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Quetzalcoatl was originally mortal and many claimed descent from
him.
As an immortal, his representation varied greatly.
In his name priests undertook teaching and instruction
of the young. As Lord of the Wind Quetzalcoatl wore a doglike mask and,
according to legend, was so ugly he concealed it by manifesting as a
feathered serpent.
Principally he was a benevolent deity with human
weaknesses as well as godlike strength.
When the Aztecs took power from the Toltecs they
adopted Quetzalcoatl.
Eventually Quetzalcoatl was defeated by a sinister god, Tezcatlipoca,
who was ironically often depicted as a handsome man.
Before leaving, Quetzalcoatl promised to return to
his people. When Hernando Cortes entered Mexico, the inhabitants believed
him to be Quetzalcoatl coming back to complete the last of the four
prophesied periods of time dividing existence.
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