Kinich Ahau
Kinich Ahau, meaning “Great Sun Face” in the Maya language, reigns supreme as the sun god in Maya mythology. He embodies the life-giving power of the sun, its scorching heat, and its vital role in sustaining the world.
SZT Classification: God G
Kinich Ahau is revered as the heart and soul of the universe. He is the source of warmth, light, and growth, essential for all life on earth. Maya people believed the sun embarked on a daily journey across the sky, providing sustenance to crops and ensuring the continued cycle of life and death. His association with the sun also connected him to rulership, as kings were often seen as earthly representatives of this celestial deity.
Despite his life-giving aspects, Kinich Ahau possesses a warrior-like persona. He is sometimes depicted wielding a shield and spear, representing his role as a protector against darkness and evil forces. The scorching heat of the midday sun was also seen as a powerful weapon, driving away malevolent spirits and ensuring the well-being of the people.
Kinich Ahau is most often depicted as a man with a large, prominent nose, often adorned with a solar disk or rays emanating from his head. He may be shown with a jaguar pelt, a symbol of rulership and power, or holding a serpent, representing rebirth and transformation. Kinich Ahau’s association with the sun is further emphasized by depictions of him emerging from a jaguar maw, symbolizing the sun’s daily birth from the underworld.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 