Zotz

Zotz is a fearsome Mayan Demon and a lord of the underworld. Zotz is a huge winged being with the head of a dog, needle-sharp teeth, and a bloody, contorted grin. He is sometimes shown as half-black and half-white, signifying faithlessness. Zotz lives deep within caves. He hides in remote areas at night and ambushes travelers, stealing their goods and wealth to stash in his caves. In the underworld he has his own area, called the House of Bats. Souls who are condemned must pass by him; he drinks their Blood. A Mayan legend tells of two brothers who were condemned. When they passed by Zotz, he bit off the head of one of them. The other brother replaced the head with a nearby tortoise, which restored the boy to life.

SEE ALSO:

• Mayan Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – Copyright © 2009 by Visionary Living, Inc.