Mesoamerican mythology encompasses the rich and diverse belief systems of ancient civilizations in regions like Mexico and Central America. It includes the myths, legends, and religious practices of cultures such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec. These stories often explain natural phenomena, the creation of the world, and the relationship between gods and humans. Central to Mesoamerican mythology are deities like Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, and Tezcatlipoca, the god of the night sky. Rituals, including human sacrifices, were performed to appease these gods and ensure agricultural fertility. Myths often featured themes of duality, cycles of life and death, and the importance of balance in the universe.