Tradition: Aztec mythology, Mexican Mythology
Alternative Names: Xochitónal
Category: Crocodile
The Myth
Xochitónal is a gigantic reptilian creature that guards one of the passages through which the souls of the dead must travel on their journey to Mictlan, the realm of the dead. It is described in different traditions as a gigantic iguana or lizard, while representations commonly give it the form of a caiman or alligator.
The creature is said to dwell in the black waters of Apanuiayo, an immense body of dark water that forms one of the obstacles confronting the dead. Xochitónal guards the passage across these waters and prevents the souls of the dead from reaching the other side. Souls must therefore evade or overcome the creature in order to continue their journey.
The journey begins with the dead person being given a sheaf of javelins so that the soul will not have to face the dangers of the Other-world completely defenseless. The spirit first passes between two enormous mountains that may fall together and crush it if it cannot escape them. A terrible serpent then blocks its path, and after overcoming this monster, the soul encounters the fierce Xochitónal.
After passing the waters guarded by Xochitónal, the journey is still far from complete. The hapless spirit must cross eight deserts and a corresponding number of mountains, while also enduring a whirlwind sharp as a sword that can cut through solid rocks.
Accompanied by the shade of its favorite dog, the exhausted soul continues through the Other-world and encounters further terrifying beings, including Izpuzteque, a demon with the backward-bent legs of a cock, and Nextepehua, the fiend who scatters clouds of ashes.
Eventually, after overcoming these many dangers, the soul reaches the gates of the Lord of the Dead, Mictlantecuhtli. There it pays reverence before him, and after completing the trials of the underworld, it is finally able to reach the realm of the dead and join those who have gone before.
Sources
“Xochitónal.” Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre (Spanish Wikipedia). Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed September 5, 2026. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xochit%C3%B3nal
Spence, Lewis. The Myths of Mexico and Peru. London: George G. Harrap & Co., 1913.