The Fifth Sun: Aztec Gods, Aztec World

by Burr Cartwright Brundage

The ancient Aztecs dwelt at the center of a dazzling and complex cosmos. From this position they were acutely receptive to the demands of their gods. The Fifth Sun represents a dramatic overview of the Aztec conception of the universe and the gods who populated it—Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent; Tezcatlipoca, the Smoking Mirror; and Huitzilopochtli, the Southern Hummingbird. Burr Cartwright Brundage explores the myths behind these and others in the Aztec pantheon in a way that illuminates both the human and the divine in Aztec life. The cult of human sacrifice is a pervasive theme in this study. It is a concept that permeated Aztec mythology and was the central preoccupation of the aggressive Aztec state. Another particularly interesting belief explored here is the “mask pool,” whereby gods could exchange regalia and, thus, identities. This vivid and eminently readable study also covers the use of hallucinogens; cannibalism; the calendars of ancient Mexico; tlachtli, the life-and-death ball game; the flower wars; divine transfiguration; and the evolution of the war god of the Mexica. A splendid introduction to Aztec religion, The Fifth Sun also contains insights for specialists in ethnohistory, mythology, and religion.

Genres: History, Religion, Mythology, Nonfiction, Anthropology

284 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1983

Reviews

[Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and well-written introduction to Aztec cosmology, myth, and ritual, accompanied by helpful illustrations that do not overwhelm the text. Brundage writes as someone fascinated, even awed by the subject of his study, and he conveys the strange and even repulsive aspects of Aztec religion with a generous and scholarly spirit.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book quite a bit. It actually proved a little tough to find a primer on Aztec gods. It wasn't an easy read and the subject matter was quite confusing at times. Usually it was just the subject matter rather than Brundage's writing.

I would have given this 3 stars before the final few chapters re: man and the epilogue. Those tied things together and made me appreciate the rest. Some of the information could have been presented more clearly, but overall, I'm glad this account of such an interesting and unique people exists.