A Who's Who of World Mythology : The God B


The Maya god Kukulcan (Cuculcan) is also referred to as the God B by researchers. Originally a Toltec god, he is the equivalent of Quetzalcoatl and the most important deity of the Maya pantheon. Like Quetzalcoatl, his name means feathered serpent. It is very likely that they are the same god. His birth date, 9 Ik, seems to correspond with 9 Wind, the date of Quezalcoatl’s birth, and the second day of the Maya twenty-day month. Both are considered manifestations of Itzamna, the supreme god represented as a two-headed celestial serpent. Kukulcan is also known as Cezacouati or Gucumatz.

Kukulcan is a fertility god, known for planting maize as well as providing the water that makes it grow. He was also a god of winds and hurricanes however. His chief concern seems to be reincarnation, but he is also a patron of artisans and invention. A system of laws and numerous inventions, including the calendar, are attributed to this god. Kukulcan is depicted with a torch or a lizard representing fire, corn for earth, and a fish for water. He is associated with Venus as the Morning Star. His main cult center was the city of Quirigua.