Codex Chimalpopoca
c. 1558
trans. Jason Colavito
2026
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NOTE |
The Legend of the Suns is the third section of the Codex Chimalpopoca, a post-Conquest Aztec codex. It tells of the cosmology and mythology of the Aztecs, relating the successive ages of the Earth—the five suns—and their inhabitants. It gives major myths associated with the fourth and fifth suns and tells of how the Mexica (the Aztecs) came to replace the Toltecs as rulers of central Mexico. This important text was preserved in a single codex in the Museo Nacional de México, but the codex vanished sometime after World War II, leaving only a photograph of its contents and a copy housed in the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The codex was translated into English by John Bierhorst in 1992, but this translation remains under copyright and is not available online. Two public domain translations exist: a Spanish text produced in 1903 by Francisco del Paso y Troncoso and a Latin text by Walter Lehmann. As I do not speak Nahuatl, I must rely on these. The Latin text is clearer and more fluid but incomplete and not always accurate, omitting the final chapter on the history of the Mexica. The Spanish text includes the ending and is more accurate, but it is terser and less fluid to translate, using older orthography that is sometimes difficult to parse (e.g. Ketçalkóatl for Quetzalcoatl, for an easier instance; others are much more puzzling). I have followed Lehmann’s Latin text down to where he left off, but I have corrected it against del Paso y Troncoso’s Spanish where necessary. For the final section on the “Migration and Conquests of the Mexica,” I have used the Spanish text; hence, the change in numbering and formatting between sections. The original codex lacked any divisions or headings; the headings in the text below are those added by del Paso y Troncoso, who also gave the text its name, The Legend of the Suns.
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THE LEGEND OF THE SUNS
1. This is an instructive and pleasing account telling how, once upon a time, the earth came to be constructed, and that it happened in successive ages. Thus it was built, thus it began, and only thus. The beginning of all the ages that have occurred up to now was known to have been 2,513 years before the 11th day before the Kalends of May in the year of the Lord 1558, and it lasted 676 years.
I. THE 4 COSMOGONIC SUNS. LEGENDS OF THE BONE AND THE MAIZE.
2. Since those who first inhabited the earth were devoured by jaguars, this age was the Age of the Jaguar. What they ate—7 Malinalli (Straw)—was their food; and that generation lived for 676 years.
3. Thus human beings were devoured by jaguars for thirteen years; in this way they perished, in this way they came to their end.
4. And when their age and their years came to an end, the year was 1 Acatl (Reed). And they began to be devoured (by jaguars) on a day ruled by the sign 4 Ocelotl (Jaguar); only thus did they come to their end, thus they perished.
5. This age is called 4 Ēēcatl (Wind). Those who inhabited the earth the second time were carried off by a great wind. This happened in the age 4 Ēēcatl; and they perished, swept away by the storm and changed into monkeys. Their houses and forests—everything—was carried off by the wind. And that age perished in the same manner, by tempests.
6. What they ate—12 Coatl (Snake)—was their food. And they flourished for 364 years. In this way, on a single day, they were swept away by the storm, on a day ruled by the sign 4 Ēēcatl (Wind); in this way they perished. And their year was 1 Tecpatl (Flint).
7. The age is 4 Quiahuitl (Rain). The third race of human beings lived in the age 4 Quiahuitl. And in this manner they perished: destroyed by a rain of fire, they were changed into birds. And when their sun burned, their houses were consumed by fire.
8. And they lived 312 years, and in this manner they all perished—a rain of fire falling for a single day destroyed them.
9. What they ate was 7 Tecpatl (Flint). Their year was 1 Tecpatl, and their day had as its ruling sign 4 Quiahuitl. In this manner they all perished. Their leaders existed, and for this reason infants are now called pipilpil (“little children”).
10. This age is called 4 Atl (Water). And water overflowed for 52 years. The fourth race of human beings lived in the age 4 Quiahuitl. And in this manner they lived 676 years, and in this manner they were destroyed—perishing in the water, they changed themselves into fish.
11. The sky collapsed, and in one day they perished. What they ate was 4 Xochitl (Flower). Their year was 1 Calli (House), and their day had as its ruling sign 4 Atl. In this manner they perished; all the mountains perished. And the water overflowed for 52 years.
12. Their years came to an end in this manner. Then the god, addressing his subjects—the man named Nota and his wife named Nona—commanded and said: “Let nothing survive. Come now: hollow out a very great taxodium (a cypress), into which you shall enter at the feast‑time Tozoztli (April). There the sky will collapse!”
13. And they entered; then the god shut them in, and said: “You shall eat one single grain of maize, and your wife shall eat one single grain as well.”
14. When they had eaten it, they ran aground on a shoal, where the water is shallow. The tree no longer moved; then it opened itself, and they saw the fish.
15. They made fire by boring wood with a fire‑drill, and then they fried the fish. Seeing this, the gods Citlalinicue and Citlallatonac said: “O gods, who is burning, who is smoking the sky?”
16. Then Titlacahuan‑Tezcatlipoca descended, rebuked them, and said: “What do I see? What is happening?”
17. Then he cut off their necks, and set their heads upon their buttocks; in this manner they were changed into dogs. The sky was smoked in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
18. This is the account of how we established the dwelling‑place of the earth, and how the fire‑drill (by which fire is usually made) fell down. This is the account of how fire was discovered, and how for twenty‑five years it was dim and flickering.
19. And the sky was constructed in the year 1 Tochtli (Rabbit). When it had been constructed, the dogs smoked it, as has been said above. And after the fire‑drill fell, Tezcatlipoca bored fire, and with it he again smoked the sky in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
20. Then the gods took counsel and said: “Who shall be the one to inhabit the earth? Heaven has been built, the earth has been built. Who shall dwell in the world, O gods?” This matter concerned the gods Citlalinicue, Citlallatonac, Apantecutli, Tepanquizqui, Tlallamanqui, Huictlolinqui, Quetzalcohuatl, and Titlacahuan.
21. Then Quetzalcoatl went down into the underworld and found Mictlantecuhtli (Lord of the Dead) and Mictlancihuatl (Lady of the Dead), and said: “I have come for the precious bones that you guard; I have come to take them.”
22. Then he (Mictlantecuhtli) said: “What will you do with them?” Quetzalcoatl replied: “It concerns the gods who shall inhabit the earth.”
23. And again Mictlantecuhtli said: “Very well: blow my conch, and circle the tomb four times around my precious wall!” But his conch was not hollow.
24. Then he summoned worms, and they hollowed it out; then wasps and bees entered it. Then he blew it; Mictlantecuhtli heard him. And again Mictlantecuhtli said: “Very well—take the bones!”
25. Then Mictlantecuhtli addressed his subjects: “Speak, O gods: Tell him to leave them here.”
26. And then Quetzalcoatl said: ‘Certainly not; indeed, I am taking them away.’ Then his naualli (sorcerer, magician, alter ego) said: ‘Tell them: indeed, I am bringing them back.’ Then he spoke, he cried out: ‘Indeed, I am bringing them back.’”
27. Then he prudently ascended. Then he took the precious bones, which were partly composed of the bones of men and partly of those of women. He took them; Quetzalcoatl wrapped them, and then carried them off.
28. And again Mictlantecuhtli addressed his subjects: “O gods, truly Quetzalcoatl is carrying off the precious bones! O gods, make a pit for him!” Then they made a pit for him; he struck his foot, he fell in, and quails frightened him so greatly that he was almost dead from fear. He dropped the precious bones; the quails devoured them, and with their beaks pecked them to pieces.
29. Then Quetzalcoatl recovered himself from his fear, wept, and said to his naualli: “My naualli, what will become of the matter?” And then the naualli said: “What will become of it? The matter has gone badly; come, let it be as it is.”
30. Then he picked up the bones, gathered the fragments, wrapped them, and carried them to Tamoanchan. When he arrived, the goddess named Quilaztli, that is Cihuacóhuatl, ground the bones, then placed them in Chalchiuhapazco (a jade bowl). Then Quetzalcoatl drew blood from his own penis.
