Alfredo Lopez Austin

Most people are familiar with the Japanese folklore of Tsuki no Usagi (especially fans of the show Sailor Moon, in which the protagonist's name is "Tsukino Usagi"). This mythic creature is also called the Jade Rabbit by the Chinese.

However, you probably weren't aware (unless you've studied Aztec culture) that this creature goes by a different name south of the US border, and a bit further back in time: Tecciztecatl. Born the son of Tlaloc (sky water) and Chalchiuhtlicue (ground water). The show more story goes that his desire to be the sun god was less than his fear of the sun's fire, and as such, the true sun god, cast him into the moon while he was in the shape of a rabbit.

Great stuff, huh?

While this book will most likely be of interest to a student of Aztec mythology, it may also be of interest to students of comparative mythology. The author spends a great deal of time discussing parallels of mythology and folklore of nations separated by hemispheres, and makes some interesting conclusions drawn from that.

Highly recommended for Mesoamerican studies. show less