The chief god of the Aztec pantheon is Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun. He was pivotal to the Aztec civilization, often associated with human sacrifice as a means to ensure the sun's rising and the continuation of life. Huitzilopochtli was viewed as a fierce warrior and protector of the Aztecs, symbolizing the military prowess and national identity of the community. His worship reflects the Aztecs' value of strength and dominance, illustrating how deities shaped their worldview and social structure.