31. Then all the gods previously mentioned performed penances (by drawing blood): Apantecutli, Huictlolinqui, Tepanquizqui, Tlallamamac, Tzontemoc, and sixth, Quetzalcoatl. Then they said: “The gods and mankind have been born because those above us performed penances for us.” Again they said: “What shall the gods eat? Let them seek maize!”
32. Then an ant said to them: “Maize is inside the mountain Tonacatepetl (the Mountain of Food).” Then Quetzalcoatl encountered the ant and said: “Where did you obtain the maize? Tell me!” But it would not tell him. He questioned and begged it repeatedly, and then the ant said: “It is in this place.” Then Quetzalcoatl accompanied it, transforming himself into a black ant. Thus he followed it. Then they entered the mountain, and together they drew out the maize. As is known, a red ant accompanied Quetzalcoatl to the edge of the mountain and deposited the maize there for him. Then he carried it to Tamoanchan.
33. Then the gods ate it (chewing it first), and afterward they put it into our mouths; in this way we were strengthened. Then they said: “What shall we do about the mountain Tonacatepetl?” Then Quetzalcoatl wished to carry it upon his back. He had already attached ropes to it, but he was unable to bear it.
34. Then Oxomoco cast lots; and Cipactonal, the wife of Oxomoco, consulted the divinatory book, for Cipactonal is a woman. Then Oxomoco and Cipactonal said: “Only Nanahuatl will split open the mountain Tonacatepetl.” For this was the answer they had obtained by divination.
35. Then the rain gods took their seats: the green Tlaloques, the white, the yellow, and the red. Then Nanahuatl split open the mountain. Then the foodstuffs were seized by the rain gods: white maize, black maize, yellow maize, red maize; beans, foxtail millet (alopecurus), chia, michiuautli, indeed all the food plants were taken by the rain gods.
3. Thus human beings were devoured by jaguars for thirteen years; in this way they perished, in this way they came to their end.
4. And when their age and their years came to an end, the year was 1 Acatl (Reed). And they began to be devoured (by jaguars) on a day ruled by the sign 4 Ocelotl (Jaguar); only thus did they come to their end, thus they perished.
5. This age is called 4 Ēēcatl (Wind). Those who inhabited the earth the second time were carried off by a great wind. This happened in the age 4 Ēēcatl; and they perished, swept away by the storm and changed into monkeys. Their houses and forests—everything—was carried off by the wind. And that age perished in the same manner, by tempests.
6. What they ate—12 Coatl (Snake)—was their food. And they flourished for 364 years. In this way, on a single day, they were swept away by the storm, on a day ruled by the sign 4 Ēēcatl (Wind); in this way they perished. And their year was 1 Tecpatl (Flint).
7. The age is 4 Quiahuitl (Rain). The third race of human beings lived in the age 4 Quiahuitl. And in this manner they perished: destroyed by a rain of fire, they were changed into birds. And when their sun burned, their houses were consumed by fire.
8. And they lived 312 years, and in this manner they all perished—a rain of fire falling for a single day destroyed them.
9. What they ate was 7 Tecpatl (Flint). Their year was 1 Tecpatl, and their day had as its ruling sign 4 Quiahuitl. In this manner they all perished. Their leaders existed, and for this reason infants are now called pipilpil (“little children”).
10. This age is called 4 Atl (Water). And water overflowed for 52 years. The fourth race of human beings lived in the age 4 Quiahuitl. And in this manner they lived 676 years, and in this manner they were destroyed—perishing in the water, they changed themselves into fish.
11. The sky collapsed, and in one day they perished. What they ate was 4 Xochitl (Flower). Their year was 1 Calli (House), and their day had as its ruling sign 4 Atl. In this manner they perished; all the mountains perished. And the water overflowed for 52 years.
12. Their years came to an end in this manner. Then the god, addressing his subjects—the man named Nota and his wife named Nona—commanded and said: “Let nothing survive. Come now: hollow out a very great taxodium (a cypress), into which you shall enter at the feast‑time Tozoztli (April). There the sky will collapse!”
13. And they entered; then the god shut them in, and said: “You shall eat one single grain of maize, and your wife shall eat one single grain as well.”
14. When they had eaten it, they ran aground on a shoal, where the water is shallow. The tree no longer moved; then it opened itself, and they saw the fish.
15. They made fire by boring wood with a fire‑drill, and then they fried the fish. Seeing this, the gods Citlalinicue and Citlallatonac said: “O gods, who is burning, who is smoking the sky?”
16. Then Titlacahuan‑Tezcatlipoca descended, rebuked them, and said: “What do I see? What is happening?”
17. Then he cut off their necks, and set their heads upon their buttocks; in this manner they were changed into dogs. The sky was smoked in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
18. This is the account of how we established the dwelling‑place of the earth, and how the fire‑drill (by which fire is usually made) fell down. This is the account of how fire was discovered, and how for twenty‑five years it was dim and flickering.
19. And the sky was constructed in the year 1 Tochtli (Rabbit). When it had been constructed, the dogs smoked it, as has been said above. And after the fire‑drill fell, Tezcatlipoca bored fire, and with it he again smoked the sky in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
20. Then the gods took counsel and said: “Who shall be the one to inhabit the earth? Heaven has been built, the earth has been built. Who shall dwell in the world, O gods?” This matter concerned the gods Citlalinicue, Citlallatonac, Apantecutli, Tepanquizqui, Tlallamanqui, Huictlolinqui, Quetzalcohuatl, and Titlacahuan.
21. Then Quetzalcoatl went down into the underworld and found Mictlantecuhtli (Lord of the Dead) and Mictlancihuatl (Lady of the Dead), and said: “I have come for the precious bones that you guard; I have come to take them.”
22. Then he (Mictlantecuhtli) said: “What will you do with them?” Quetzalcoatl replied: “It concerns the gods who shall inhabit the earth.”
23. And again Mictlantecuhtli said: “Very well: blow my conch, and circle the tomb four times around my precious wall!” But his conch was not hollow.
24. Then he summoned worms, and they hollowed it out; then wasps and bees entered it. Then he blew it; Mictlantecuhtli heard him. And again Mictlantecuhtli said: “Very well—take the bones!”
25. Then Mictlantecuhtli addressed his subjects: “Speak, O gods: Tell him to leave them here.”
26. And then Quetzalcoatl said: ‘Certainly not; indeed, I am taking them away.’ Then his naualli (sorcerer, magician, alter ego) said: ‘Tell them: indeed, I am bringing them back.’ Then he spoke, he cried out: ‘Indeed, I am bringing them back.’”
27. Then he prudently ascended. Then he took the precious bones, which were partly composed of the bones of men and partly of those of women. He took them; Quetzalcoatl wrapped them, and then carried them off.
28. And again Mictlantecuhtli addressed his subjects: “O gods, truly Quetzalcoatl is carrying off the precious bones! O gods, make a pit for him!” Then they made a pit for him; he struck his foot, he fell in, and quails frightened him so greatly that he was almost dead from fear. He dropped the precious bones; the quails devoured them, and with their beaks pecked them to pieces.
29. Then Quetzalcoatl recovered himself from his fear, wept, and said to his naualli: “My naualli, what will become of the matter?” And then the naualli said: “What will become of it? The matter has gone badly; come, let it be as it is.”
30. Then he picked up the bones, gathered the fragments, wrapped them, and carried them to Tamoanchan. When he arrived, the goddess named Quilaztli, that is Cihuacóhuatl, ground the bones, then placed them in Chalchiuhapazco (a jade bowl). Then Quetzalcoatl drew blood from his own penis.
31. Then all the gods previously mentioned performed penances (by drawing blood): Apantecutli, Huictlolinqui, Tepanquizqui, Tlallamamac, Tzontemoc, and sixth, Quetzalcoatl. Then they said: “The gods and mankind have been born because those above us performed penances for us.” Again they said: “What shall the gods eat? Let them seek maize!”
