The Four Tonatiuh Dragons
Tonatiuhpipiyoli, Tonatiuhcóatl, Tonatiuhtcipactli and Mixtonatiuhtéotl
Tlaneyanco's Dragons
Solar Dragons
Conspectus
To them we owe the miracle of the Flare of Enlightenment, granting knowledge and power previously forbidden to mankind; they became the symbol of an entire reign and may even develop a direct link with a human every few thousand years.
Illustration
Representation of Tonatiuhpipiyoli in its conglomerate form.
Knowledge
Traits: The appearance of each dragon is different and varies depending on the nature of their habitat, they are beings composed mostly of plasma, of considerable size, being able to be seen from Earth if they leave the solar surface1.
The first dragon2 is made up of thousands of small dragons, its body is robust with insectoid characteristics and is divided into three parts: a head with 4 short antennae, yellowish compound eyes and a jaw; from its thorax come out 3 pairs of extremities and 2 pairs of crimson membranous wings similar to those of a bee; its abdomen has a thaumaturgic symbol3 and has a stinger at the end. It can conglomerate and form a single being, although its appearance is not defined, it resembles a bird with an elongated beak.
The second dragon4 with a snake-like appearance due to its elongated body, covered with several scales with yellow tones, has a total of six thin limbs with claws, distributed throughout the being. Its head has a pair of antlers, both branched in four and ending in a sphere5, from its face come out several structures similar to long hairs and give it the appearance of having a beard. Its coloration consists mainly of a scale of yellows and oranges, and black and white spots can be seen all over its skin.
The third dragon6 is corpulent with a reptilian appearance, quadrupedal with robust limbs and a pair of wings with a wingspan similar to that of its body; its skin tones are reddish and black; on both wings it has dozens of different symbols and they are always found expelling small flames. Its long tail is full of spines and becomes thinner towards the end.
The fourth dragon78 is three-headed, with three pairs of wings unconnected to its body. Each head is different, but all have a long neck: the first head has a jaw similar to that of some insects, is protected by a black exoskeleton, which has four horn-like protuberances and no eyes, only the sockets being present; the second has a reptiloid appearance, its horns seem to form a crown and it has a forked tongue; the third head has the appearance of a bird due to its beak and the flares on its head seem to form a plumage. Its three tails can be separated or joined in different combinations or even fused into one; it has six robust limbs distributed along its body, with six claws each.
Nature: Each dragon inhabits a different area of the Sun being thus:910
| Name | Home | Associated attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Tonatiuhpipiyoli | Sun's core | Life giver, childhood, ruby flame, memories |
| Tonatiuhcóatl | Photosphere | growth, adolescence, orange flame, actions |
| Tonatiuhtcipactli | Chromosphere and Sun's corona | Fulfillment, adulthood, amber flame, goals |
| Mixtonatiuhtéotl | Solar storms | Duality, green flame |
The Tonatiuh dragons inhabit the Sun and according to the legends, they fulfill certain tasks to maintain the correct functioning of the star.11. They can manifest themselves inside Tlaneyanco in the form of flames and with a considerably smaller size. In this form, their behavior is docile and aggressive behaviors have not been seen; with the exception of Tonatiuhtcipactli and Mixtonatiuhtéotl inside their respective temples.
It is said that the Sun itself has been affected by the presence of the Tonatiuh dragons, changing some parts of its structure due to their actions, according to the studies carried out in Tlaneyanco. The solar core contains a structure similar to a honeycomb, where the beings that conform Tonatiuhpipiyoli live and are in charge of performing powerful rituals to extend the life of the star, changing the functioning of the nuclear reactions carried there. In turn, Tonatiuhcóatl wanders in the deepest parts of the photosphere, swimming in rivers of plasma and creating sunspots every so often, although its activity is almost nil.
