Mockeries and Metamorphoses of an Aztec God: Tezcatlipoca, "Lord of the Smoking Mirror"

by Guilhem Olivier, Michel Besson (Translator)

Neglected by scholars in favour of his great rival Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca is among the most enigmatic of the Aztec gods. A large amount of documentary, iconographic and archaeological evidence survives for this powerful avenging figure. In this substantial study, now translated into English, Olivier draws on this rich body of evidence to discuss the symbolism associated with the god, his names and representations, his role in the fall of the kingdom of Tollan, his temple, priests and rituals.

Genres: History

403 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Asterope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically the book for Tezcatlipoca. Full of information. It's one of the few books in English that go so in-depth in the myths, ritual and history for the god. I only wish there was a book like this for Quetzalcoatl! If you're interested in Aztec religion and mythology or about Tezcatlipoca, this book should feed your curiosity.

[M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al principio fue completamente cautivador.

Es como una bocanada de aire fresco luego de todo lo que concebimos como Prehispánico. Abre de una manera interesante cómo percibíamos las creencias antiguas y cómo se ven reflejadas en muchas de nuestras costumbres.... Sin que nosotros los sepamos.

Cuando empiezan las referencias visiales, se hace un estudio más "cientifíco" y sobrecogedor.

Es sobrecogedor dars cuenta lo poco que conocemos de este dios tan complejo.

Casi todos los autores, se inclinan ante otros dioses del panteón Mexica, siendo este estudio, un gran tesoro escrito con total empatía de las raíces qu nos unen a aquel dios que se burlandose, daba lecciónes a las almas perdidas.

[Dagazwind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is glorious. Detailed, well-researched, respectful, sometimes poetic but not enough to disconnect the reader from the hard facts. Also, the author's sense of humour shines through, which is very welcome. This is a great example how books on polytheism should be written - perfect balance between objectivity and obvious passion for the subject. Now, if only somebody could approach Tlazolteotl with the same dedication and love...
Seriously, though, just read this book, guys. Worth infinitely more than the money you can buy it for.
If... When the author meets Yohualli Ehecatl Himself, the god will have every reason to be grateful. A gift of agave thorns might be in order (perfect for any occasion, aren't they?)

[GUILLERMO CORREA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un muy buen trabajo de investigación, hay mucha información que no logra ser procesada dentro del corpus estructural del libro; no se concluye sobre muchas cosas problematizadas. Las alusiones al trabajo etnográfico en turno a la figura de Tezcatlipoca son grandiosas.