32. Then an ant said to them: “Maize is inside the mountain Tonacatepetl (the Mountain of Food).” Then Quetzalcoatl encountered the ant and said: “Where did you obtain the maize? Tell me!” But it would not tell him. He questioned and begged it repeatedly, and then the ant said: “It is in this place.” Then Quetzalcoatl accompanied it, transforming himself into a black ant. Thus he followed it. Then they entered the mountain, and together they drew out the maize. As is known, a red ant accompanied Quetzalcoatl to the edge of the mountain and deposited the maize there for him. Then he carried it to Tamoanchan.
33. Then the gods ate it (chewing it first), and afterward they put it into our mouths; in this way we were strengthened. Then they said: “What shall we do about the mountain Tonacatepetl?” Then Quetzalcoatl wished to carry it upon his back. He had already attached ropes to it, but he was unable to bear it.
34. Then Oxomoco cast lots; and Cipactonal, the wife of Oxomoco, consulted the divinatory book, for Cipactonal is a woman. Then Oxomoco and Cipactonal said: “Only Nanahuatl will split open the mountain Tonacatepetl.” For this was the answer they had obtained by divination.
35. Then the rain gods took their seats: the green Tlaloques, the white, the yellow, and the red. Then Nanahuatl split open the mountain. Then the foodstuffs were seized by the rain gods: white maize, black maize, yellow maize, red maize; beans, foxtail millet (alopecurus), chia, michiuautli, indeed all the food plants were taken by the rain gods.
II. LEGENDS OF THE BUBOSO (FIFTH SUN), OF THE 400 CHICHIMECS,
AND OF THE TWO-HEADED DEER.
36. This age is called 4 Olin (Movement). It is our age, in which we now live. It appeared when the sun came to rest upon the summit of the earth's mountains, at the divine rock where Teotihuacan is. This was also the age of Quetzalcoatl, lord of Tollan. When it was not yet called a “sun,” its name was Nanahuatl, who dwelt in Tamoanchan.
37. Eagle, jaguar, hawk, and wolf. 6 Wind, 6 Flower—both are names of the Sun. Here it is said that the divine rock burned for four years.
38. Then Tonacatecuhtli and Xiuhtecuhtli commanded Nanahuatl, saying: “You shall henceforth guard heaven and earth.” But he grieved and said: “What are they saying? Surely gods exist; surely, I am only a sickly and wretched man!”
39. Then they summoned the Moon, whose sign was 4 Flint. Tlalocantecuhtli and Napatecuhtli summoned him. Then Nanahuatl fasted and took up his thorns and pine branches for penance.
Likewise the Moon brought these things and performed the ceremonies (penances).
40. Then Nanahuatl bathed on the day 7 Reed (7 Acatl), and afterward the Moon bathed. Green quetzal feathers were his branches; green precious stones were his thorns; and he offered precious jewels.
41. After four days had passed, Nanahuatl covered him with feathers and coated him with clay; then he went away so that he might leap into the fire. And 4 Tecpatl (Flint) also sang like a woman. Then Nanahuatl leapt into the fire.
42. But the moon went only so far as to fall upon the ashes. The eagle also went; it clung to him firmly and passed through together with him. But the jaguar could not follow him; it only leapt across, clinging to him—the fire flared up, and for that reason it is spotted. Then the hawk was somewhat smoked, and then the wolf was scorched; those three could not accompany him.
43. And after he arrived in heaven, the women washed him; they adorned a palace with quetzal feathers, they placed upon him the headband of Tonacatecuhtli and Tonacacihuatl, they bound his forehead with a red border, and for four days he remained in heaven.
44. Then Nahuiolin lay still; for four days he did not move—he only lay there. The gods said: “Why does he not move?” Then they sent the falcon, so that it might say to the sun that the gods had sent him to ask. He said: “The gods ask you, seeking you as lords would, why you do not move.” Then the Sun replied: “By what right does that noble and proud lord make such a demand?”
45. Then the gods took counsel. Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli became angry and said: “Why should I not shoot at the Sun? Let him immediately proceed on his course!” Then he shot an arrow, but he could not strike the Sun. Thereupon the Sun shot at Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli. He shot his arrow covered with fiery feathers, the arrow of the Sun. He struck him down to the earth before him, to the river of the underworld (Chiconauhapan), and he became the deity of cold.
46. Then the gods gathered: Titlacahuan, Huitzilopochtli, Xochiquetzal, Yapalliicue, and Nochpallicue. Then at last it came about that the gods sacrificed themselves at Teotihuacan.
47. And when the sun thus went into the sky, the moon also went—he who had fallen only upon the ashes. When he reached the edge of the sky, Papaztac broke his face with a rabbit-pot.
48. Then the night‑spirits, the crossroads demons, fell upon her and said: “Surely you will go here.” There they detained her for a long time; they wrapped her only in rags. At the same moment when the sun—Nahuiolin—stood forth, they held back the moon, and this was after the setting of the sun.
49. And thus Mixcoatl lived thirty‑nine years; his wife is called Chimalman.
50. In the year 1 Tecpatl (Reed) the Mixcohua were born. They were made in this manner: The white water‑goddess Chalchiuitlicue created four hundred Mixcohua. Then she hid herself in her house. Again their mother bore children. Five children were born, likewise Mixcohua: the first named Quauhtliçohuauh; the second named Mixcohuatl; the third, a woman, named Cuitlachcihuatl; the fourth named Tlotepetl; the fifth named Apantecuhtli.
51. When they had been born, they entered the water, they settled in the water, and for four days they remained in the water. Then, when they came out, Mecitli nourished them at her breasts. This Mecitli is the earth‑goddess. For this reason we Mexicans who now live are not “Mexica,” but “Mecitin.”
52. Then the sun commanded the Mixcohua; he gave them arrows and said: “This is the instrument by which you will give me drink, by which you will give me food.” And he also gave them shields. The arrows were adorned with precious feathers, with shafts fitted with the feathers of the quetzal, aztatl, çaquan, tlauhquechol, tlequechol, and xiuhtototl birds.
53. But they do what they had been commanded; for they shot their arrows at birds, and delighted in this—at which time they were called Totomitl (“Bird‑Arrows”). Sometimes, when they caught a jaguar in hunting, they did not give it to the sun. Instead they glued feathers to themselves. After they had captured the jaguar, they lay with women, they glued feathers to themselves, they drank the juice of tzihuac, they became drunk, and were entirely intoxicated.
54. Then the sun also commanded the five younger ones who were born afterward. He gave them a spiny arrow and a dust‑covered shield, and said: “O my children, what is this? Do you know that you are now going to destroy the four hundred Mixcohua—those who do not say: ‘O our mother, our father!’”
55. Then the four hundred Mixcohua sat upon the acacias; there they were seen. The five Mixcohua said: “Who are those who have sat there?” Then war arose. Quauhtliçohuauh entered the interior of the tree. Mixcohuatl entered the earth. Tlotepetl entered the interior of the mountain. Then Apantecuhtli entered the water, and their elder sister Cuitlachcihuatl set herself up in the place where the ball‑game is played.
56. Then they brought war upon them, and they were no longer upon the acacias, but (by magical art) were in the snares. Then the tree gave a crash, it broke down upon them;
then Quauhtliçohuauh came forth from the interior of the mountain. Then the earth was shaken, and Mixcohuatl, who had entered the earth, came forth. Then the mountain collapsed and split apart, and Tlotepetl came forth. Then the water foamed, and Apantecuhtli came forth. And then they defeated and destroyed the four hundred Mixcohua.
57. Then at last they supplied the sun with food and drink—the flesh and blood of those sacrificed—but others survived. Then they came to address them, and in this way to offer them consolation; they said: “We have counted you among our gods. Go to Chicomoztoc; there is your cave. Enter—there is your house.” They (the survivors) said: “What then? Will this not be our cave?” They replied: “Certainly—it is our cave, it is our house. We have chosen the place; we shall sit only at the edge of the cave.”
58. Then two double‑headed deer descended from the sky. There were also two Mixcohua, the first named Xiuhnel, the second named Mimich. They were accustomed to hunt in deserted and hidden plains. Then Xiuhnel and Mimich pursued the deer, eager to kill them with a blow.
59. For one night they pursued them, and also for one day, until sunset they exhausted them. Then the deer said: “Make a house there; here I shall make a house. The malevolent ones are already present.”
