Omacatl

Omacatl (two reeds) In Aztec mythology, god of joy, festivity, and happiness; worshipped by the rich, who held banquets in his honor. He represented a late aspect of Tezcatlipoca, after that deity had absorbed several lesser
known deities. According to Fray Bernardino de Sahagún in Historia general de las cosas de Nueva España (1570–1582), the god would sometimes appear at festivals for him. If for any reason he was not satisfied, he would say: “Wicked men, for what reason hast thou omitted to honor me with respect? I will henceforth abandon thee, and thou wilt pay dearly for the injury thou hast put upon me.” Then many of the guests would become ill, suffering dizziness and headache. Omacatl is regarded in some texts as an aspect of Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec creator-trickster god.

SEE ALSO:

• Aztec Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante