Camazotz: ‘Death Bat’ Vampire God In Ancient Maya Beliefs
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - In ancient Maya beliefs, Camazotz (Camoazotz) was a vampire bat god. Camazotz means "death bat" in the Quiché Maya language. Chinese cultures see the bat as a symbol of good luck, while Europeans often fear it as evil.
Cama Zotz (Camazotz), Copán, Classic - Image credit: Dennis Jarvis - Honduras-0334 - CC BY-SA 2.0
Camazotz was often depicted holding his victim and a knife associated with night, death, and sacrifice. The Maya considered him a terrifying god who served death and ruled the domain of twilight.
He lived in bloody caves and other dark places that people tried to avoid for fear of disturbing him.
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See also:
Xibalba: Nine-Leveled Underground Place Of Fear Ruled By Lords Of Death In Maya Beliefs
Centeotl: Lord Of Maize Who Was Revered Before The Olmecs By All Mesoamerica’s Inhabitants
Alux: Little Mythical Troublemaker And Guardian Of Corn Fields In Mayan Folklore
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