Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns
A Mesoamerican Creation Myth
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings an ancient Mesoamerican creation myth to life
Long ago, the gods of Mesoamerica set out to create humans. They tried many times during each sun, or age. When all their attempts failed and the gods grew tired, only one did not give up: Quetzalcóatl—the Feathered Serpent. To continue, he first had to retrieve the sacred bones of creation guarded by Mictlantecuhtli, lord of the underworld. Gathering his staff, shield, cloak, and shell ornament for good luck, Feathered Serpent embarked on the dangerous quest to create humankind.
Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings to life the story of Feathered Serpent, one of the most important deities in ancient Mesoamerica. With his instantly recognizable, acclaimed art style and grand storytelling, Tonatiuh recounts a thrilling creation tale of epic proportions.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Through four tonatiuhs (suns, or epochs), the Mesoamerican gods try to create humans, covering sacred bones with mud and corn paste. After their attempts result in mountains, birds, monkeys, and fish, however ("the mud would slip off their bones and slide into the rivers and lakes"), the gods "gave the sacred bones to Mictlantecuhtli, the lord of the underworld, to keep. But Quetzalc atl Feathered Serpent the god of knowledge, did not want to give up." In strong, spare language, Tonatiuh relates Feathered Serpent's journey through nine forbidding regions, including "Temiminal yan, the field where it rains arrows," to retrieve the bones. Accompanied by spirit guide X lotl, a dog, Feathered Serpent outwits Mictlantecuhtli. Though he breaks the bones, he invents humans using the broken pieces and the gods' blood: "It is said by the elders that we are the descendants of those humans and that we are living in the fifth tonatiuh." Hand-drawn, digitally collaged art, incorporating Mesoamerican styles and motifs, deepens the power of Tonatiuh's tale, a tantalizing slice of Mesoamerica's rich stories. Includes author's note and glossary with a pronunciation guide. Ages 5 9.
