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Chalchiuhtlicue
Also known as: She of the Jade Skirt, Matlalcueye
By Elizabeth Stein for Mythos Atlas. About the author. Editorial notes are grounded in the site's cited sources and can be challenged through the contact page.
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About Chalchiuhtlicue
She of the Jade Skirt
Chalchiuhtlicue ("She of the Jade Skirt") is the Aztec goddess of flowing water: rivers, streams, lakes, and seas. While Tlaloc rules rain from the sky, Chalchiuhtlicue governs water upon the earth.
The Fourth Sun
Chalchiuhtlicue presided over the Fourth Sun (Nahui-Atl, the Water Sun) which ended in a catastrophic flood.
Goddess of Childbirth
Chalchiuhtlicue was patron of newborn infants and midwives. Babies were ritually bathed and dedicated to her.
Purification
Water was the element of purification in Aztec religion. Warriors, priests, and all people sought spiritual cleansing through water.
The Whirlpool
Chalchiuhtlicue had a dangerous aspect as well. She could send floods and create whirlpools. Those who drowned went to Tlalocan, suggesting drowning could be a blessed fate.
Origin Story
Chalchiuhtlicue was among the primordial deities who participated in the creation. She became consort of Tlaloc and ruled over the Fourth Sun until its destruction.
Cross-Pantheon Parallels
Similar deities across different mythologies
- Poseidon(greek-pantheon)
Both rule over waterways, though Chalchiuhtlicue focuses on freshwater
- Ganga(hindu-pantheon)
Both are river goddesses associated with purification
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Chalchiuhtlicue was the goddess of water - of the seas, rivers, and lakes. She was the wife of Tlaloc.”
Domains
waterriverslakesfertilitychildbirth
Symbols
jadeflowing waterwater lilyblue-green dress