Xelhua is a giant in Aztec mythology who is known for his remarkable escape from the flood by ascending the mountain of Tlaloc in the terrestrial paradise. He is one of the seven giants who escaped the flood and is said to have built the Great Pyramid of Cholula. According to the legend, Xelhua was one of the six giant sons of Mixcoatl, the personification of the Milky Way.
Xelhua’s story is an intriguing one that has captured the imagination of many. He is believed to have played a significant role in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is considered the largest pyramid in the world by volume. The pyramid is located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, and is a popular tourist attraction. The legend of Xelhua has been passed down through generations, and many people still believe in his story today.
Mythology of Xelhua
Aztec Legends
In Aztec mythology, Xelhua is one of the seven giants who escaped the flood by ascending the mountain of Tlaloc in the terrestrial paradise. He was one of the six giant sons of Mixcoatl, the personification of the Milky Way. According to legend, Xelhua constructed the Great Pyramid of Cholula after the “Great Flood” swept across the lands. A Dominican friar wrote this account.
The Tower of Babel Analogy
Some scholars suggest that the story of Xelhua building the Great Pyramid of Cholula is an analogy to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. In both stories, humans attempted to build a structure that would reach the heavens, and were punished for their hubris. However, while the Tower of Babel was destroyed by God, Xelhua and his fellow giants were spared from the flood and allowed to continue their work.
Xelhua’s story is a fascinating glimpse into the mythology of the Aztecs and their beliefs about the origins of their civilization. While there is much we still do not know about Xelhua and his fellow giants, their legacy lives on in the impressive structures they left behind.
Historical Context
Mesoamerican Chronology
Xelhua is a legendary figure in Mesoamerican mythology, specifically in Aztec culture. According to the Mesoamerican chronology, the Aztecs believed that the world had gone through several cycles of creation and destruction. Xelhua is said to have lived during the time of the universal deluge, which was the fourth era of creation in the Aztec calendar. This period was believed to have lasted from 10,000 to 4,000 BCE.
Xelhua’s Place in Aztec Culture
Xelhua was one of the seven giants in Aztec mythology who escaped the flood by ascending the mountain of Tlaloc in the terrestrial paradise and afterwards built the Great Pyramid of Cholula. He was one of the six giant sons of Mixcoatl, the personification of the Milky Way. The Aztecs believed that Xelhua was responsible for constructing the largest pyramid on Earth, which is located in Cholula, Mexico.
Xelhua’s story is significant in Aztec culture because it provides an explanation for the creation of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which was an important religious site for the Aztecs. The pyramid was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl and was believed to have been built over a period of several centuries. The Aztecs believed that the pyramid was a gateway to the underworld and that it was a place where the gods could communicate with humans.
Overall, Xelhua’s story is an important part of Aztec mythology and provides insight into the beliefs and values of the Aztec people. The legend of Xelhua and the Great Pyramid of Cholula continue to fascinate people to this day and have inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.
Architectural Achievements
Great Pyramid of Cholula
Xelhua, one of the seven giants in Aztec mythology, is credited with building the Great Pyramid of Cholula. According to legend, he and his fellow giants escaped the flood by climbing the mountain of Tlaloc in the terrestrial paradise. Afterward, Xelhua constructed the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is the largest pyramid in the world by volume.
The pyramid, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, is located in the Mexican state of Puebla and was built in several stages. It measures 450 by 450 meters at its base and stands 66 meters tall. The pyramid was constructed using adobe bricks and is covered in plaster.
Construction Techniques
Xelhua’s construction techniques were innovative for his time and are still impressive today. The pyramid was built using a combination of adobe bricks and stone, with the adobe bricks forming the core of the structure. The bricks were made by mixing mud with straw and then shaping the mixture into bricks, which were then left to dry in the sun.
The pyramid was constructed in several stages, with each stage being built on top of the previous one. The builders used ramps to transport the materials to the top of the pyramid, and the ramps were then dismantled and used to build the next stage. The pyramid was then covered in plaster, which was painted in bright colors.
Xelhua’s architectural achievements are a testament to his skill and ingenuity. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is a marvel of engineering and stands as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the Aztec people.
Cultural Significance
Religious Symbolism
According to Aztec mythology, Xelhua was one of the seven giants who escaped the great flood and later built the Great Pyramid of Cholula. He was considered a demigod and worshipped as a symbol of strength and resilience. The pyramid was believed to be a sacred site and served as a place of worship for the Aztecs. It was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl, who was associated with the morning star and the planet Venus. The pyramid was also believed to be a gateway to the underworld, where the dead could communicate with the gods.
Cultural Heritage
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Aztecs. It is the largest pyramid in the world in terms of volume, with a base four times larger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid was built in stages over several centuries, with each successive generation adding to its size and grandeur. Today, the pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and the enduring legacy of the Aztecs.
Xelhua in Popular Culture
Literature References
Xelhua, one of the seven giants in Aztec mythology, has been referenced in several works of literature. In the book “Aztec,” written by Gary Jennings, Xelhua is portrayed as a powerful and influential figure who played a key role in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The book describes Xelhua as a skilled craftsman who possessed immense knowledge of engineering and architecture.
Another literary work that references Xelhua is “The Gods of Atlantis,” written by David Gibbins. In the book, Xelhua is depicted as a giant who was responsible for building the largest pyramid on Earth. The author describes Xelhua as a skilled builder who possessed supernatural powers and was revered by the Aztec people.
Media Portrayals
Xelhua has also been portrayed in various forms of media, including movies and TV shows. In the movie “Apocalypto,” directed by Mel Gibson, Xelhua is depicted as a giant who helps the protagonist escape from the Mayan city. The character is portrayed as a wise and powerful figure who possesses supernatural abilities.
Another media portrayal of Xelhua can be found in the TV series “American Gods.” In the show, Xelhua is depicted as a powerful and influential figure who is worshipped by the Aztec people. The character is portrayed as a giant who possesses immense strength and knowledge.
Overall, Xelhua has been a popular figure in literature and media, with his portrayal varying depending on the medium and context.