Guayota facts for kids
Guayota was an important god in the ancient beliefs of the Guanches, the first people of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. He was seen as a powerful, evil god and was the enemy of Achamán, who was the main good god.
Guayota in Mythology
According to Guanche stories, Guayota lived deep inside the Teide volcano. People believed the volcano was a way to the underworld. Guayota was often described as a black dog, and he had other evil spirits with him, also shaped like black dogs, called tibicenas.
One famous legend tells how Guayota once captured Magec, the sun, and hid it inside Teide. This made the whole world dark. People prayed to Achamán for help. Achamán rescued Magec and, in return, trapped Guayota inside the volcano. Guayota was known as the king of evil spirits and was worshipped on Tenerife by the Guanches.
Similar Volcano Gods
Guayota shares some interesting similarities with other gods from different cultures who live in volcanoes. For example, in Hawaiian mythology, there is a goddess named Pele. She lives in the Kīlauea volcano and was believed by the native Hawaiians to be responsible for volcanic eruptions. Both Guayota and Pele are powerful figures linked to the fiery, unpredictable nature of volcanoes.
See also
- The lizard group called Gallotia and the specific lizard Gallotia galloti are named after a scientist named D. Gallot. They are not named after Guayota.
