Cizin
Cizin, also known as Kisin, occupies a shadowy and enigmatic position in the Maya pantheon. Unlike some death gods in other cultures, Cizin doesn’t necessarily represent pure evil or finality. He embodies the realm of the dead, Xibalba, and the transition between life and the afterlife in Maya mythology.
SZT Classification: God A
Xibalba, depicted as a place of darkness, fire, and jaguars, is Cizin’s domain. He is often depicted as a skeletal figure with a toothy grin, reflecting his association with death and the underworld. However, Cizin’s role extends beyond simply presiding over the dead. He is also seen as a guardian of the underworld, ensuring the natural order and the cycle of life and death. While death is inevitable, it doesn’t represent an absolute end. Xibalba serves as a place of transformation, and Cizin oversees the passage of souls as they journey to the next stage of their existence.
Cizin’s image is often stark and unsettling. Skeletal features, jaguar fangs, and crossed eyes are common motifs, emphasizing his connection to death and the underworld. He may be depicted seated on a throne of bones, a stark reminder of his domain. In some cases, he is shown holding a severed head or a sacrificial offering, further reinforcing his association with the realm of the dead.
Despite his fearsome role, Cizin possesses a surprisingly grotesque nickname – the “Flatulent One.” The origin and exact meaning of this moniker remain unclear. Some scholars speculate it might be related to the decomposition process, a natural consequence of death that Cizin oversees. Others suggest it could be a metaphor for the unsettling and unpredictable nature of the underworld.
Sometimes, Cizin was accompanied by an owl. In Maya belief, owls are messengers of the underworld, further emphasizing his connection to the realm of the dead.
The Maya underworld, Xibalba, features prominently in the Popol Vuh, a sacred Maya book. The hero twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, descend into Xibalba to confront the Lords of the Underworld, offering a glimpse into the trials and challenges faced by the deceased in the afterlife. While Cizin is not explicitly mentioned in this narrative, his role as the overseer of Xibalba is implied.
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