The bird depicted on Mexico’s flag is the golden eagle, also known as the Mexican eagle or royal eagle. The image of the eagle comes from a legend regarding the founding of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan in 1325. According to the legend, the Aztec people were told by their leader Huitzilopochtli that they should establish their capital city at the location where they saw an eagle perched on a nopal cactus devouring a snake. When they arrived at Lake Texcoco, they saw this vision and established Tenochtitlan on an island in the lake. Over 200 years later in 1521, the Aztec empire was defeated by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Today, the image of the eagle and snake symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a source of Mexican national pride.
The Legend of Tenochtitlan’s Founding
According to Aztec legend, around 1325 the Mexica (Aztec) people were wandering in search of a place to settle after leaving their homeland of Aztlan. Their leader Huitzilopochtli told them that they would know where to settle when they saw an eagle perched on a nopal cactus with a snake in its beak. After 200 years of wandering, this sign was spotted on a small island in Lake Texcoco, marking the place for their new capital city of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs saw the eagle devouring the snake as a symbol of their people growing in strength by conquering others.
This legend comes from two Aztec codices (ancient manuscripts). The Tira de la Peregrinación depicts the migration from Aztlan and the founding of Tenochtitlan. The Codex Boturini also shows the foundation of Tenochtitlan with the eagle and snake on the cactus.
Scholars believe the legend combines Aztec history with mythological elements. The story of their long migration from Aztlan reflected the actual journey of Nahuatl-speaking groups into the Valley of Mexico. Combining this history with the mystical vision of the eagle and snake gave the Aztecs’ city divine origins as having been prophesied by Huitzilopochtli. It established Tenochtitlan as the rightful center of the universe according to their religious beliefs.
Symbolism of the Eagle and Snake
The eagle with a snake in its beak represents good conquering evil. The eagle is an ancient Mesoamerican symbol associated with the sun, warriors, and royalty. The snake is related to the underworld and often depicted as evil in Aztec art. By having the eagle defeating the snake, the image symbolizes the triumph of light over dark and the divine right of the Aztecs to rule.
Each element has its own significance:
- Eagle – deity of the sun, war, royalty
- Prickly pear cactus – location of Tenochtitlan on an island in a lake
- Snake – creature of the underworld, evil
By combining these three symbols, the image ties together Aztec religion, history, and political authority. It establishes the Aztec people as superior by divine right because of the mystical sign they received from their patron god Huitzilopochtli.
The Eagle on Mexico’s Flag
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the new government was looking for a symbol to represent the new Mexican nation. The eagle and snake on the cactus from the Aztec founding legend was chosen because it linked Mexico to its ancient indigenous roots. It represented strength, autonomy, and divine authority for the Mexican people.
The version of the eagle that appears on the Mexican flag today was designed by Raphael Ximeno y Planes. It has the eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a rattlesnake. The design includes various symbolic elements:
- The eagle’s wings are displayed outward to represent sovereignty
- A crown of oak and laurel leaves signifies victory
- The eagle holds a serpent in its talon to denote power and strength
- The nopal cactus grows from a stone, symbolizing the island city of Tenochtitlan
The emblem is a source of national pride and Mexican identity. It recalls the greatness of Mexico’s indigenous civilizations and the struggle for independence from European powers. The eagle continues to be a popular symbol found on Mexican money, seals, architecture, and monuments as a key part of Mexico’s national identity.
Variants in Other Cultures
The legend of an eagle or hawk perched on a cactus eating a snake is an ancient Mesoamerican myth that originated before the Aztecs. It appears in earlier cultures such as the Toltecs and Olmecs. For example, a similar foundation story dates back to the first Toltec capital of Tula around 900 AD. According to Toltec legends, their capital was founded when their chieftain saw an eagle eating a snake while perched on a nopal cactus.
After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire, the eagle and snake continued to be used in the iconography of Mexico. It appeared on Spanish colonial flags and coats of arms as a symbol of New Spain. The image persists today as a sign of pride in Mexico’s indigenous roots before the arrival of Europeans.
The Golden Eagle
The eagle depicted on Mexico’s coat of arms and flag is specifically the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Also known as the royal eagle or Mexican eagle, this large bird of prey inhabits many mountainous and wilderness areas of North America. Its range extends from Alaska and Canada in the north down to northern Mexico.
Some key facts about the golden eagle:
- Wingspan reaches over 7 feet from tip to tip
- Body length is around 3 feet long
- Can live up to 30 years in the wild
- Nesting habitats include cliffs, rock outcroppings, and tall trees
- Feeds mostly on small mammals like rabbits, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs
- Considered one of the most skilled aerial predators in North America
The golden eagle is an imposing predator that inspired awe in many Native American cultures. It was seen as a symbol of courage, strength, and hunting skill. Its importance as a national symbol in Mexico comes from the long cultural traditions of Mesoamerican peoples who saw the eagle as a sacred animal.
Conclusion
The image of an eagle perched on a cactus while clutching a snake in its talons has deep roots in Mexican culture. Originating in the legend of Tenochtitlan’s founding, it symbolizes the triumph of the Aztecs guided by divine prophecy. Although a mythical story, it represents the long history of Central American civilizations and the Spanish conquest. As a national symbol, the Mexican eagle now stands for unity, autonomy, and pride in Mexico’s indigenous heritage.