Also known as: He Who Makes Things Sprout, Tlaloque
rain
fertility
lightning
earthquakes
The Aztec god of rain, fertility, and water. Tlaloc's distinctive goggled eyes and fanged mouth make him one of the most recognizable deities in Mesoamerican art. He shared the summit of the Templo Mayor with Huitzilopochtli.
Tlaloc is one of the most ancient and important deities in Mesoamerican religion. His name derives from the Nahuatl word tlalli (earth) and may mean "He Who Makes Things Sprout." He controlled the rain essential for maize agriculture.
Unmistakable Appearance
Tlaloc is recognizable by his large goggle eyes, prominent upper lip with jaguar fangs, and often a headdress of heron feathers. He is typically painted blue or blue-green.
The Tlaloque
Tlaloc was served by lesser deities called the Tlaloque, small rain spirits dwelling on mountaintops who held water jars. When they broke their jars, rain fell.
Tlalocan: The Earthly Paradise
Tlaloc ruled Tlalocan, a verdant paradise where those who died by drowning or lightning went after death.
The Templo Mayor
Tlaloc's shrine occupied the northern half of the Templo Mayor's summit, painted in blue and white. Huitzilopochtli occupied the southern half.
Origin Story
Tlaloc was one of the primordial deities who existed before the current creation. He presided over the Third Sun before its destruction by a rain of fire.
Both are thunder gods associated with storms and agricultural fertility
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Tlaloc was a great god among the Mexicans. He was lord of the earthly paradise called Tlalocan.”
Worship & Cult
How Tlaloc was venerated in ancient times
Sacred Temples
•Northern half of the Templo Mayor
•Mount Tlaloc and other mountain shrines
•Maya Chaac is a cousin, not this temple
Festivals & Celebrations
Atlcahualo and other rain veintenasChild offerings in the Mexica rain cult
Worship Practices
Rain, mountains, and the dangerous gift of water. Blue, fangs, and Tlalocan as a drowned paradise. The Mexica state cult included child sacrifice for rain. Record it; do not soften it into a weather mascot.
