The Plumed Serpent or more commonly known as Quetzalcoatl, is a Deity found in ancient Mesoamerican mythology and religion. He is said to be a shapeshifter who is known for his large and colorful, feathered serpent manifestation but it is also said he had a human form as well. Often being decorated with jewelry and gems. All versions are important and have been depicted on and around many different archaeological sites that are religiously significant locations, typically meant for ceremonies and rituals. Thought to have come from the Aztec empire in central Mexico, tales of Quetzalcoatl have been shared and spread over a vast period of time over many different groups of people (all mostly within the same area just different city-states or territories). Each different sovereignty added and adjusted the legend to their own ideals, traditions, customs, and beliefs. This shift in Quetzalcaotl’s character, divine abilities, responsibilities and influence is easy to do over a long period of time because of how the ancient people passed down stories and information regarding him. Which was mostly orally told.

 The Aztec society used a writing system similar to the Egyptians, mainly focusing on elements of pictographics and visually artistic aspects. The Aztecs used a combined and complex writing system to represent the meaning and purpose of their art and literature, logogram signs and phonetics are similar to the actual methods used. However, a great piece of historical and ancient mythological literature left behind would be that of the Codex. One of the first and oldest forms of literature, it resulted in modern day books being shaped themselves. Quetzalcoatl is recognized as the lord of Light, life, wisdom, mercy, wind, Justice, protector of the royal families, as well as being known as the God of the morning star. He gave humans maize (corn) which holds cultural significance. Quetzalcoatl is also said to have three brothers and all four were credited in the creation of the world, each rulers over certain directions. All four brothers were born from Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, who were also brother and sister. The brothers are referred to as the four “Tezcatlipocas” and each represents the cardinal directions of the world but there is also a particular color associated with each. The West and the color white is represented by Quetzalcoatl. The South and the color blue is represented by Huitzilopochtli. The East and the color red is represented by Xipe Totec. Lastly, the North and the color black is represented by the brother referred to as just “Tezcatlipoca” which all the brothers are referred to as but it is not said if he has a common name.