• Legends started with the Toltecs in the Valley of Mexico, Central America, then moved to the more prominent Aztecs.
• A feathered serpent closely related to the Amphitere. Some say it could take on the sun's form, and, when swallowed by the earth, would cause an eclipse.
• Responsible for inspiration, agriculture, mining, the zodiac, winds, peace, and industry. Also fire and thunder.
• Associated with Venus, the morning star
• Known for its simplicity and virue
• Often called “most precious serpent”
• Was considered somewhat Christ-like and was used by the Franciscans in converting the natives to Christianity. Story does have some Jesus-like features.
• Creater of life and civilization
• Thought that sacrifice should be voluntary only
• Took the human form of a pale, bearded man with a cone-shaped cap and if not in shamen's serpent robe, then covered with crosses
• Introduced the calendar
• Son of Tonacatecutle / Citinatonali / God of Heaven (father) and Chimalman / Virgin of Tula
• Also tied to the legend of Atlantis in the late 19th century - some say it was his birthplace and where he sailed off to
• Symbolic of twins, creation, craftsmen, rain, and the calendar

Quetalcoatl was peace-loving and was driven away from his home village of Tollan. Texcatlipoca (his sworn enemy) killed everyone and Quetzalcoatl was forced to burn everything and escape into the east where he sailed away on a raft of serpents, and would one day return and reclaim his heritage. Some say that Quetzalcoatl was crucified, but this is most likely a misinterpretation.

Cortez's coming was mistaken for the return of Quetzalcoatl. (This may have been helped by the same Franciscans, but this story may also have started much later according to sources that have reexamined the old texts for clues.) This made it easier for him to conquer the native peoples.

"Quetzalcoatl, whose chastity was an affront to his brother Texcatlipoca or Smoking Mirror. Looking into this mirror Quetzalcoatl was so horrified by his own reflection that he fell into debauchery in order to forget what he had seen, after while his brother presented him with a exactly-fitting coffin." Source: Nature of Spirit, Spirit of Nature pg 11.

For additional information, see the Sources Page for Morgeu’s Site and Dragon Twilight has a long version with many tales featuring Quetzalcoatl on their pages.