MICTLANTECUHTLI
Mictlantecuhtli (Mictlanteculi) (lord of death) In Aztec mythology, death god, lord of the land of the dead, who with his wife, Mictlantecihuatl, cared for the dead who came to their kingdom, Mictlan (Mictlancalco), the place of the dead. Mictlantecuhtli was portrayed as an openmouthed monster ready to devour the souls of the dead. Sometimes he was portrayed as an owl, with skull and bones. He was associated with the north, and his color was red. Mictlantecuhtli is regarded in some texts as an aspect of the god Tezcatlipoca (mirror that smokes), the Aztec creator-trickster god. Mictlantecuhtli was also known as Tzontemoc (he of the falling hair), perhaps indicative of his role as death god.
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SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
