The Butterfly Bird God and his Myth at Teotihuacan

A partial reconstruction of a Teotihuacan myth centered on a sun god linked to vegetation is proposed, based on the analysis of murals in Atetelco. The myth depicts the god descending into the Underworld and being reborn, rising from the depths of the earth, suggesting a creation narrative akin to the Popol Vuh. The research also hints at a supernatural macaw associated with the god and possibly a ballgame scene within the Underworld. This study offers one of the few glimpses into Teotihuacan mythology by examining visual representations in ancient murals.

Paulinyi, Z. (2014). THE BUTTERFLY BIRD GOD AND HIS MYTH AT TEOTIHUACAN. Ancient Mesoamerica, 25(1), 29–48. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0956536114000054