Aztec Mythology

The bloodthirsty Gods of Ancient Mexico

NANAUTZIN

Aztec Sickness God/dess

Also known as Nana, Nanahuatl, Nanahuatzin, Nanauatzin

Picture of the Aztec Sickness God/dess Nanautzin from our Aztec mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

God (or occasionally Goddess) of Humble Bravery

Known as The Scabby One, he was weak, diseased and cringy. But his modest courage led to the ultimate promotion as reward for his fortitude.

Nanautzin started out as the smallest and ugliest of the Gods, but when the vacancy of Sun became available, he leapt at the chance to improve his lot. Dressed in humble reeds, he turned up at the interview to discover only one other candidate had applied for the job. Possibly because the winning applicant was required to undergo sacrificial death in the Godly Bonfire.

Oh well, he thought, what have I got to lose? He’d only been invited to attend because he’d done good works and given maize to humans.

His rival was the smartly-dressed and terribly arrogant Tecciztecatl. But as soon as the fire was lit, Tecciztecatl chickened out, leaving the courageous Nanautzin to jump into the flames and become the glorious sun.

Thereafter he was known as Tonatiuh and became quite arrogant himself...

Nanautzin Facts and Figures

Name: Nanautzin
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Nana, Nanahuatl, Nanahuatzin, Nanauatzin

Gender: Male and female
Type: God/dess
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Disease & Sickness
Area of expertise: Disease, Sickness, Illness

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 13119

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Article last revised on April 09, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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