Tlaloc

AKA: Chac (Maya), Dzahui (Mixtec), Cocijo (Zapotec)

Origin: Mesoamerica

Pronunciation: tla-loch (loch as in Loch Ness Monster)

History:

One of the most fundamental and oldest known deities of Mesoamerica, Tlaloc’s name means “He who makes things sprout”. Known as the God of water, fertility and rain, he appears in Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Zapotec and many other Mesoamerican cultures. He was so greatly revered that one of the Twin Temples in Tenochtitlan was dedicated to him.

Generally depicted as having blue skin, fangs and goggle-like eyes, he was admired as much as he was feared. Tlaloc is said to live in mountains where he sends the clouds to bring down the rain if he’s in a good mood, or he can send hail, thunder and lighting if not. He can cause floods and droughts.

Tlaloc was the ruler of the 3rd Sun or “World”, (the current world we’re in is the 5th) which is said to have been destroyed by fire. Other than that he resides over Tlalocan, “Place of Tlaloc”, which is a beautiful paradise filled with a lush green garden and pleasure. It was the ideal heaven to go to. And just how do you get there? You had to die a water-related death. Like drowning, being struck by lighting, and contagious diseases (ex. leprosy).

He was once married to Xochiquetzal (goddess of beauty, flowers and fertility), but she was kidnapped by Tezcatlipoca (god of night sky, jaguars,etc.). But then got remarried to Chalchiuhtlicue (goddess of water and childbirth) who helps him watch over Tlalocan.

What’s so strange about him?

Like most Mesoamerican deities, he demands sacrifice, preferably in the form of a human. Children especially. (Mainly they were slaves or the 2nd born of a noble family.)

He is most known for having child sacrifices, in which they would take a child to a mountain top, near a lake or in a cave to be sacrificed. They would dress them in jewels and clothing representing Tlaloc and have the streets littered with flowers and dancers along the way. If the child cried on the way there, it was considered a good thing because the tears represented moisture, abundant rains and fertile lands.

And then thEY CUT THE BEATING HEART OUT OF THE CHILD.

Yeah.

What if I see him?

You have drowned and/or been struck by lighting. You lived a good life and will be missed. Have fun in Tlalocan.

(Art found here!)