Camazotz (pronounced "kam-ah-ZOTS") is a bat-like creature from Maya mythology, often associated with death and the underworld. The name Camazotz is derived from the K'iche' Maya language and translates to "death bat." In Hebrew, it can be translated as עטלף המוות (Atalaf HaMavet). The creature is prominently featured in the Popol Vuh, a sacred text of the K'iche' Maya, where it is depicted as a giant, vampire-like bat that dwells in the underworld and preys on humans. Camazotz is often linked to the god of death, Ah Puch, and is sometimes depicted with a human body and a bat's head. The creature is also associated with the bat god Zotz in other Maya traditions. In Spanish, the creature is known as Murciélago de la Muerte, and in French, it is referred to as Chauve-souris de la Mort. Camazotz plays a significant role in Maya cosmology and is often invoked in rituals and ceremonies related to death and the afterlife.
Mayan god
In the Late Post-Classic Maya mythology of the Popol Vuh, Camazotz is a bat spirit at the service of the lords of the underworld. Camazotz means "death bat" in the Kʼicheʼ language. In Mesoamerica generally, the bat is often associated with night, death, and sacrifice.