Rite of the New Fire

The myth

The New Fire, Toxiuhmolpilia, “our years are bound,” was the most important rite of the Mexica calendar, held when 52 years were complete. Every fire was put out and people awaited midnight in fear; if the fire could not be kindled, the tzitzimime would descend and the sun would not return. On Huixachtlan hill, when the Pleiades passed the zenith, priests lit the new flame, which runners carried to the Templo Mayor — to Huitzilopochtli’s shrine — and to every home. The rite joined fire, sun and warriors, the very elements of this card.

Why it has this power

An Uncommon ritual: sacrifice the Bearer of the New Fire, the Sun Hummingbird and the Apprentice Eagle Warrior to summon Huitzilopochtli, with 2950 ATK. The materials are the rite itself: the flame runner, the hummingbird of the god’s name and the young warrior of the sun. In the duel, the offering is only the cards’ breath.

Did you know

Cerro de la Estrella, ancient Huixachtlan, lies in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, and today hosts a museum and archaeological zone.

Connections

• In Itzel, Guardian of the Fifth Sun's deck

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.45% per pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 1.1% per pack (Uncommon 30% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 35% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.98% of days · 400 gold
• Craft with card dust: 100 dust

Sources

1. Xiuhtecuhtli: The Aztec God of Fire — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright
2. Nemontemi, “días baldíos”. Abismos periódicos del tiempo indígena (Arqueología Mexicana) — Patrick Johansson K.
3. Huitzilopochtli — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright