Itzpapalotl, the Obsidian Butterfly

The myth

Itzpapálotl, “Obsidian Butterfly,” is a Nahua goddess tied to creation, earth, night, hunting, war and sacrifice, deeply revered by Chichimec groups. She appears as a fleshless figure with wings full of obsidian blades, eagle talons and an elaborate skirt. She was held to be chief of the tzitzimime, queen of the mythical paradise of Tamoanchan and, in some sources, mother of Mixcóatl. Patron of the day Cozcacuauhtli, she may have been linked to the moth Rothschildia orizaba, whose wings bear patches that look like obsidian.

Why it has this power

A Level 7 Epic with 2600 ATK and 2300 DEF: the strongest Insect-Plant, a butterfly who is also a warrior. Darkness and Moon are the night and the dark sky of the tzitzimime; Scarab, death and rebirth. The card’s “end of an age” alludes to the fear that the tzitzimime would descend when the sun failed.

Did you know

Rothschildia orizaba is popularly called the “four-mirror moth” for the translucent patches on its wings.

Connections

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.012% per pack (Epic 0.15% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.045% per pack · 0.23% in the themed pack (Epic 0.24% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.18% per pack · 0.94% in the themed pack (Epic 1% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.49% per pack · 2.5% in the themed pack (Epic 3% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.91% per pack · 4.6% in the themed pack (Epic 6% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 2.6% of days · 1,500 gems
• Craft with card dust: 2,400 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. El Altar de Itzpapálotl del Museo Nacional de Antropología (Arqueología Mexicana) — Beidi Merari Hernández Celis y Xavier Noguez
2. Aztec Pantheon — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright
3. Goddesses of the Month: Tzitzimime (Mexicolore) — Julia Flood