The Ruler of Tlalocan, the Fourth Level of Heaven, his domain is a water-filled paradise of lush green plants, from which he dispenses rain, lightning and other useful goodies.

But with the Aztecs there was always a price: His priests killed and ate babies to promote rain, which only appeared if the babies cried before death. (What was necessary to make it stop raining we won’t even try to imagine.)

Tlaloc is depicted in a mask with goggling frog eyes and outrageous buck teeth. He’s married to Chalchiuhtlicue, who obviously likes that kind of thing. His big sister is salt of the Earth Huixtocihuatl. And, in case you need to know, his favorite incense is the fuming stench of burning rubber.

Handy tip: if you happen to die in a water-related incident, fear not. Tlaloc will graciously scoop you up and let you play in his delightful watery garden for all eternity.

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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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