Aztec Mythology

The bloodthirsty Gods of Ancient Mexico

MICTLANTECUHTLI

Aztec Underworld God

Also known as Mictlantecuhtzi

Picture of the Aztec Underworld God Mictlantecuhtli from our Aztec mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Grinning God of the Underworld

He rules Mictlan, the lowest level of the Aztec Underworld, and guards the bones of those who’ve passed on.

Mictlantecuhtli is extremely skeletal with bonus horror bits — particularly his exposed liver which dangles cheekily from his chest cavity. But do not be repulsed for the horror is tempered with FUN! Now here’s a God that loves his work. He is depicted as a grinning maniac with large cheerful teeth and wide staring eyes. He almost looks like an over-the-top game show host.

And ratings for Mictlantecuhtli’s Supreme Sacrifice Show were unbeatable. He was never short of contestants — and with such a genial host it’s no wonder that victims were queuing up to be sacrificed. Death was considered a much better prize than some boring old million-dollar check.

With his bats, spiders and owls, Mictlantecuhtli offers all the creepy-crawly services you could possibly require for your Halloween parties.

His wife is Mictecacihuatl, who’s equally at home with the bones.

Mictlantecuhtli Facts and Figures

Name: Mictlantecuhtli
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Mictlantecuhtzi

Gender: Male
Type: God
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: the Underworld
Area of expertise: Underworld

Good/Evil Rating: NOT OKAY, be careful
Popularity index: 9277

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Article last revised on August 10, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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