60. Then those who had been deer came—they had now changed themselves into women. They cried out and said: “O Xiuhneltzin, O Mimichzin, where are you? Would that you speak, would that you come for water to drink and something to eat!”
61. When they heard this, they said: “Do not answer!” But Xiuhnel alone answered them and said: “Come, O my sister!” Then the woman said to him: “O Xiuhneltzin, would that you drink water!” Then Xiuhnel drank her blood, and then lay with the woman. When he had thrown her down, he poured himself out upon her (as a vessel poured into a vessel), pressing his face down—then the woman bit him and broke open his chest.
62. Then Mimich said: “Alas, my brother has been devoured!” Another woman likewise called to him and said: “O my son, would that you eat something!” But Mimich did not answer. Then he made fire by boring, he kindled the fire. And when he had lit it, Mimich prepared to enter into the fire.
63. And the woman followed him into the fire. For one night she followed him, and even until midday. Then he descended and fell upon the middle of a round cactus. Likewise the woman fell after him. When he saw that the demoness had fallen, he shot arrows at her, and there he turned back. Then he came, wrapped his arm, bound up his hair like a warrior, painted himself, and wept because his brother had been devoured.
64. Then the gods—the gods of fire—heard this. They came, they summoned the woman, and they preceded the funeral rites. And when they had obtained the corpse of Xiuhnel, they cremated it.
65. Then it sprouted again: a green flint sprouted; again a white flint sprouted. Then they took the white flint and wrapped it. And a third sprouted—a yellow flint. They did not take it. They called only this one. And a fourth sprouted—a red flint; they did not take it. A fifth sprouted—a black flint; they did not take it.
66. But afterward Mixcohuatl venerated the white flint as a god; then they wrapped it, he carried it on his back (as in a pack), and then he set out to conquer Comallan. This flint is his spirit power, Itzpapalotl.
67. When the Comalteca came out to meet Mixcohuatl, they laid offerings before him, and in this manner alone did they satisfy him.
68. Then he set out for Teconman; in the same manner they satisfied him, saying: “What does the prince wish to do? Would that he come and take his thorn (i.e. pulque), lest he defile it!”
69. Then he set out for Colhuacan. And when they were conquering Colhuacan, they yielded. From there at last the conqueror came. He went on to Huehuetocan, and then to Pochtlan, which town he likewise conquered.
37. Eagle, jaguar, hawk, and wolf. 6 Wind, 6 Flower—both are names of the Sun. Here it is said that the divine rock burned for four years.
38. Then Tonacatecuhtli and Xiuhtecuhtli commanded Nanahuatl, saying: “You shall henceforth guard heaven and earth.” But he grieved and said: “What are they saying? Surely gods exist; surely, I am only a sickly and wretched man!”
39. Then they summoned the Moon, whose sign was 4 Flint. Tlalocantecuhtli and Napatecuhtli summoned him. Then Nanahuatl fasted and took up his thorns and pine branches for penance.
Likewise the Moon brought these things and performed the ceremonies (penances).
40. Then Nanahuatl bathed on the day 7 Reed (7 Acatl), and afterward the Moon bathed. Green quetzal feathers were his branches; green precious stones were his thorns; and he offered precious jewels.
41. After four days had passed, Nanahuatl covered him with feathers and coated him with clay; then he went away so that he might leap into the fire. And 4 Tecpatl (Flint) also sang like a woman. Then Nanahuatl leapt into the fire.
42. But the moon went only so far as to fall upon the ashes. The eagle also went; it clung to him firmly and passed through together with him. But the jaguar could not follow him; it only leapt across, clinging to him—the fire flared up, and for that reason it is spotted. Then the hawk was somewhat smoked, and then the wolf was scorched; those three could not accompany him.
43. And after he arrived in heaven, the women washed him; they adorned a palace with quetzal feathers, they placed upon him the headband of Tonacatecuhtli and Tonacacihuatl, they bound his forehead with a red border, and for four days he remained in heaven.
44. Then Nahuiolin lay still; for four days he did not move—he only lay there. The gods said: “Why does he not move?” Then they sent the falcon, so that it might say to the sun that the gods had sent him to ask. He said: “The gods ask you, seeking you as lords would, why you do not move.” Then the Sun replied: “By what right does that noble and proud lord make such a demand?”
45. Then the gods took counsel. Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli became angry and said: “Why should I not shoot at the Sun? Let him immediately proceed on his course!” Then he shot an arrow, but he could not strike the Sun. Thereupon the Sun shot at Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli. He shot his arrow covered with fiery feathers, the arrow of the Sun. He struck him down to the earth before him, to the river of the underworld (Chiconauhapan), and he became the deity of cold.
46. Then the gods gathered: Titlacahuan, Huitzilopochtli, Xochiquetzal, Yapalliicue, and Nochpallicue. Then at last it came about that the gods sacrificed themselves at Teotihuacan.
47. And when the sun thus went into the sky, the moon also went—he who had fallen only upon the ashes. When he reached the edge of the sky, Papaztac broke his face with a rabbit-pot.
48. Then the night‑spirits, the crossroads demons, fell upon her and said: “Surely you will go here.” There they detained her for a long time; they wrapped her only in rags. At the same moment when the sun—Nahuiolin—stood forth, they held back the moon, and this was after the setting of the sun.
49. And thus Mixcoatl lived thirty‑nine years; his wife is called Chimalman.
50. In the year 1 Tecpatl (Reed) the Mixcohua were born. They were made in this manner: The white water‑goddess Chalchiuitlicue created four hundred Mixcohua. Then she hid herself in her house. Again their mother bore children. Five children were born, likewise Mixcohua: the first named Quauhtliçohuauh; the second named Mixcohuatl; the third, a woman, named Cuitlachcihuatl; the fourth named Tlotepetl; the fifth named Apantecuhtli.
51. When they had been born, they entered the water, they settled in the water, and for four days they remained in the water. Then, when they came out, Mecitli nourished them at her breasts. This Mecitli is the earth‑goddess. For this reason we Mexicans who now live are not “Mexica,” but “Mecitin.”
52. Then the sun commanded the Mixcohua; he gave them arrows and said: “This is the instrument by which you will give me drink, by which you will give me food.” And he also gave them shields. The arrows were adorned with precious feathers, with shafts fitted with the feathers of the quetzal, aztatl, çaquan, tlauhquechol, tlequechol, and xiuhtototl birds.
53. But they do what they had been commanded; for they shot their arrows at birds, and delighted in this—at which time they were called Totomitl (“Bird‑Arrows”). Sometimes, when they caught a jaguar in hunting, they did not give it to the sun. Instead they glued feathers to themselves. After they had captured the jaguar, they lay with women, they glued feathers to themselves, they drank the juice of tzihuac, they became drunk, and were entirely intoxicated.
54. Then the sun also commanded the five younger ones who were born afterward. He gave them a spiny arrow and a dust‑covered shield, and said: “O my children, what is this? Do you know that you are now going to destroy the four hundred Mixcohua—those who do not say: ‘O our mother, our father!’”
55. Then the four hundred Mixcohua sat upon the acacias; there they were seen. The five Mixcohua said: “Who are those who have sat there?” Then war arose. Quauhtliçohuauh entered the interior of the tree. Mixcohuatl entered the earth. Tlotepetl entered the interior of the mountain. Then Apantecuhtli entered the water, and their elder sister Cuitlachcihuatl set herself up in the place where the ball‑game is played.
56. Then they brought war upon them, and they were no longer upon the acacias, but (by magical art) were in the snares. Then the tree gave a crash, it broke down upon them;
then Quauhtliçohuauh came forth from the interior of the mountain. Then the earth was shaken, and Mixcohuatl, who had entered the earth, came forth. Then the mountain collapsed and split apart, and Tlotepetl came forth. Then the water foamed, and Apantecuhtli came forth. And then they defeated and destroyed the four hundred Mixcohua.
57. Then at last they supplied the sun with food and drink—the flesh and blood of those sacrificed—but others survived. Then they came to address them, and in this way to offer them consolation; they said: “We have counted you among our gods. Go to Chicomoztoc; there is your cave. Enter—there is your house.” They (the survivors) said: “What then? Will this not be our cave?” They replied: “Certainly—it is our cave, it is our house. We have chosen the place; we shall sit only at the edge of the cave.”
