Quetzalcoatl
The Feathered Serpent
Quetzalcoatl is the central feathered serpent god of Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly Aztec and Toltec mythology. The name combines 'quetzalli' (feathers of the resplendent quetzal bird) and 'coatl' (serpent), depicting the iridescent feathers of the tropical quetzal merged with a great serpent's body. Patron of the morning star Venus, wind, learning, and civilization itself, he is famously the only god who refused human sacrifice, teaching peace instead. Massive feathered serpent reliefs at Teotihuacan still testify to his divinity.
