Ahuizotl (mythology)

An ahuizotl glyph, from Tepoztlan.

The ahuizotl (from the Classical Nahuatl: āhuitzotl for "spiny aquatic thing") is a legendary creature in Aztec myth.[1]

Description

The creature is described as dog-like, its waterproof fur often clumping up to create spikes (hence its name). The ahuizotl has hands capable of manipulation and an additional hand on its tail. The ahuizotl is feared due to its liking for human flesh, especially nails, eyes, and teeth. It is said to live in or near the water and to use the hand on the end of its tail to snatch its prey, dragging the person into the depths to drown them. Victims of the ahuizotl, Aztec beliefs state, are destined for the paradise of the god Tlaloc.[2]

The ahuizotl included within Book 11 of the Florentine Codex, which describes it as:

See also

References

  1. Bowles (2012)
  2. Bowles (2012)
Bowles, David (2012). Mexican Bestiary. Donna TX: VAO Publishing. ISBN 978-0615571195.
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