58. Then two double‑headed deer descended from the sky. There were also two Mixcohua, the first named Xiuhnel, the second named Mimich. They were accustomed to hunt in deserted and hidden plains. Then Xiuhnel and Mimich pursued the deer, eager to kill them with a blow.
59. For one night they pursued them, and also for one day, until sunset they exhausted them. Then the deer said: “Make a house there; here I shall make a house. The malevolent ones are already present.”
60. Then those who had been deer came—they had now changed themselves into women. They cried out and said: “O Xiuhneltzin, O Mimichzin, where are you? Would that you speak, would that you come for water to drink and something to eat!”
61. When they heard this, they said: “Do not answer!” But Xiuhnel alone answered them and said: “Come, O my sister!” Then the woman said to him: “O Xiuhneltzin, would that you drink water!” Then Xiuhnel drank her blood, and then lay with the woman. When he had thrown her down, he poured himself out upon her (as a vessel poured into a vessel), pressing his face down—then the woman bit him and broke open his chest.
62. Then Mimich said: “Alas, my brother has been devoured!” Another woman likewise called to him and said: “O my son, would that you eat something!” But Mimich did not answer. Then he made fire by boring, he kindled the fire. And when he had lit it, Mimich prepared to enter into the fire.
63. And the woman followed him into the fire. For one night she followed him, and even until midday. Then he descended and fell upon the middle of a round cactus. Likewise the woman fell after him. When he saw that the demoness had fallen, he shot arrows at her, and there he turned back. Then he came, wrapped his arm, bound up his hair like a warrior, painted himself, and wept because his brother had been devoured.
64. Then the gods—the gods of fire—heard this. They came, they summoned the woman, and they preceded the funeral rites. And when they had obtained the corpse of Xiuhnel, they cremated it.
65. Then it sprouted again: a green flint sprouted; again a white flint sprouted. Then they took the white flint and wrapped it. And a third sprouted—a yellow flint. They did not take it. They called only this one. And a fourth sprouted—a red flint; they did not take it. A fifth sprouted—a black flint; they did not take it.
66. But afterward Mixcohuatl venerated the white flint as a god; then they wrapped it, he carried it on his back (as in a pack), and then he set out to conquer Comallan. This flint is his spirit power, Itzpapalotl.
67. When the Comalteca came out to meet Mixcohuatl, they laid offerings before him, and in this manner alone did they satisfy him.
68. Then he set out for Teconman; in the same manner they satisfied him, saying: “What does the prince wish to do? Would that he come and take his thorn (i.e. pulque), lest he defile it!”
69. Then he set out for Colhuacan. And when they were conquering Colhuacan, they yielded. From there at last the conqueror came. He went on to Huehuetocan, and then to Pochtlan, which town he likewise conquered.
III. THE LEGEND OF CE-ACATL AND THE DESTRUCTION OF TOLLAN.
70. Then Mixcohuatl set out for Huitznahuac and conquered it. He encountered the woman Chimalman; then he laid down his shield, placed his arrow and his arrow-throwing‑board. She was completely naked, without garment, without any tunic.
71. When Mixcohuatl saw her, he threw weapons at her. The first he shot—yet the arrow passed over, sinking down. Again he threw a weapon at her; he struck her side, but she only bent the arrow. A third he threw; she caught the arrow in her hand. A fourth he threw; he struck her in the middle. When he had thrown at her four times, Mixcohuatl turned back and went away.
72. But the woman fled and sat in a cave that was in the sandy ravines. And she prepared herself so that she might kill him.
73. Then he again went to seek her. When he no longer saw her, he killed some of the Huitznahua women. Then the Huitznahua women said: “Do not seek her yourself!” They seized Chimalman and said: ‘Mixcohuatl is searching for you; because of you he is killing your sisters.’”
74. Then they seized her and went to Huitznahuac. And again Mixcohuatl went; again he encountered her, clothed only with a loincloth. Again he laid down his shield and his arrow. And again the first arrow passed over; one struck her side; another she caught in her hand; and the fourth struck her in the middle.
75. And then, since matters stood thus, he took the woman, and Mixcohuatl lay with the woman of Huitznahuac, that is, Chimalman. And then she became pregnant. When the child was to be born, the mother endured very great pains for four days, and then she bore the infant named Ce Acatl. When he was born, his mother died.
76. And the infant Ce Acatl was given the breast by the goddess Quilaztli–Cihuacóhuatl. When he had grown up, his father the conqueror took him with him. There he was taught the arts of war in a place named Xiuhacan—at that time all the people there had been taken in war. But the uncles of the youth Ce Acatl, the four hundred Mixcohua, hated his father and killed him.
77. When they had killed him, they buried him in the sand. But Ce Acatl sought his father and said: “Who is my father?” Then the king of the vultures said: “They (the four hundred Mixcohua) killed your father; here he lies—here they buried him.” Then he took up the body of his father and carried it into the temple of Mixcoatepetl.
78. But when his uncles, called Apanecatl, Zolton, and Cuilton, had killed his father, he said: “How shall he dedicate the temple if he has is a rabbit or a serpent?” Then they said: “Let this be done! The ones fit for the role are the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf.”
79. Ce Acatl spoke and said to them: “Very well—let it be!” Then he summoned the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf, and said to them: “Come, O my uncles. They say that with you I shall dedicate my temple. You shall not die; indeed, you shall devour those with whom I shall dedicate my temple, O my uncles!” They pretended, and their throats were compressed with animal snares.
80. Then Ce Acatl called the gophers and said to them: “O my uncles, come—dig out our temple!” And the gophers, obedient to his word, made an excavation through which Ce Acatl entered, and he emerged at the top of the temple.
81. Then his uncles said: “Let us make fire by drilling.” At the top of the temple they leapt about excitedly when they saw the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf, who were already weeping as if at the point of death.
82. But when the animals understood the truth of the matter, Ce Acatl had already made fire by drilling. Then his uncles became very angry. Then Apanecatl set forth in the lead and quickly ascended.
83. But Ce Acatl rose up, and with a burnished pot he struck him, and he fell down. Then Colton and Cuilton came up in turn. The animals played their flutes, and then, as attendants of priests, they killed them, seasoned the flesh with pepper, cut the meat into small pieces, and when they had cooked them, they ate them as a thick stew.
84. Then Ce Acatl again conquered the place named Ayotlan. When he had conquered it, he set out for Chalco and Xicco, which places he also conquered. When these had been conquered, he set out for Cuixcoc, and likewise conquered it. Then he set out for Zaconco, and likewise conquered it. Then he set out for Maçatzonco, and likewise conquered it completely. Then he set out for Tzapotlan, and likewise conquered it completely. Then he set out for Acallan, where he crossed the river, and likewise reached it entirely.
85. Then there he fell ill, for five days he was sick, and then he died. When he had died, they cremated the body.
86. And Topiltzin was fifty‑six years old. In the same year 1 Acatl (the year in which he had been born) he set out on the road, he left his city Tollan, and in the year 4 tochtli he died at Tlapallan.
87. Nor were there any ancient princes of Tollan; the recent kings were made: the first named Huetzin, the second named Nequametl, the third named Tlatlacatzin, the fourth named Huitzilpopoca. These same four names belong to those who succeeded Topiltzin.
88. Then in Nonohualco, the prince named Huetzin received a portent. He saw the omen Tlacanexquimilli, a long and vivid bundle. Then it devoured men. Then the Tolteca said: “O Tolteca, who is devouring men?” Then they saw it and seized it. When they had seized it, it was a little boy, of the age when boys are still beardless. Then they sacrificed him.
89. When he had been killed, they found in his belly no heart, no intestines, no blood. Then he putrefied. Whoever smelled him died for that reason. Even many who did not wish to approach him more closely died. Then they tried to drag him, but he could not be moved. The rope snapped; whoever fell died there. But when it (the body) finally moved, all who were present died, and it devoured them all.
