Xolotl

The Monstrous Twin

Xolotl was the dog-headed god of lightning, monsters, twins, and deformities. He was the twin brother of Quetzalcoatl, embodying the dark, monstrous aspect that complemented the Feathered Serpent's beauty and wisdom. Where Quetzalcoatl was the morning star, Xolotl was the evening star - both aspects of Venus.

Guide of the Dead

Xolotl's most important role was guiding the souls of the dead on their journey to Mictlan, the underworld. Like a loyal dog, he led them through the nine levels of the underworld. This is why dogs were often buried with the dead in Mesoamerica - to serve as guides in the afterlife.

The Sacrifice of the Gods

When Tonatiuh, the Fifth Sun, refused to move across the sky, the gods decided to sacrifice themselves. Xolotl was tasked with killing the other gods to set the sun in motion. When it came his turn to die, Xolotl fled in terror, transforming first into a maize plant, then a maguey, and finally an axolotl (the salamander that bears his name). He was eventually caught and sacrificed.

Lord of Deformities

Xolotl was patron of those born with deformities, twins, and the physically unusual. In Aztec thought, such births were omens and the children were sacred to Xolotl. He himself was depicted with backwards feet, empty eye sockets, and other deformities.

The Xoloitzcuintli

The hairless Mexican dog, the Xoloitzcuintli, was sacred to Xolotl. These dogs were bred for sacrifice and as companions for the dead. They were believed to be Xolotl's representatives on earth.