Tonatiuhtcipactli's breath has merged with both the chromosphere and the Sun's corona, giving great protection to the star; this dragon spends most of its time flying inside the Sun's corona, being the watchman in charge of warning the other dragons about threats and the state of their domains. Unlike its congeners, there is no mention of a single place where Mixtonatiuhtéotl lies, only appearing at the same time as the solar storms; although some theories indicate that the entity is the cause of these events, possibly fighting against the other dragons, demonstrating the aggressiveness of this deity.
History & Associated Parties: Their origin is highly related to the star of the Earth's Solar System and dates back to the beginning of its formation. The existence of these beings is mostly known only to the Tlaneyancans, although it is thought that other cultures have referred to these entities under other names. According to Tlaneyancan myths, they are in charge of protecting the eight planets and their mother star from any kind of threat.
They were recognized by a Nahuatl-speaking people in Mexico when their first ruler had visions of them. It is said that a herald of Tonatiuhpipiyoli appeared before him, describing his appearance as a great bee made of fire, granting them the Tlanextlitetl12 with the purpose of helping humanity. At the same time, it was a test imposed by the dragons to know the true human nature, bringing to light their ability to investigate and understand the unknown. This event is known as "The Call of Enlightenment" among the inhabitants of Tlaneyanco.
After years of progress, these people began to become greedier with the use of the Tlanextlitetl, angering these deities. Therefore, they sent a piece of their being to a human body, endowing it with great skills in the handling of the Tlanextlitetl, the name of this figure was Kokolimina, cause of misfortunes and wars. Other opinions tell that he was sent to protect the town from an unknown threat and feared by the dragons, this chronologically agrees with the event called Tliltikilhuitl.1314
During all the time that the Sun has shone, only once has it been possible to observe them leaving their home to fulfill their task, battling in the Tliltikilhuitl.15 Such an event occurred in the ancient world, documented only by the Tonatiuh dragon worshippers, who decided to share their knowledge with the Library.
After the resolution of the battle where they were victorious,1617 they returned to hide in the Sun. Years later the internal war of Tlaneyanco occurred, followed by the death of Kokolimina and the subsequent exile of this community.1819
Currently, these entities are of great religious importance throughout Tlaneyanco. Different festivals are held throughout the year in their name depending on the season and the queen's decision,2021 organizing a great event each year as a form of veneration to a single dragon. The only celebration with more serious elements is the Mixtonatiuhtéotl festival, where a ritual culminating in a human sacrifice is carried out.22.
Approach: It has been impossible to detect their presence on the Sun by both the common and occult worlds in recent years. Direct approach is impossible due to the habitat of the Tonatiuh dragons. In Tlaneyanco there are four temples of stepped pyramidal architecture, dedicated to the veneration of each divinity separately and certain requirements must be met to enter them. People have also built small altars in their communities, serving to leave offerings or to go when the main temples are closed. These places lack human representatives to run the places, being controlled solely by the will of the dragons.
The temple of Tonatiuhpipiyoli is available from the autumn equinox to the summer solstice. To access the place it is necessary to have had direct offspring at least once or be under 12 years of age, other than this, there is no other restriction. It is common to find several families and children, who bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, drawings or sculptures; ceremonies analogous to baptisms are performed. There is an altar to pray, meditate and communicate with this deity, there is no danger at the moment of approaching it.
The temple of Tonatiuhcóatl opens its doors at the summer solstice until the spring equinox. It is necessary to have lived a minimum of three decades to enter this building. In the place you can find lonely people or couples without inheritance in search of new knowledge or advice23, in return they dedicate themselves to the creation of artistic content or dedications and thanks to Tonatiuhcóatl. However, the deity does not always respond to contact attempts, generally this occurs with people in search of their own benefit.
The opening of the temple of Tonatiuhtcipactli occurs at the beginning of the spring equinox and ends with the beginning of the winter solstice. Its entrance is reserved for those who have been involved in battles or fights, being visited mainly by warriors and soldiers. At the beginning of each day, combats take place in the highest part of the temple and the winner has the possibility of consulting Tonatiuhtcipactli; normally their followers look for warlike or combat knowledge, either for the creation of weapons or new rituals. Although extreme care must be taken when interacting with this being, as it has been heard of people being consumed by a manifestation of flames.
