ame personage as Quetzalcohuatl, and
from this fact show how true it is that the operations of the forces
of nature everywhere affect the minds of men in a similar manner.<54>
Others will not, however, go as far as this, and will only say there is
a similarity between the two characters. The tribes in Yucatan also have
a tradition of Cuculcan, whose name means the same as the two already
mentioned. The authority who refers to him speaks of him only as a man.
The Quiche legend, already referred to, speaks of Gucumatz only as
a god. The Nahua traditions of Quetzalcohuatl, as we have seen, are
confused accounts of a man and a god.

The traditions having reference to the earthly career of Quetzalcohuatl
represent him as having considerable to do with Tulla and Cholula. At
Tulla he appears in the light of a great medicine-man, or priest; at
Cholula, as a sachem. Still other traditions represent him as a great
and successful warrior. None of these characters are incompatible
with the others, from an Indian point of view. These traditions are
so hopelessly confused, that it is doubtful if any thing of historical
value can be gained from them. As a deity, he was worshiped as god of
the air or wind. Why he should be so considered is answered in various
ways. If, reasoning from his name, we choose to believe he is
a nature-god--as such standing for the thunder-storm, clouds of
summer--then, as the winds "sweep the path for the rain-clouds," he
would be considered their god. Also, following out this line of thought,
we can see how, as the god which brings the fertilizing summer rain, he
would be considered the god of wealth, and the patron deity of traders.

We must not lose sight of the fact that all these traditions are most
woefully mixed; that, since the conquest, many ideas from other than
native sources have been engrafted on them; and, furthermore, that
other explanations that are worth considering can be presented. The
horticultural tribe located at Cholula had Quetzalcohuatl for their
tutelar deity. Their crops depend upon the timely descent of the rain.
What more natural than that they should regard such rains as sent by
him? This pueblo was also famous for its fairs. "By its geographical
position, its natural products, and the industry of its people," it
became a great trading market. Near it was raised cochineal dye, in
large quantities. This was eagerly sought after by traders from a
distance. Cholula was also famous