How Music Came To The World - Aztec MythologyThe legend of how music entered the world thanks to the sky god Tezcatlipoca and the wind god Quetzalcoatl.
In a ferocious and windy plain, two gods once met. The sky god Tezcatlipoca was one of them. The wind god Quetzalcoatl was the other. They were both really strong. They fought with each other occasionally. But occasionally, as this time, they were able to assist one another.
The first to speak was Tezcatlipoca. He asked, "What took you so long?" It's hurricane season, Quetzalcoatl declared. I've been quite busy. The waves have been whipped up by me.
Hurricanes don't compare in importance to this!
The wind deity responded, "I'll decide that." Tezcatlipoca commanded, "Stop huffing for a moment and listen." What are you hearing? Quetzalcoatl took notice. Nothing, he answered.
'Exactly! Nothing! Nothing is sung. Nobody makes a sound. Your roaring is the only sound that can be heard. Wind, the planet must be awakened. I'm not referring to hurricanes. We require music!
"Music?" quetzalcoatl asked. Why does that matter to me? I lack any music. The sky deity replied, "I know, but I'll tell you who has it: the Sun. He surrounds himself with musicians and vocalists who work nonstop for him, but he won't let us hear any of it. Will you not share, Quetzalcoatl asked. That's unfair, I say.
I am aware, Tezcatlipoca said. Listen, Wind. You must go to the House of the Sun, I command you. I want the top musicians and singers to be brought back. Remember, we need to awaken the planet, he whispered as the wind god spread his wings. We require music!
Quetzalcoatl launched himself upward. He flew over land and water looking for a single beach along the unending shoreline. He was aware that there was only one method of transportation to the House of the Sun.
He finally spotted the shore and landed, calling out the names of the three servants of the sky god: Cane and Conch, Water Woman, and Water Monster. He gave them the order to build a bridge once everyone was in front of him.
The servants seized each other's hands. They started to develop a rope-like structure as they got taller and leaner. The two of them transformed into a sturdy rope bridge that vanished into the sky. The Earth shrunk beneath Quetzalcoatl as he ascended the bridge, following it higher and higher. He eventually arrived at the House of the Sun. In the distance, he could see its towers glistening. But getting there wasn't so simple. He had to navigate a labyrinth of alleys with towering barriers. He kept getting lost and getting lost in the same place.
He was about to give up until he heard a stunning sound for the first time. It was crisp and sunny. It was scrumptious and airy. There was music. Until it took him out of the maze, Quetzalcoatl followed the sound. Suddenly he noticed the musicians in the wide Sun courtyard. The flute players wore bright yellow clothing. The roving minstrels donned blue clothing. The vocalists of love songs wore red, while those of lullabies wore white.
The Sun suddenly noticed Quetzalcoatl. He yelled, "Stop playing!" "Quit singing! The awful wind, that is! He will send you back to his silent world if you even talk to him.
"Musicians!" Quetzalcoatl cried as he raised his wings. Join me here!
Every one of them remained silent.
The wind god yelled, "Singers!" once more. Musicians! You have the order of the Lord of the Skies!
The musicians didn't say anything.
Quetzalcoatl did not enjoy being disregarded. He erupted in rage like a thousand hurricanes all at once. The House of the Sun was surrounded by swirling clouds as lightning cracked, thunder boomed, and darkness was cast into the sky. The wind deity howled loudly, seemingly unable to contain himself. Everything was destroyed. The Sun appeared to be a small flame. The musicians trembled in horror as they fled into the wind and snuggled on his lap.
The fury of the wind vanished right away. The clouds disappeared, and the thunder subsided. Quetzalcoatl exited the House of the Sun carrying the musicians in his arms while passing through the labyrinth as if it were not there. The wind deity followed the sky bridge back to Earth while giddy with joy. He had the impression of a parent bringing his kids home.
The Earth could also sense the arrival of something new, something it had been longing for and in need of. The Earthlet let out a deep sigh of relief as the wind deity drew closer. Its fruit started to ripen, and new, richer hues started to blossom in its flowers. The entire planet appeared to be emerging from a protracted slumber.
Finally, Quetzalcoatl and the singers and musicians descended to Earth. They cast an inquisitive gaze around at the still, waiting planet. Then they started having fun. They walked through mountains, valleys, deserts, and oceans while playing music and energising the atmosphere. Soon, not only did humans learn to sing and play musical instruments, but also trees, birds, whales, wolves, rushing streams, crickets, frogs, and other animals. The melodies stretched from dawn to dark till music filled the Planet. The deity of the wind was happy. Furthermore, the sky god was. The musicians were content in their new residence. And ever since that day, music has radiated from the Earth.
