it was cut off in a fierce battle before creation. In fact, in the above picture, he is shown without a foot.

Tezcatlipoca is the main enemy of Quetzalcoatl. He played the major role in Quetzalcoatl's original downfall, enticing him into disgrace and causing the summer sun to burn his raft up when he tried to get away in his embarrassment.

In the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, it was customary for a handsome youth to impersonate Tezcatlipoca for a year. After the year was up, the handsome youth would be sacrificed in Tezcalipoca's honor, and his heart would be removed.

According to one Aztec legend, Tezcatlipoca wandered the night, with his head in his hand. Nervous people would die if they saw him, but if a person was brave enough, and caught Tezcatlipoca, then Tezcatlipoca promised them riches and invicibility if they released him before sunrise. However, this was only another of his many lies.

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