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Camazotz - Death Bat
A giant bat god of death and darkness. The Maya feared Camazotz, who dwelt in the underworld's Bat House. He decapitated one of the Hero Twins. Some say giant bats still exist.
Ancient
Mesoamerica
100+ witnesses
Camazotz is a bat god from Mayan mythology associated with death, night, and sacrifice.
The Legend
According to documented mythology:
Camazotz:
- Is a giant, bat-like deity
- Associated with death and darkness
- Dwells in Xibalba (underworld)
- Decapitated the Hero Twin Hunahpu
- “Camazotz” means “death bat”
The Popol Vuh
In the Maya sacred text:
- The Hero Twins entered the Bat House
- Camazotz lurked within
- He decapitated Hunahpu
- The twins eventually triumphed
- But Camazotz remained a threat
Description
Camazotz appears as:
- A giant bat
- With sharp snout
- Long claws
- Associated with jaguars
- Sometimes combined with human features
Modern Theories
Some cryptozoologists suggest:
- Giant vampire bats (now extinct)
- Desmodus draculae was real
- It survived into human memory
- The legend preserves this
Cultural Impact
Camazotz has influenced:
- Batman (creator visited Guatemala)
- Horror fiction
- Video games
- Modern representations of bat monsters