The temple of Mixtonatiuhtéotl is only accessible during the first two days of the winter solstice. Unlike the other temples, this one is guarded by enormous reptiles with great resemblance to the Gila monster, likewise, they are beings with great magical knowledge and capable of exhaling the mystical green fire of Tlaneyanco; they are aggressive with those who want to try to pass to the temple without fulfilling the requirements. Outside the temple you can see two statues, possibly of Kokolimina and Tenampi, a hero for the believers of the fourth solar dragon.
In order to enter, it is necessary to complete a specific ritual, which involves the loss of property, friends or close people. Once inside, the souls of those who enter the temple are consumed and replaced by the flames of Mixtonatiuhtéotl.
Each year they must return to the temple of Mixtonatiuhtéotl to perform a ceremony known as "The Dance of the Tlacatisuchil", where each participant must create a unique flower to reflect the state of their soul and then consume it. Among other events dedicated to dragons, there is a variation of the ball game called "totonquitlachtli", being different according to the deity dedicated.
Usually, the game is played in a round court with a hoop levitating in the center and is played by teams of 8 players; in the version of Mixtonatiuhtéotl and Tonatiuhtcipactli a ball covered in Tlanextlitetl is used and only the use of the hips is allowed to manipulate the ball. In contrast, for the games dedicated to Tonatiuhpipiyoli, sticks or mittens may be used. The game is won when the ball passes through the hoop or a team drops the ball on the ground.
Other Details: The Devotees24 outside of Tlaneyanco consider these entities as deities coming from a reign apart from Mekhane's domain, considering their origin as an isolated and unique event of the Sun. Meanwhile, the faction of the Devotees inhabitants of the town, known as Tepozneltococa, represent these deities as the fire used to forge Mekhane's body and think that through the Tlanextlitel they will be able to fuse the different components of their god and return it to its complete state.
The practitioners of the Nälkä consider the Tonatiuh dragons as enemy entities of their beliefs, being referred to as carriers of a sickly flame that consumes the purest flesh. There are some legends about confrontations between the inhabitants of Tlaneyanco and the Kalmaktama Empire25, the latter being defeated in most of their battles due to the properties of the Tlanextlitetl, which are similar to nuclear energy to a certain extent.
Members of the Sons of the Vine treat these deities as indirect allies of the Great Green God, protecting the main source of energy for all plants on Earth. However, there seems to be a certain repudiation of Mixtonatiuhtéotl, portraying him as a beast unable to contain his strength, being painted as rays of light that dry the leaves and flowers of the plants, withering them in their wake.
Other human cultures seem to have had some knowledge of sun dragons, although much less compared to the religions mentioned above, explaining the different deities attributed to the sun. If the stories of Tlaneyanco are true, it would seem that the dragons chose that town to have a greater impact on their culture and not the other way around, demonstrating that they do not have an interest in being recognized by the majority of humanity or to generate an important change in it. Apart from that, there is the theory that there are more inhabitants related to the Sun, as is the case of the lookout Sauelsuesor, being a possible human chosen by the dragons to warn both the Earth and more distant places of existence, about imminent dangers.
Observations & Stories
Tlanextlitetl, our blood
Fire runs through the veins of every living being,but this is only a vestige of the true maker flame.
Mankind is the undisputed heir of that power,
and our people were blessed with that knowledge.
In spite of having failed once in our task,
having attempted against peace and truth,
we continue to seek answers in the Tlanextlitetl.
Tonatiuhpipiyoli guides the little ones on a good path,
Tonatiuhcóatl leads the youth to new horizons.
And Tonatiuhtcipactli gives us his weapons to fight for our world.
