Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns: A Mesoamerican Creation Myth
What’s inside...
A beautiful and empowering retelling of a Mesoamerican creation myth, in which the Feathered Serpent, a powerful and wise deity, creates the world and all living things, including humans. He teaches them important lessons about diversity, inclusion, and interconnectedness. Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh brings this ancient Mesoamerican creation myth to life in the picture book 'Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns'. Long ago, the gods of Mesoamerica attempted to create humans multiple times in each sun, or age, but failed. When the gods grew tired, only Quetzalcóatl—the Feathered Serpent—did not give up. He embarked on a dangerous quest to retrieve the sacred bones of creation guarded by Mictlantecuhtli, lord of the underworld. Equipped with his staff, shield, cloak, and shell ornament for good luck, Feathered Serpent succeeded in creating humankind. Duncan Tonatiuh uses his acclaimed art style and grand storytelling to recount this thrilling creation tale of epic proportions.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
QuetzalcóAtl (Feathered Serpent)
Mictlantecuhtli
Discussion points
What do you think about the journey of the Feathered Serpent? What qualities did he show?
How do you think the world would look if one of the other elements had created it instead of the Sun?
Why do you think the gods had to try creating the world five times? What does that teach us about perseverance?
Can you think of a time when you tried something multiple times before succeeding? How did that make you feel?
Which part of the creation myth was the most surprising or interesting to you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story's themes to personal experiences or feelings. This not only deepens understanding but also makes the reading session more memorable. Highlight the virtues of persistence and creativity exhibited by the Feathered Serpent, prompting your child to discuss times they have or can demonstrate these qualities. Explore the rich cultural content by looking at Mesoamerican achievements and histories together, maybe even post-reading. This expands their global awareness and appreciation of different cultures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases the Feathered Serpent's relentless effort in creating the world and the suns despite numerous setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and trying again even when faced with difficulties, helping them tackle challenges in school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The creation myth highlights how different gods work together to create the suns, demonstrating the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value cooperative work, be it on school projects, sports or family activities, understanding that collective effort often produces better results.
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural diversity
Explanation: Through engaging with Mesoamerican mythology, children are exposed to stories and beliefs from a culture that might be different from their own.
Real-World Application: This can foster a sense of respect and curiosity about different cultural heritages, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of innovation and creativity
Explanation: The gods in the story come up with creative solutions to bring light into the world, illustrating the significance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inventive in their daily lives, whether it's finding new solutions to problems or expressing themselves through art and play.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how the gods' actions lead to various outcomes in the creation story, teaching about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that their actions have consequences, guiding them to make thoughtful decisions and be accountable for their actions.