90. When it was able to move, all who did so—old men, infants, women—perished. They bound him with eight ropes, and then dragged him. When they had transported him to Itzocan, he was lifted into the air. But those who dragged him could not release the ropes, and they hung from them; and whoever grasped a rope stuck to it.
91. Then Huemac played ball. He defeated the rain‑gods in a game; then the Tlaloque said: “What did you wager?” Huemac said: “My green jewels and my quetzal feathers.” And again the Tlaloque said to Huemac: “Is this all you have won in our wager—our green jewels and our quetzal feathers?”
92. Then Huemac moved to take the prize for which he had played. But the Tlaloque went to give Huemac something in place of the prize, to give him a maize tassel. For their quetzal feathers are the leaves of the maize stalk, on which the tassels grow.
93. But he did not take it, and said: “Is this what I wagered? Are these the green jewels and quetzal feathers? Bring me those instead!” Then the Tlaloque said: “Very well: give him the true green jewels and quetzal feathers, but take back from him our jewels and feathers—that is, the maize!” Then they took it away and went off, saying: “Very well—now we store away our jewels (the maize). Surely the Tolteca will suffer famine for four years!”
94. First snow fell. As the snow fell, the maize perished throughout the world; hail fell. In the city of Tollan alone the heat of the sun was such that the trees, the cacti, the aloes dried up. And all the stones split and burst from the heat.
95. And the Tolteca suffered greatly; they died of hunger. If a man happened to have a captive, the captive was sacrificed. Then wretched ones bought little turkeys and ate them.
96. And at last at Chapoltepec an old woman sat among the people, selling banners. Then they bought banners, and then they went to die upon the sacrificial stone. But when the fourth year came, when they had suffered famine, the Tlaloque revealed themselves to the people at Chapoltepec, where the water is. Then from the deep sprang forth a maize tassel, food. And there was a certain Toltec who passed by. Then he took the food and ate greedily.
97. Then from the water came forth a priest of Tlaloc, and he said: “O subject, is this known to you?” The Toltec said: “Indeed, O our god! For a long time we have been deprived of this.” Then he said: “Very well; sit down. I myself will speak with the prince.”
98. And again he entered the water. Not long afterward he returned, bringing maize tassels—as many as an arm can hold. Then he said: “O subject, give this to Huemac.”
99. Then the gods requested the daughter of Tozcuecuex for one of the Mexitin, for they wished to eat her, but the Toltec would continue to eat only a little; for the Toltec must perish, and the Mexica will dwell upon the earth in their place.
100. And this girl was given here, at Chalchiuhcoliuhyan (Jade Whirlpool), Pantitlan (Banner Place). Then he reported this to Huemac, speaking exactly as Tlaloc had commanded him. Then Huemac was sorrowful; and thus matters advanced to the point that the Toltec would depart and the city of Tollan would perish.
101. Then he sent two of his vassals, named Chiconcohuatl and Cuetlachcohuatl, and instructed them to request from the Mexicans the girl named Quetzalxochitzin, not yet grown, but a child.
102. Then they set out for Xicococ and said to them: “They send us, saying: The Tlaloque have revealed themselves to men; they request a daughter of the Mexica.”
103. Then the Mexica abstained from food for four days and put on mourning garments. And when the four days had passed, the father brought his daughter to Pantitlan, and then killed her.
104. And again the Tlaloque revealed themselves and said to the Tozcuecuex: “O Tozcuecuex, do not be sorrowful; your daughter remains with you; open your [bundle]!” There they placed the girl’s heart, together with a tobacco container filled with all the various kinds of maize, and said: “This is what the Mexica shall eat, for the Toltec man must perish.”
105. Then the sky was covered with clouds, and it rained, a great flood of rain poured down. For four days it rained. Each day and each night the water was drawn up. Then various green plants sprouted, all herbs, all grasses. But the maize sprouted barren, and grew tall. Then with us the Toltecs, with twenty or forty men, planted the earth; quickly the maize stalks rounded themselves, very swiftly the maize grew—and this was in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
106. And in the year 1 Tecpatl (Flint) the Toltecs perished, at the time when Huemac entered the cave of Cincalco. Then some returned, and others were scattered everywhere.
71. When Mixcohuatl saw her, he threw weapons at her. The first he shot—yet the arrow passed over, sinking down. Again he threw a weapon at her; he struck her side, but she only bent the arrow. A third he threw; she caught the arrow in her hand. A fourth he threw; he struck her in the middle. When he had thrown at her four times, Mixcohuatl turned back and went away.
72. But the woman fled and sat in a cave that was in the sandy ravines. And she prepared herself so that she might kill him.
73. Then he again went to seek her. When he no longer saw her, he killed some of the Huitznahua women. Then the Huitznahua women said: “Do not seek her yourself!” They seized Chimalman and said: ‘Mixcohuatl is searching for you; because of you he is killing your sisters.’”
74. Then they seized her and went to Huitznahuac. And again Mixcohuatl went; again he encountered her, clothed only with a loincloth. Again he laid down his shield and his arrow. And again the first arrow passed over; one struck her side; another she caught in her hand; and the fourth struck her in the middle.
75. And then, since matters stood thus, he took the woman, and Mixcohuatl lay with the woman of Huitznahuac, that is, Chimalman. And then she became pregnant. When the child was to be born, the mother endured very great pains for four days, and then she bore the infant named Ce Acatl. When he was born, his mother died.
76. And the infant Ce Acatl was given the breast by the goddess Quilaztli–Cihuacóhuatl. When he had grown up, his father the conqueror took him with him. There he was taught the arts of war in a place named Xiuhacan—at that time all the people there had been taken in war. But the uncles of the youth Ce Acatl, the four hundred Mixcohua, hated his father and killed him.
77. When they had killed him, they buried him in the sand. But Ce Acatl sought his father and said: “Who is my father?” Then the king of the vultures said: “They (the four hundred Mixcohua) killed your father; here he lies—here they buried him.” Then he took up the body of his father and carried it into the temple of Mixcoatepetl.
78. But when his uncles, called Apanecatl, Zolton, and Cuilton, had killed his father, he said: “How shall he dedicate the temple if he has is a rabbit or a serpent?” Then they said: “Let this be done! The ones fit for the role are the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf.”
79. Ce Acatl spoke and said to them: “Very well—let it be!” Then he summoned the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf, and said to them: “Come, O my uncles. They say that with you I shall dedicate my temple. You shall not die; indeed, you shall devour those with whom I shall dedicate my temple, O my uncles!” They pretended, and their throats were compressed with animal snares.
80. Then Ce Acatl called the gophers and said to them: “O my uncles, come—dig out our temple!” And the gophers, obedient to his word, made an excavation through which Ce Acatl entered, and he emerged at the top of the temple.
81. Then his uncles said: “Let us make fire by drilling.” At the top of the temple they leapt about excitedly when they saw the jaguar, the eagle, and the wolf, who were already weeping as if at the point of death.
82. But when the animals understood the truth of the matter, Ce Acatl had already made fire by drilling. Then his uncles became very angry. Then Apanecatl set forth in the lead and quickly ascended.
83. But Ce Acatl rose up, and with a burnished pot he struck him, and he fell down. Then Colton and Cuilton came up in turn. The animals played their flutes, and then, as attendants of priests, they killed them, seasoned the flesh with pepper, cut the meat into small pieces, and when they had cooked them, they ate them as a thick stew.
84. Then Ce Acatl again conquered the place named Ayotlan. When he had conquered it, he set out for Chalco and Xicco, which places he also conquered. When these had been conquered, he set out for Cuixcoc, and likewise conquered it. Then he set out for Zaconco, and likewise conquered it. Then he set out for Maçatzonco, and likewise conquered it completely. Then he set out for Tzapotlan, and likewise conquered it completely. Then he set out for Acallan, where he crossed the river, and likewise reached it entirely.
85. Then there he fell ill, for five days he was sick, and then he died. When he had died, they cremated the body.
86. And Topiltzin was fifty‑six years old. In the same year 1 Acatl (the year in which he had been born) he set out on the road, he left his city Tollan, and in the year 4 tochtli he died at Tlapallan.
