Serpent Gods in Aztec Mythology Essay Example for Free

Serpent Gods in Aztec Mythology Essay Aztecs had a pantheon of Serpent Gods to which they attributed the creation and workings of the natural world. One of their principle gods, Quetzalcoatl, translated as feathered serpent, had many manifestations, each holding an important role part of the Aztec myths of creation and the workings of the natural world. As Braden points out the main of the many roles designated to Quetzalcoatl is that he along with his brother Huitzilopochtli took the task of creation of humanity besides the creation of life, including gods, environments and all living substances (1930, p. 120). He accomplished this task by splashing his blood on the bones and ashes of previous human beings that had existed in a previous age. Out of this auto-sacrifice of blood sprang a male and then a female child, the forbearers of all modern people. Brundage goes on to say that thus Quetzalcoatl is not only a god to be worshiped out of reverence for his powers over nature but as a father figure as well. The Aztecs saw him as a god who was benevolent and the reason for their existence (1979, p.106). Another manifestation of Quetzalcoatl is that of the wind. The Aztec name for a tornado or thunderstorm wind was ehecacoatl or roughly translated wind snake . The wind that blows before the storm is traditionally associated with complex deity. The wind is a powerful force of nature and it is easy to see how a society could attribute the characteristics of a snake to the wind. The wind swirls and moves with effortless grace, just as a snake glides along the ground. Brundage goes on to say that this shows the ease with which the Aztec mind accepted the reptilian nature of the wind (1979, p.106-107). However the most common account presents Quetzalcoatl in human form and as a holy priest who comes down from his heavenly abode to give the Aztec people a new religion. Brundage points out that he tries to make the Aztecs rituals more of a personal spiritual event. Before his arrival the legend says that the Aztecs sacrificed hundreds of humans to the various gods. In the form of the high priest Quetzalcoatl’s goal is to make Aztec ritual more simplistic and auto-sacrificial. He stresses auto-sacrifice and the sacrifice of snakes, butterflies, birds, etc. (1979, p.116). He is more concerned with the sanctity of human life. It is his opinion that if human blood is to be sacrificed it should be give directly by the person making the sacrifice. This legend ties in nicely with the creator myth. In his role as creator of the human race he sacrificed his own blood, now he is telling the people that by sacrificing their own blood it is a more precious offering that killing another person. He is seen as a divinity that is concerned for the lives of his people. Outline: 1) The main of the many roles designated to Quetzalcoatl, the principle serpent god in Aztec mythology. (Braden, 1930, p.120) A- Quetzalcoatl along with his brother Huitzilopochtli took the task of creation of humanity. 2) Another manifestation of Quetzalcoatl, which is the wind symbol connected to the characteristics of snake in nature. (Brundage, 1979, p.106- 107) A- How a society could attribute the characteristics of a snake to the wind. 3) Most common account that presents Quetzalcoatl in human form and as a holy priest. (Brundage, 1979, p.116) A- He tries to make the Aztecs rituals more of a personal spiritual event. B- He is more concerned with the sanctity of human life. References: Braden, Charles S. Religious Aspects of the Conquest of Mexico. Duke University Press. Duhram, NC: 1930. Brundage, Burr Cartwright. The Fifth Sun. University of Texas Press. Austin TX: 1979.

texas vs johnson Essay example -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Texas vs. Johnson A very controversial court case in American history was Texas vs. Johnson (1984). In 1984, a man named Gregory Lee Johnson followed a group of anti – Reagan protesters to oppose the American exploitation of third world countries. This act of rebellion resulted in the burning of the American flag. Out of a total of approximately one hundred demonstrators who were involved in this ordeal, Johnson was solely charged with a crime. Johnson was arrested under Texas law, which made the burning of the United States or Texas flags crimes. Johnson was convicted and sentenced to one year in jail and fined two thousand dollars for his crime in restitution. Texas reasoned that the police were preventing the breach of peace; consider the flag a symbol of national unity. At Johnson's court trial, he was convicted of aiding, abetting and encouraging the burning of the Texan flag. This, in turn, made Johnson guilty under Texas state law. Johnson and his lawyers were dissatisfied with this decision and made an appeal to the Fifth Texas Supreme Judicial District. This appeal, made on May 8, 1985 would be titled as Texas vs. Johnson. The defense argued that Johnson was prosecuted in violation of the first Amendment, clearly states that no law may take away a person's freedom of speech or expression, and of the Bill of Rights and the free speech clause of the Texas Constitution. Johnson argued that in his opinion, flag burning is part of freedom o...

