Long ago, in earth earliest days, humans found their world bathed in darkness. The evil goddess Tzintzimitl had consumed the sun and all its light. Quetzalcoatl, the god of redemption and giver of life, was angered by Tzintzimitl’s deed and ascended to the heavens to give battle. While pursuing Tzintzimitl he discovered Mayahuel, her beautiful granddaughter who was being held against her will.
Quetzalcoatl instantly fell in love with Mayahuel and returned to earth with her at his side. This infuriated Tzintzimitl and she searched everywhere for the pair. They were forced to hide and scurry from place to place keeping one step ahead of the evil goddess. Weary of running, Quetzalcoatl determined to disguise himself and Mayahuel as branches on a tree carefully positioned so the breeze would cause the two branches to sweep and caress each other. This scheme was eventually discovered and in a fit a rage Tzintzimitl ripped the branch possessing the soul of Mayahuel from the tree and broke it in to tiny pieces. Devastated, Quetzalcoatl slew Tzintzimitl returning light to this world but his love was gone.
He buried the pieces of the broken branch and drenched the ground in his tears giving life to the first agave plant. Quetzalcoatl drank the plant’s sweet nectar but it gave him little joy until the gods bestowed “special” properties to the agave to comfort Quetzalcoatl’s heart and soul. This, according to Aztec legend, is how the agave came into existence and for thousands of years the natural fermenting nectar of the agave has been used in ceremonies of religious and cultural significance. To this day, Mayahuel is considered by the Aztec people to be the goddess of agave. Today, standing firmly in the 21st century, we still find Tequila, more than any other spirit, to be shrouded in mystery, awe, and occasionally foreboding.
Legend has it that in 1580 a group of Aztecs in what is now Mexico, where caught in a thunder storm. One of those thunders struck an agave plant which was instantly cooked. The Aztecs were attracted to the smell which was sweet and decided to taste the juice, product of the stem (piña/pineapple) a thus tequila was born.