87. Nor were there any ancient princes of Tollan; the recent kings were made: the first named Huetzin, the second named Nequametl, the third named Tlatlacatzin, the fourth named Huitzilpopoca. These same four names belong to those who succeeded Topiltzin.
88. Then in Nonohualco, the prince named Huetzin received a portent. He saw the omen Tlacanexquimilli, a long and vivid bundle. Then it devoured men. Then the Tolteca said: “O Tolteca, who is devouring men?” Then they saw it and seized it. When they had seized it, it was a little boy, of the age when boys are still beardless. Then they sacrificed him.
89. When he had been killed, they found in his belly no heart, no intestines, no blood. Then he putrefied. Whoever smelled him died for that reason. Even many who did not wish to approach him more closely died. Then they tried to drag him, but he could not be moved. The rope snapped; whoever fell died there. But when it (the body) finally moved, all who were present died, and it devoured them all.
90. When it was able to move, all who did so—old men, infants, women—perished. They bound him with eight ropes, and then dragged him. When they had transported him to Itzocan, he was lifted into the air. But those who dragged him could not release the ropes, and they hung from them; and whoever grasped a rope stuck to it.
91. Then Huemac played ball. He defeated the rain‑gods in a game; then the Tlaloque said: “What did you wager?” Huemac said: “My green jewels and my quetzal feathers.” And again the Tlaloque said to Huemac: “Is this all you have won in our wager—our green jewels and our quetzal feathers?”
92. Then Huemac moved to take the prize for which he had played. But the Tlaloque went to give Huemac something in place of the prize, to give him a maize tassel. For their quetzal feathers are the leaves of the maize stalk, on which the tassels grow.
93. But he did not take it, and said: “Is this what I wagered? Are these the green jewels and quetzal feathers? Bring me those instead!” Then the Tlaloque said: “Very well: give him the true green jewels and quetzal feathers, but take back from him our jewels and feathers—that is, the maize!” Then they took it away and went off, saying: “Very well—now we store away our jewels (the maize). Surely the Tolteca will suffer famine for four years!”
94. First snow fell. As the snow fell, the maize perished throughout the world; hail fell. In the city of Tollan alone the heat of the sun was such that the trees, the cacti, the aloes dried up. And all the stones split and burst from the heat.
95. And the Tolteca suffered greatly; they died of hunger. If a man happened to have a captive, the captive was sacrificed. Then wretched ones bought little turkeys and ate them.
96. And at last at Chapoltepec an old woman sat among the people, selling banners. Then they bought banners, and then they went to die upon the sacrificial stone. But when the fourth year came, when they had suffered famine, the Tlaloque revealed themselves to the people at Chapoltepec, where the water is. Then from the deep sprang forth a maize tassel, food. And there was a certain Toltec who passed by. Then he took the food and ate greedily.
97. Then from the water came forth a priest of Tlaloc, and he said: “O subject, is this known to you?” The Toltec said: “Indeed, O our god! For a long time we have been deprived of this.” Then he said: “Very well; sit down. I myself will speak with the prince.”
98. And again he entered the water. Not long afterward he returned, bringing maize tassels—as many as an arm can hold. Then he said: “O subject, give this to Huemac.”
99. Then the gods requested the daughter of Tozcuecuex for one of the Mexitin, for they wished to eat her, but the Toltec would continue to eat only a little; for the Toltec must perish, and the Mexica will dwell upon the earth in their place.
100. And this girl was given here, at Chalchiuhcoliuhyan (Jade Whirlpool), Pantitlan (Banner Place). Then he reported this to Huemac, speaking exactly as Tlaloc had commanded him. Then Huemac was sorrowful; and thus matters advanced to the point that the Toltec would depart and the city of Tollan would perish.
101. Then he sent two of his vassals, named Chiconcohuatl and Cuetlachcohuatl, and instructed them to request from the Mexicans the girl named Quetzalxochitzin, not yet grown, but a child.
102. Then they set out for Xicococ and said to them: “They send us, saying: The Tlaloque have revealed themselves to men; they request a daughter of the Mexica.”
103. Then the Mexica abstained from food for four days and put on mourning garments. And when the four days had passed, the father brought his daughter to Pantitlan, and then killed her.
104. And again the Tlaloque revealed themselves and said to the Tozcuecuex: “O Tozcuecuex, do not be sorrowful; your daughter remains with you; open your [bundle]!” There they placed the girl’s heart, together with a tobacco container filled with all the various kinds of maize, and said: “This is what the Mexica shall eat, for the Toltec man must perish.”
105. Then the sky was covered with clouds, and it rained, a great flood of rain poured down. For four days it rained. Each day and each night the water was drawn up. Then various green plants sprouted, all herbs, all grasses. But the maize sprouted barren, and grew tall. Then with us the Toltecs, with twenty or forty men, planted the earth; quickly the maize stalks rounded themselves, very swiftly the maize grew—and this was in the year 2 Acatl (Reed).
106. And in the year 1 Tecpatl (Flint) the Toltecs perished, at the time when Huemac entered the cave of Cincalco. Then some returned, and others were scattered everywhere.
IV. THE MIGRATION AND CONQUESTS OF THE MEXICA.
And then the Mexicans departed; thus these four moved into this place: Tezcacóatl Huémac ("Great-Hand"; "Mirror Serpent"), Xiconcóhuatl ("Seven Serpent"), Coatláyauhqui ("The Serpent Who Makes Gestures While Dancing"), and Cuitlaxcóhuatl ("The Wolf-Serpent") This was in the year 1 Reed.
And these left their memory behind: they were the guardians. The names of the four were these: the first man was named Coatláyauhqui; the second was named Cuitlaxcóhuatl; the third was named Xiconcóhuatl; and the fourth was named Tezcacóhuatl, who was the same as Huémac. They lived as guardians for ten years plus three.
From the time the Mexicans fled from Colhuacan, from Aztlan, there were forty years, plus fifteen, plus three. This was in the year 1 Flint. And here is how long they remained settled at Chapultepec, still in the time of Huitzilihuitl: they dwelt there for forty years. This was in 13 Tochtli (Rabbit). And here is how long they were settled at Colhuacan, at Tizaapan: twenty years plus five. And when the Toltecs departed, in the year 1 Flint, that was also when the Mexicans moved here from Xicococ. Twenty years plus fifteen plus two passed before they arrived at Chapultepec, and there at Chapultepec they remained for forty years.
Then the Colhuacans made them serve them; the lord of Xaltocan took them into his service. There the Mexicans gathered together somewhat. Their leader—or their divine patron—spoke thus: "Only here shall I sleep with you; I go no farther." Afterward he slept among them there, remaining quietly. Then he went out to keep watch. Then the Colhuacan fled. Thereupon he found him and entered the Colhuacan's house in pursuit of him, together with the lord of Xaltocan, the lord of Cuauhtitlan, the Acolhua, and the lord of Tenayocan, and the lord of Azcapotzalco, and the lord of Cuauacan, and the lord of Mazahuacan, and the lord of Xiquipilco, and the lord of Matlatzinco, and the lord of Ocuilan, and the lord of Cuitláhuac, and the lord of Xochimilco, and others whom the Colhuacans had kept in reserve.
These came upon Huitzilihuitl. Consequently the Mexicans were plundered: the women and the children. The other Mexicans hid themselves in the reeds and rushes; they gathered together at Acocolco and remained there six days.
And here is how they came to settle upon the land here at Tenochtitlan ("beside the prickly pear cactus growing from the stone"), which was still only a marsh of reeds, still only a place of canebrakes. There they endured hardships for forty years plus ten. They had no lord over them; the Mexicans still conducted their affairs by themselves alone. There are 51 years, in the year 2 House. Colhuacan, Tenayocan. And here is their victory—the war waged by the Mexicans: against Colhuacan and Tenayocan, in only two places.
1. And here is when the lord Acamapichtli ("He Who Holds Reeds in His Hand") was established as ruler. He governed for twenty years plus one . 21. 1 Flint. Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Cuauhnáhuac, Mizquic. And here are his wars: Acamapichtli conquered Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Mizquic, and Cuauhnáhuac. In four places Acamapichtli was victorious.
