XOLOTL

Also known as XÓLOTL

Aztec God of Lightning and dead-good Underworld guide

The dark and not-nearly-so-handsome brother of QUETZALCOATL, he has a rather important task — he guides the dead to MICTLAN, the Aztec Underworld.

XOLOTL to the rescue. He can be seen in the evening sky as Venus, so just follow the Evening Star. And if you get stuck, watch out for his helpful lightning strikes. Two zaps to the left, a bolt to the right and straight on till you hit Hell.

From up there he also lends a hand to help the Sun on its arduous journey through the Underworld every night.

Despite all these good deeds, XOLOTL is dogged by deformity — he has a hound's head. A particularly ugly one too. Also, the feet on his skeletal body run backwards so he finds it difficult to know if he is coming or going.

Normally QUETZALCOATL gets all the fame and glory, but we think his lesser-known sibling XOLOTL deserves a break. Next time you see the Evening Star, give him a cheery wave. After all, you'll be needing him when you're dead.