In the beginning of the kalpas (the ages) there were, in this forest, a fox, a hare and a monkey, who, although of different species, were united by a close friendship. At that time, Chi (S‘kara), the master of the gods, wished to make proof of those who were leading the life of a Bodhisattwa. He descended upon the earth… assuming the appearance of an old man…“Having learned,“ [said] the old man, “that you were bound in a close friendship, forgetting the burden of age, I have come from a great distance expressedly to find you out. To-day I am oppressed with hunger. What will you give me to eat? “

    “Be so good, “said they, “as to remain here a little, while we run and make search. “… The fox, having skirted a river, brought between his teeth a fresh carp; the monkey gathered fruits and flowers, of great rarity, from the depth of the forest… But the hare returned empty handed, and began to gambol from right to left.

    “From what I see, “remarked the old man to him “you have not shared in the sentiments of the monkey and the fox. Each of them has given me proof of his devotion; but the hare has returned empty, and he alone has not given me food…“

    The hare, on hearing these severe reproaches, spoke thus to the fox and the monkey: “Gather together a quantity of wood and grass; and I will then do something. “

    At these words, the fox and monkey ran, emulously, and brought grass and branches. When they had made a high heap of them, and a strong fire was about to be kindled, the hare said: “O man, full of humanity, I am small and feeble; and as I was unable to find what I sought after, I venture to offer my humble body to furnish a repast for you.“

    Scarcely had he ceased speaking, when he cast himself into the fire, and there died immediately.

    At that instant, the old man resumed his form of king of the gods (S‘akra), collected the bones of the hare, and having for a long time heaved sorrowful sighs, said to the fox and the monkey: “How is it that he was the only one able to make such a sacrifice? I am powerfully affected by his devotion; and, not to let the memory of it perish, I will place him in the disk of the moon, so that his name may go down to posterity.”

    Hence all the natives of India say that it is since this event occurred that a hare has been seen in the moon.

The earth was still dark and now the people really needed a sun. The gods gathered to build fires and to decide on the next sun. A proud god, Tecuciztecatl, offered himself, but the other gods preferred Nanahuatzin, who was humble and diseased. Preparations were made for the two to fast, pray and make them selves ready.

The gifts of Tecuciztecatl were rich and precious, while the offerings of Nanahuatzin were poor and humble like himself. The spirits built a huge fire for the one who would be chosen. The gods called on the proud Tecuciztecatl to leap into the flames, but he grew afraid and could not. Then they turned to Nanahuatzin and he immediately jumped into the fire. Seeing that, Tecuciztecatl was ashamed and leaped into the fire followed by the eagle and the jaguar. Because of their bravery, the eagle with the tips of his wings scorched black and the jaguar with his smudged coat became the great military orders of Aztec warriors. The gods watched to see who would arise as the sun but saw two suns rising in the east. They were afraid the world would be too bright, so they threw a rabbit in the face of Tecuciztecatl putting out his fire, and the face became the moon.