Tzitzimitl
In Aztec mythology, a Tzitzimitl [t͡siˈt͡simit͡ɬ] (plural Tzitzimimeh [t͡sit͡siˈmimeʔ]) is a monstrous deity
associated with stars. They were depicted as skeletal female figures wearing skirts often with skull and
crossbone designs. In Postconquest descriptions they are often described as "demons" or "devils" - but this
does not necessarily reflect their function in the prehispanic belief system of the Aztecs.[1]
The Tzitzimimeh were female
deities, and as such related to
fertility, they were associated with
the Cihuateteo and other female
deities such as Tlaltecuhtli,
Coatlicue, Citlalicue and
Cihuacoatl and they were
worshipped by midwives and
parturient women. The leader of
the tzitzimimeh was the goddess
Itzpapalotl who was the ruler of
Tamoanchan - the paradise where
Depiction of Itzpapalotl, Queen of
the Tzitzimimeh resided. the Tzitzimimeh, from the Codex
Borgia.
The Tzitzimimeh were also
associated with the stars and
Depiction of a Tzitzimitl from the especially the stars that can be seen
Codex Magliabechiano.
around the Sun during a solar eclipse. This was interpreted as the
Tzitzimimeh attacking the Sun, thus causing the belief that during a
solar eclipse, the tzitzimime would descend to the earth and possess
men. It was said that if at the end of a 52-year calendar round, that if they could not start a bow fire in the
empty chest cavity of a sacrificed human, that the fifth sun would end, and tzitzimimes would descend to
devour the last of men.[2] The Tzitzimimeh were also feared during other ominous periods of the Aztec
world, such as during the five unlucky days called Nemontemi which marked an unstable period of the year
count, and during the New Fire ceremony marking the beginning of a new calendar round - both were
periods associated with the fear of change.
The Tzitzimimeh had a double role in Aztec religion: they were protectresses of the feminine and
progenitresses of mankind. They were also powerful and dangerous, especially in periods of cosmic
instability.[3]
In popular culture
Tzitzimitl was one of 8 monsters from around the globe to appear as antagonists in the Be Cool, Scooby-
Doo! episode titled "Mysteries On The Disorient Express."[4]
Tzitzimitl are depicted as a high-level demon in the roguelike game Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup [5]
Tzitzimitl is also how the Warlady Skyy Appletini is referred to in the popular webcomic Erfworld.
In the tabletop RPG Pathfinder, the Tzitzimitl are powerful undead creatures associated with outer space.[6]
Tzitzimitl (anglicized as Tzitzimime) is featured on the Cartoon Network series Victor and Valentino in the
episode "A New Don". Here she is depicted as a tall black figure with five heads and a constellation style
texture. She also had the ability to enter a person's body and control them with sunlight being her weakness.
References
1. See Klein 2000 for an analysis of the nature of the Tzitzimimeh in relation to the Aztec belief
system.
2. Sahagún 1997, p. 153:
cenca nemauhtiloya mitoaya intla There was great fear. It was said that if [the
quitlamiz in quiqua tonatiuh moon] finished eating the sun, so it was said,
quilmach çentlaiovaz valtemozque all would be in darkness; the Tzitzimimeh
in ţiţimime techquazque would descend here; they would devour us.
3. This is the conclusion reached by Cecelia Klein (2000) based on an investigation of the
iconographical depictions of Tzitzimimeh by the Aztecs.
4. "Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!: 'Mysteries on the Disorient Express'" ([Link]
7402/) on IMDb
5. "Tzitzimitl - CrawlWiki" ([Link] [Link].
6. "Tzitzimitl" ([Link] [Link]. Retrieved
2018-12-28.
Bibliography
Sahagún, Bernardino de; Sullivan, Thelma D.; Nicholson, H. B. (1997). Primeros Memoriales.
Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Klein, Cecelia F (2000). "The Devil and the Skirt: an iconographic inquiry into the prehispanic
nature of the Tzitzimime". Estudios de Cultura Náhuatl. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de
Mèxico. 31: 17–62.
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