Aztec
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Xolotl
Xolotl is a deity from Aztec mythology. He was viewed as a disguise of, and twin to, Quetzalcoatl. Typically, he was depicted with deformities such as backwards feet and hands, and ears pointing in different directions. Because of these features, he was associated with dwarves and hunchbacks. He was thought to have given humans fire, but is still described as monstrous in nature. It was believed he would accompany Quetzalcoatl into the underworld to collect bones. He was known to chase the sun through the day and catch it every night. He would then drag it into the underworld until the morning. When the gods sacrificed themselves to create mankind,…
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Cihuateteo/Civatateo
The Cihuateteo are a form of vampiric creature from Aztec myth. They were thought to be women who died during childbirth, and their unborn children would become a different vampiric creature. They often dressed in imitation of the goddess Tlazolteotl and may appear as a normal mother and child. The two creatures target children to infect them with an illness that causes them to waste away, while other times they feed on blood, or the misery they cause. These creatures were thoght to be repelled by ancient Aztec holy relics. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us.…
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Xipe-Topec
Xipe-Totec is an Aztec deity known as the “flayed one.” He personifies spring as well as life and death. He is symbolized wearing freshly flayed human skin. He would be honored by taking out the hearts of sacrifices, flaying them, and dying them yellow to wear. Other sacrifices would be rained on by sacred arrows. Xipe-Totec is considered one of the gentler gods. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Ahuizotl
The Ahuizotl is a creature from Aztec myth. The name means “water dog” or “water possum.” It is the size of a dog, has slippery black skin, a human hand at the end of its tail, small pointed ears, and a monkey face. It stays just under the water and waves its hand to lure people close to the water. It grabs those who get too close with its hand tail and drowns them. It then eats the eyes, teeth, and nails of its victims. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.
