They say that, long ago, the Aztecs did not know corn. They lived on roots and on the animals they hunted. Corn existed, but it was hidden behind the mountains, and no one could reach it.

The ancient gods wanted to help. They tried to separate the mountains with their enormous strength, so the people could pass. They pushed and pulled with all their power — but the mountains did not move, and the gods failed.

Then the Aztecs went to Quetzalcóatl, the wise god, and asked for his help. Quetzalcóatl did not want to use force. “I will bring you the corn,” he said. He had decided to use intelligence.

Quetzalcóatl transformed himself into a tiny black ant. Accompanied by a red ant, he set out on the road to the mountains. The journey was long and hard, but the two ants kept going, crossing the mountains along the narrow paths that only the smallest animals know.

On the other side, Quetzalcóatl found the corn. He took a ripe kernel between his mandibles and began the journey home, carrying his precious cargo step by step.

When he arrived, he gave the kernel to the Aztecs. They planted it, cared for it, and harvested it. From that day on, they had corn to eat.

With corn, the Aztec people grew strong and rich. They built great cities, palaces, and temples, and their civilization flourished. And that is why the Aztecs always venerated Quetzalcóatl, the god who gave them corn — not with force, but with intelligence.