2. And here is when the son of Acamapichtli ruled, whose name was Huitzilihuitl ("Hummingbird Feather"). He reigned for twenty years plus one. 21. 9 House. Xaltocan, Acolman, Otompan, Chalco, Tetzcoco, Tollantzinco, Cuauhtitlan, Toltitlan. And here are the wars he waged: Huitzilihuitl conquered eight towns.
3. And here is how the son of Huitzilihuitl ruled, whose name was Chimalpopocatzin ("Smoking Shield"), and he ruled for ten years. Chalco, Tequixquiac. 20 years. 4 Rabbit. And here are his wars: Chimalpopocatzin conquered two places (or peoples).
4. And here is when the son of Acamapichtli ruled, whose name was Itzcoatzin ("Obsidian-Serpent"), and how long he reigned: ten years plus three years. 13. 1 Flint. And Itzcoatzin carried out his conquests in all these places: Azcapotzalco, Tlacopan, Atlacuihuayan, Coyoacan, Mixcoac, Cuauhximalpan, Cuauacan, Teocalhueyacan, Tecpan, Huitzilapan, Cuauhnahuac, Tetzcoco, Cuauhtitlan, Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Mizquic, Tlatelolco, Itztepec, Xiuhtepec, Tzacualpan, Chalco, Youalan, Tepecuacuilco, and Cuezalan.
5. And here is when the son of Huitzilihuitl ruled, whose name was Ilhuicamina, the elder Motecuhzoma. He conquered: Coaixtlahuacan, Chalco, Xiconquiauhco, Tepeoztlan, Yautepec, Atlatlauhcan, Totolapan, Huaxtepec, Tecpatepec, Yoaltepec, Xiuhtepec, Quiauhteopan, Tlalcocauhtitlan, Tlaxco, Cuauhnahuac, Tepecuacuilco, Coatlan, Xilotepec, Itzcuincuitlapilco, Tlapacoyan, Chapolixitla, Tlatlauhquitepec, Acapixtla, Cuauhtochco, and Cuetlaxtlan.
6. And here is when their grandson—the grandson of the two lords Motecuhzoma and Itzcoatzin—ruled. His name was Axayacatzin. He reigned for ten years plus two. 12. 4 Rabbit. And these were the conquests of Axayacatzin in all these places: Tlatelolco, Matlatzinco, Xiquipilco, Tzinacantepec, Tlacotepec, Tenantzinco, Xoxiacan, Teutenanco, Calimaya, Metepec, Ocoyoacac, Capulhuac, Atlapulco, Cua—[the end is missing]
And these left their memory behind: they were the guardians. The names of the four were these: the first man was named Coatláyauhqui; the second was named Cuitlaxcóhuatl; the third was named Xiconcóhuatl; and the fourth was named Tezcacóhuatl, who was the same as Huémac. They lived as guardians for ten years plus three.
From the time the Mexicans fled from Colhuacan, from Aztlan, there were forty years, plus fifteen, plus three. This was in the year 1 Flint. And here is how long they remained settled at Chapultepec, still in the time of Huitzilihuitl: they dwelt there for forty years. This was in 13 Tochtli (Rabbit). And here is how long they were settled at Colhuacan, at Tizaapan: twenty years plus five. And when the Toltecs departed, in the year 1 Flint, that was also when the Mexicans moved here from Xicococ. Twenty years plus fifteen plus two passed before they arrived at Chapultepec, and there at Chapultepec they remained for forty years.
Then the Colhuacans made them serve them; the lord of Xaltocan took them into his service. There the Mexicans gathered together somewhat. Their leader—or their divine patron—spoke thus: "Only here shall I sleep with you; I go no farther." Afterward he slept among them there, remaining quietly. Then he went out to keep watch. Then the Colhuacan fled. Thereupon he found him and entered the Colhuacan's house in pursuit of him, together with the lord of Xaltocan, the lord of Cuauhtitlan, the Acolhua, and the lord of Tenayocan, and the lord of Azcapotzalco, and the lord of Cuauacan, and the lord of Mazahuacan, and the lord of Xiquipilco, and the lord of Matlatzinco, and the lord of Ocuilan, and the lord of Cuitláhuac, and the lord of Xochimilco, and others whom the Colhuacans had kept in reserve.
These came upon Huitzilihuitl. Consequently the Mexicans were plundered: the women and the children. The other Mexicans hid themselves in the reeds and rushes; they gathered together at Acocolco and remained there six days.
And here is how they came to settle upon the land here at Tenochtitlan ("beside the prickly pear cactus growing from the stone"), which was still only a marsh of reeds, still only a place of canebrakes. There they endured hardships for forty years plus ten. They had no lord over them; the Mexicans still conducted their affairs by themselves alone. There are 51 years, in the year 2 House. Colhuacan, Tenayocan. And here is their victory—the war waged by the Mexicans: against Colhuacan and Tenayocan, in only two places.
1. And here is when the lord Acamapichtli ("He Who Holds Reeds in His Hand") was established as ruler. He governed for twenty years plus one . 21. 1 Flint. Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Cuauhnáhuac, Mizquic. And here are his wars: Acamapichtli conquered Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Mizquic, and Cuauhnáhuac. In four places Acamapichtli was victorious.
2. And here is when the son of Acamapichtli ruled, whose name was Huitzilihuitl ("Hummingbird Feather"). He reigned for twenty years plus one. 21. 9 House. Xaltocan, Acolman, Otompan, Chalco, Tetzcoco, Tollantzinco, Cuauhtitlan, Toltitlan. And here are the wars he waged: Huitzilihuitl conquered eight towns.
3. And here is how the son of Huitzilihuitl ruled, whose name was Chimalpopocatzin ("Smoking Shield"), and he ruled for ten years. Chalco, Tequixquiac. 20 years. 4 Rabbit. And here are his wars: Chimalpopocatzin conquered two places (or peoples).
4. And here is when the son of Acamapichtli ruled, whose name was Itzcoatzin ("Obsidian-Serpent"), and how long he reigned: ten years plus three years. 13. 1 Flint. And Itzcoatzin carried out his conquests in all these places: Azcapotzalco, Tlacopan, Atlacuihuayan, Coyoacan, Mixcoac, Cuauhximalpan, Cuauacan, Teocalhueyacan, Tecpan, Huitzilapan, Cuauhnahuac, Tetzcoco, Cuauhtitlan, Xochimilco, Cuitláhuac, Mizquic, Tlatelolco, Itztepec, Xiuhtepec, Tzacualpan, Chalco, Youalan, Tepecuacuilco, and Cuezalan.
5. And here is when the son of Huitzilihuitl ruled, whose name was Ilhuicamina, the elder Motecuhzoma. He conquered: Coaixtlahuacan, Chalco, Xiconquiauhco, Tepeoztlan, Yautepec, Atlatlauhcan, Totolapan, Huaxtepec, Tecpatepec, Yoaltepec, Xiuhtepec, Quiauhteopan, Tlalcocauhtitlan, Tlaxco, Cuauhnahuac, Tepecuacuilco, Coatlan, Xilotepec, Itzcuincuitlapilco, Tlapacoyan, Chapolixitla, Tlatlauhquitepec, Acapixtla, Cuauhtochco, and Cuetlaxtlan.
6. And here is when their grandson—the grandson of the two lords Motecuhzoma and Itzcoatzin—ruled. His name was Axayacatzin. He reigned for ten years plus two. 12. 4 Rabbit. And these were the conquests of Axayacatzin in all these places: Tlatelolco, Matlatzinco, Xiquipilco, Tzinacantepec, Tlacotepec, Tenantzinco, Xoxiacan, Teutenanco, Calimaya, Metepec, Ocoyoacac, Capulhuac, Atlapulco, Cua—[the end is missing]
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Sources: Walter Lehmann, “Traditions des anciens Mexicains,” Societe des Américanistes de Paris 3 (new series) (1905-1906), 240-294; Francisco del Paso y Troncoso, Leyenda de los soles (Biblioteca Nauatl, vol. 5) (Florencia: Salvador Landi, 1903).
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