Cizin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cizin |
|
|---|---|
| God of death | |
 |
|
| Other names | Kisin, Ah Puch, Xibalba, Yum Cimil, Hunhau, Ah Puchah, Au Puch, Cum Hau, Eopuco, Hu Ahau, Tzontemoc, Ahpuch, and Ahal Puch. |
Cizin is an important Maya god of death and earthquakes. He was a very powerful figure in ancient Maya culture. Scholars sometimes call him God A.
The Maya people in Yucatán knew him by names like Hun-Came and Vucub-Came. He also shares some features with Mictlāntēcutli, a god from Aztec culture.
Contents
Cizin: The Maya God of Death
Cizin is known by many names. Some of these include Kisin, Ah Puch, Xibalba, and Yum Cimil. People today sometimes call him Yum Cim or Yum Cimil.
What's in a Name?
The name Cizin probably means "stench" or "Stinking One." This comes from the word "ciz," which means "flatulence."
- Yum Cimil means "lord of death."
- Hun Ahau means "one ruler."
- Ah Puch means "to melt."
Cizin's Role in Maya Stories
In some Maya stories, Cizin is seen as a brother to gods like Nohochacyum and the Bacabs.
According to some Lacandon myths, Cizin plays a role in what happens to a person's soul after death. He is said to burn the soul. If the soul complains, he cools it with water. This process continues until the soul is fully changed.
Cizin in Movies and Games
Cizin, or Xibalba, has appeared in popular culture:
- In the movie Road to El Dorado (2000), Xibalba is mentioned. The main characters are asked to make a sacrifice to him.
- Cizin appears as a playable god in the 2014 video game Smite. He is part of the Mayan gods and is called Ah Puch in the game.
- The 2013 game 9 Clues: The Secret of Serpent Creek includes Cizin in its mystery story.
- Ah Puch is the main bad guy in the 2018 book The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes.
