Entity: CAMAZOTZ
Camazotz is a bat spirit in Late Post-Classic Maya mythology, associated with death and the underworld. It is also considered a bat god in Mesomarican mythology, symbolizing nighttime and sacrifice.
CAMAZOTZ
Etymology
In the Kʼicheʼ language, Camazotz means 'death bat'.
Definition
Camazotz is a mythical bat spirit and god in Mesoamerican cultures, symbolizing death, nighttime, and sacrifice.
Historical Context
In Late Post-Classic Maya mythology, Camazotz is depicted as a bat spirit serving the lords of the underworld. It is associated with death and the afterlife. The Zapotec tribes of Oaxaca also revered Camazotz, linking it to caves as gateways to the underworld.
Cultural Significance
Camazotz holds significance as a symbol of death, nighttime, and sacrifice in Mesoamerican cultures. It is believed to rule over all bats and reside in the Mayan underworld.
Related Concepts
Camazotz is often compared to other bat gods and spirits in different mythologies, such as the vampire bat or Desmodus draculae.
See Also
A mythical bat spirit and god in Mesoamerican cultures, representing death, nighttime, and sacrifice.