Research source

Mictlanteuctli, Lord of Mictlan, from a word meaning to die, was the Mexican Pluto

Date of account: Revised nineteenth-century edition
Source: The Myths of the New World A Treatise on the Symbolism and Mythology of the Red Race of America
Reference: The Myths of the New World A Treatise on the Symbolism and Mythology of the Red Race of America · selected passage 41
Rights: public_domain
Language: English comparative scholarship drawing on Indigenous American sources
Translation: Daniel G. Brinton
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

Mictlanteuctli, Lord of Mictlan, from a word meaning to die, was the Mexican Pluto. Like Cupay, he dwelt in the subterranean regions, and his palace was named Tlalxicco, the navel of the earth. Yet he was also located in the far north, and that point of the compass and the north wind were named after him. Those who descended to him were oppressed by the darkness of his abode, but were subjected to no other trials; nor were they sent thither as a punishment, but merely from having died of diseases unfitting them for Tlalocan. Mictlanteuctli was said to be the most powerful of the gods. For who is stronger than Death? And who dare defy the Grave?

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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