So also did the four hundred Chichimecs, and these set about to burn one of the five goddesses, by name Coatlicue, the Serpent Skirted, because it was discovered that she was with child, though yet unmarried.
But, in fact, she was a spotless virgin, and had known no man.

She had placed some white plumes in her bosom, and through these the god Huitzilopochtli entered her body to be born again.

When, therefore, the four hundred had gathered together to burn her, the god came forth fully armed and slew them every one.
[Footnote 1: The name Chichimeca has been a puzzle.

The derivation appears to be from _chichi_, a dog, _mecatl_, a rope.

According to general tradition the Chichimecs were a barbarous people who inhabited Mexico before the Aztecs came.