The ants are the smallest heroes of this legend. Quetzalcóatl transformed himself into a black ant, and a red ant went with him as his companion on the long journey. Together they crossed the mountains along the narrow paths that only the smallest animals know — the paths where the strength of the great gods was useless.

As an ant, Quetzalcóatl could carry only one ripe kernel between his mandibles — but one kernel, planted and cared for, was enough to feed an entire people.