Which animal was considered sacred by the Aztecs?

The jaguar was considered a sacred animal by the Aztecs due to its powerful symbolism and significance in their culture. It represented strength, agility, and the ability to transcend earthly bounds, qualities that were highly revered in Aztec society. The jaguar was also associated with the underworld and the night, further enhancing its mystical and spiritual status. Notably, jaguars were linked to various gods, including Tezcatlipoca, who was one of the principal deities in the Aztec pantheon. This association elevated the jaguar's status as a symbol of warfare, power, and the ferocity desired by the Aztecs in battle.

While the eagle, serpent, and coyote do hold significance in Aztec culture, they do not carry the same level of sacredness as the jaguar. The eagle, for example, is emblematic as a national symbol (especially in modern Mexico), while the serpent, particularly the feathered serpent, is associated with wisdom and agriculture. The coyote, although important as a trickster figure, does not embody the powerful, divine qualities that the jaguar represents.