These assignments combine reading comprehension and vocabulary definitions in a unique format. Each article is broken up and contains embedded questions. Bold vocabulary words are spread through the article with context clues definitions.

Assignment:

1. Read Article

2. Answer Questions

3. Define Vocabulary words

Assignments Included:

Aztec:

Huitzilopochtli – God of the sun and war, and the patron deity of the Mexica people, guiding them to establish Tenochtitlan.

Quetzalcoatl – Feathered serpent god of wind, learning, and culture, often associated with creation and the morning star.

Tezcatlipoca – God of the night sky, sorcery, and destiny, known as a trickster who tests humans.

Tlaloc – Rain and fertility god, ruler of storms and waters, who brings life but can also bring deadly floods.

Xipe Totec – God of agriculture, seasons, and renewal, often represented wearing the flayed skin of a sacrificed victim.

Coatlicue – Earth goddess and mother of gods, including Huitzilopochtli, often depicted with a skirt of snakes.

Mictlantecuhtli – Lord of the underworld, ruling over the dead in Mictlan with his wife Mictecacihuatl.

Mictecacihuatl – Lady of the dead, guiding souls and presiding over rituals honoring ancestors.

Chalchiuhtlicue – Goddess of rivers, lakes, and childbirth, associated with water and fertility.

Tonatiuh – Sun god who demands sacrifice for the sun to continue its journey across the sky.

Cihuacoatl – Goddess of motherhood and childbirth, also a fierce protector of warriors.

Xolotl – Dog-headed god of lightning, death, and twins, guiding souls safely to the underworld.

Mixcoatl – God of hunting, stars, and the Milky Way, linked to warriors and hunting rituals.

Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli – God of the morning star, representing Venus and often associated with war omens.

Huehuecoyotl – Trickster god of music, dance, and mischief, known for causing chaos and laughter.

Atlaua – God of water, fishing, and lakes, protector of fishermen and aquatic life.

Itzpapalotl – Fearsome skeletal warrior goddess, ruler of the Tzitzimime, star demons who threaten humanity.

Tzitzimime – Star demons feared to descend during solar eclipses, threatening to devour humanity.

Ometeotl – Dual god of creation, representing both male and female principles, origin of all life.

Ahuiateteo – Group of deities associated with excess, pleasure, and destructive indulgence, often connected to drunkenness and vice.

Mayan:

Itzamna – Creator god and sky deity, ruler of knowledge and wisdom.

Chaac – Rain and thunder god, controls storms and agricultural fertility.

Kukulkan – Feathered serpent god, associated with wind, rain, and learning.

Ah Puch – God of death and the underworld, feared by all.

Ix Chel – Goddess of the moon, childbirth, medicine, and weaving.

Hun Hunahpu – Hero god, father of the Hero Twins, maize god.

Xbalanque – One of the Hero Twins, trickster and underworld hero.

Hunahpu – Twin of Xbalanque, clever hero defeating Xibalba’s lords.

Camazotz – Bat god of night, death, and sacrifice.

Ak’b’al – God of night, darkness, and hidden knowledge.

Bacab – Four sky bearers, protectors of the earth and directions.

Ix Tab – Goddess of suicide, associated with ropes and the afterlife.

Ah Mun – God of maize, essential for life and sustenance.

Zipacna – Earth monster, giant of mountains, causes earthquakes and destruction.

Cabrakan – God of earthquakes and mountains, destructive force in myths.

Huracan – Storm god, creator of hurricanes and powerful winds.

Tohil – God of fire, rain, and the sun, worshiped in rituals.

Xquic – Mother of the Hero Twins, clever and resourceful goddess.

Tz’ikin – Bird spirits, messengers of the gods, connected to prophecy.

Ixmucane – Grandmother goddess, involved in creation and the Hero Twins’ story.

Popol Vuh Lords of Xibalba – Underworld gods who test and torment heroes.

Tepeu – Creator god, works with Gucumatz to form humans and earth

Inca:

Viracocha – The creator god who formed the world, sun, moon, stars, and humans.
Inti – The sun god and patron of the Inca people; responsible for warmth, growth of crops, and prosperity.
Mama Quilla – The moon goddess, protector of women, marriage, and the calendar; wife or consort of Inti.
Pachamama – The earth goddess who provides fertility, crops, and sustenance.
Illapa – The god of thunder, rain, and war; associated with storms, lightning, and the protection of crops.
Supay – The god of death and ruler of the underworld.
Kon – A god of rain and wind who brings life-giving water to the highlands; linked to agriculture and growth.
Mama Cocha – The goddess of the sea and lakes; protector of fishermen and sailors.
Wiracocha Inti – A combination of Viracocha and Inti representing creation through the sun’s energy.
Huanca – Sacred stones and spirits that serve as intermediaries between humans and the gods.
Apu – Mountain spirits that guard local regions and villages; believed to control weather and fertility.
Amaru – A mythical serpent or dragon associated with water, fertility, and the underworld.
Chasca – Goddess of dawn, twilight, and Venus; associated with love and beauty.
Supay’s Minions (Hukay) – Lesser spirits of the underworld.
Illapa’s Staff (Thunder Weapon) – A sacred instrument or symbol associated with lightning and storm power.
Axomamma – Goddess associated with grains, harvests, and food storage; protector of agricultural wealth.
Pariacaca – Rain god from the highlands; often prayed to during droughts to bring life-giving water.
Paryaqaqa – Another major water and storm deity; protector of rivers, lakes, and rainfall for crops.
Cavillaca – A minor earth or fertility spirit who assists Pachamama in nurturing crops.
Chullachaqui – A shape-shifting forest spirit or trickster that can mislead travelers and hunters.
Tupaq Amaru – Legendary serpent and symbol of resistance; often associated with wisdom and the underworld.