Gods And Goddesses: Votan

Votan is a Mayan god whom is also known as the Old Black God and also referred to as “God L”. He is the god of war, death and drums. Little is known about this god, so much about him lies in mystery. Even with the black on his body it is uncertain if it black paint or his actual skin colour. He is thought to be married to the moon goddess Ixchel. He is thought to be toothless.

Gods And Goddesses: Chac

Chac is the Mayan god of agriculture, fertility, rain and lightning. He name is also spelt Chaac and Chaahk. He was one and many, representing the four directions; the red Chac is of the east, the black Chac is of the west, the white Chac is of the north and the yellow Chac is of the south.

Chac has a more human form where he at times appears toothless but also has a more reptilian form where he has fangs, cat like whiskers and a snout. He also wields an axe.

It is said that Chac taught how to grow vegetables and is a protector of crops. The animal associated with Chac is the frog as it is said that the sound of a croaking frog signals the coming of rain.

Gods And Goddesses: Ah Puch

Ah Puch is the ruler of Mitnal and god of death. He is a skeletal figure with protruding ribs and at times wore bells. As he ruled over Mitnal, the lowest of the underworld and as god of death is associated with dogs and owls. Ah Puch is represented as a decomposing corpse with exposed spine, ribs and jaw. He was also called Kizin, The Stinky One, Lord of the Ninth Hell and Destructor of the Worlds.

Ah Puch was thought of as a hunting figure by the Mayans, stalking the houses of those who were injured or sick. People engaged in loud mourning after the death of a person in order to let Ah Puch know someone has died. Ah Puch once killed the god Iztamna and when this god was resurrected ah Puch was punished to the underworld. In anger of this confinement, Ah Puch kicks the pillars of which earth stands causing earthquakes.