Excerpt from a story written by Yoliztli Tlalolini.26
Tliltikilhuitl
The truth is guarded in the Primordial Light.
The so-called Messengers are only the first sign of their return.
I cut off the heads poisoned by their deception.
I set fire to the families who revered their name.
The Flame Gate has been sealed once again.
Its Four Guardians will guard it for Eternity.
In the name of Man and Life,
our people pledge allegiance to the inhabitants of the Sun,
and we will let this episode be lost forever.
When their light fades in the middle of the day
and their followers have consummated their return,
all that horror will be remembered once more.
so feared is the threat that their title has been forgotten.
Therefore, mankind was given a weapon to fight back,
we will shield this world until the end.
Tenampi's Myth
Lost among the myths and legends of Tlapoyatenco —the place where the believers of Mixtonatiuhtéotl abound in Tlaneyanco—, the story is told of the actions of the tlatoani Kokolimina during the Tliltikilhuitl and how he was able to keep all the people united. Alongside him, a warrior of our people, Tenampi, consumer of the flower from the soul, fought at his side. The nature of the enemies was never clear after the battle, some spoke of terrible beasts from the edges of the Earth, beings from the nightmares caused by men and some even tell of a terrible disease related to the shadows.
For a small period of time, Kokolimina and Tenampi were known as great heroes for their acts of bravery in that catastrophe. Unfortunately, the tlatoani stained his honor and his past as a hero was largely destroyed; while Tenampi, being a believer of Mixtonatiuhtéotl, had his name gradually erased from history and became a fictitious character for the other inhabitants of Tlaneyanco. Only a small fragment of the legend remains in the temple of our Sacred Fourth Dragon and it reads:
The breeze of the Sun stopped caressing our lands for a few moments, while its flames died down to give birth to a cursed nightfall. It gave way to the festival of blackened silhouettes deceived by a dream lost in the darkness of the Sun. They invited us to believe in their names, they tried to corrupt the core of light and conquer the distant lands of oblivion. Amidst the chaos and death spilled in such a fall, we were able to see the wings of our dragons and their flight capable of illuminating us in the dense fog.
And we fought until we consecrated victory, until we erased our own evils. Kokolimina used the emerald flame to repel the invading force, while Tenampi assisted him with his weapons forged by the three variants of the tlanextlitetl: the tepoztopilli with ruby tip, capable of piercing uncertainty, the tlahuitolli of orange arrows that illuminated the battlefield and the amber chimalli protecting body and soul. These weapons were returned to the Tonatiuh dragons at the end of the Tliltikilhuitl, since their sacred power was not to be used in our mortal and mundane affairs.
Doubt
Despite having a main temple, there is a notable fear of Mixtonatiuhtéotl by the inhabitants of Tlaneyanco, being the least worshipped dragon and without any additional temple or sanctuary. In more modern texts, he is known as a deity separate from the other dragons. This, together with the notable differences of its believers, could indicate the emergence of a new religion, different from the main cosmology.29
The reason for this is still unknown, it could be the direct work of Mixtonatiuhtéotl to maintain its presence in Tlaneyanco. According to external sources of that city, there was a similar movement before Kokolimina took power and nowadays it is manifested again years before the daughter of the current ruler is proclaimed as the new queen.
Among the characteristics of these believers are tattoos on their backs representing a different head of Mixtonatiuhtéotl30, as well as a greater knowledge in the use of the Tlanextlitetl without the need to resort to machines or other auxiliary methods to control it. Their thought is that the fourth dragon is the true representative of humanity, giving them both the ability to live and to die, maintaining balance in the world.
Nor is there a precise description of all the events that occurred during the Tliltikilhuitl, nor the true impact of the same. This censorship seems to escape even the current queen Ana Bárbara, indicating a possible intervention of these solar dragons to hide this knowledge. However, it is believed that visitors to the temple of Mixtonatiuhtéotl possess this information due to the spiritual connection with the deity.31