Death at midnight by Donald A. Cabana Essay

Death at midnight is the story of Donald Cabana of his encounters while working in a prison called Parchman Penitentiary which was located in Mississippi. When cabana first landed in Parchman, the prison was somewhat ‘human’ what with inmates being subjected to tasks such as planting cotton, vegetables and slaughtering the pigs and cows for their own consumption. On leaving Parchman a year later, Cabana returns as a warden only to find that it had been altered what with the crops now lacking and a new gas chamber put in place. We can tell that cabana is against the death penalty judging from his adamancy to enter the chamber for years. Moreover, we note Cabana’s efforts to visit the men on death row. He observed that all these men had one thing in common; a disadvantaged background. In his escapades, he cultivates a special friendship with one inmate named Connie Ray Evans whose crime was murdering a convenience store clerk. They manage to form a strong bond and through this, he is able to see just how humane Connie is judging from how sorry he is for his crime. In one instance, Cabana says, â€Å"Executions strip away the veneer or life for both the warden and the prisoner. Connie Ray Evans and I transcended our environment, and the roles in which we had been cast. The two of us had somehow managed to become real people to each other. There were no more titles or social barriers behind which either of us could hide. † However, their union is cut short when Connie is randomly chosen for execution by the state of Mississippi in a tide of anti-crime fervor. (Cabana A. , 1998) According to Cabana, death penalty is not the solution to getting rid of the roots of crime. He proposes first â€Å"examining the causes and consequences of the protracted warfare that our system of justice fosters and then proceed thereof depending on whether we find it palatable or not, even in the face of bitter contrary experiences. † He is of the belief that â€Å"every human being has a spark somewhere hidden in him that will make it possible for redemption and rehabilitation. †(Cabana A. , 1998) Clearly, the aim of this book is to oppose the death penalty and to show just how irrelevant it is in rooting out criminal behavior. The theme of friendship and disillusionment is well portrayed here. Cabana tries to demonstrate this using his relationship with Connie who he feels did not deserve to be executed. The author’s style in this book is both narrative and analytical because as much as he narrates his encounters and experiences in prison, he is also quick to analyze and form an opinion regarding the justice system. References: Cabana A. D. , (1998) Death at Midnight: The Confession of an Executioner. City: UPNE

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - 1271 Words

In the 19th century England love and marriage were concepts that weren’t very closely related. The novel â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† by Jane Austen, centers on the importance of marriage as one of life’s most important treasures and life’s greatest source of happiness. As the book title so rightfully depicts, pride and prejudice was demonstrated by the various social classes against each other as per the moral and social expectations of that society. Austen presents the reader with two main factor about relationships that are each based around different struggles including social class, love and marriage especially as it impacts the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. First, many choose marriage for its social benefits and image of respectability. Social class within Pride and Prejudice plays a key role throughout the novel. Social class not only determines where one is placed in the class structure, but also the amount of land, money and luxuries. Through her books, Jane Austen expressed and described the times in which she lived in. Just like in her time, in the book, there are endless prejudices and standards that come from social classes. In essence, what society thinks is more important than spending the rest of your life with someone you love. Just like in our world today, money was as much a social currency as it was a means of exchange for goods and services, really just reassurance of a better more stable home and future. Elizabeth, the main protagonist, comesShow MoreRelatedPride And Prejudice By Jane Austen Essay1724 Words   |  7 PagesThe 18th century novel, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, is a fascinating book about a young w oman’s struggle with family and love. 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