Mictlantecuhtli is the god of the dead in Aztec mythology. His name translates as "Lord of the Dead". He rules over the realm of the dead, which is called Mictlan, and is one of the most revered gods in the Aztec religion. Mictlantecuhtli is usually depicted as a skeleton, sometimes dressed in colored clothes and jewelry. In his hands may be symbols of death, such as crutches and sickles. In Aztec mythology, Mictlantecuhtli played an important role in the rituals and rites associated with death and ancestor worship.

Among several Aztec deities of death and the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli was the most revered. People who died an ordinary death, that is, not in war, not during sacrifice, and not from childbirth, fell into his kingdom. His worship included ritual cannibalism. Mictlantecuhtli was considered the lord of the North and the patron of people born on the 6th day of the week, dedicated to Itzcuintli (dog); the dog was the guide of the souls of the dead in Mictlan.

He is one of the chief gods of the Aztecs and the most prominent of several gods and goddesses of death and the underworld. The worship of Mictlantecuhtli sometimes included the ritual of cannibalism, where human flesh was consumed in and around the temple.

His hands were often shown raised in an aggressive gesture, showing that he was ready to tear apart the dead when they appeared in his presence.

Today, Mictlantecuhtli remains an important figure in Mexican culture and folk traditions. His images can be found in various artificial forms such as masks, ceramic figurines and paintings. The Day of the Dead also continues to be celebrated in Mexico and some other Latin American countries, where people hold festive ceremonies and honor their ancestors and deceased loved ones.

Mictlan is the underworld in Aztec mythology. Mictlan is located far to the north and is divided into nine circles.

The journey to Mictlan lasted four days. The deceased passed between two mountains that hung over him, threatening to crush him. It was necessary to pass in such a way as to avoid both falling stones and the attack of a giant crocodile and a snake. Then the deceased crossed eight deserts and climbed eight mountain peaks. The next test is an icy wind of unprecedented strength, which threw sharp obsidian blades and huge boulders at the person going to the realm of the dead. After that, the deceased sat on the back of a small dog (techichi), which illuminated his path with its ruby eyes, and crossed a wide underground river. After that, the deceased went to Mictlantecuhtli - the ruler of the kingdom of the dead - and brought him gifts that were placed in the grave by the relatives of the deceased. Mictlantecuhtli gave man a place in one of the nine hells. Everyone got into Miktlan, except for warriors, drowned men and women who died during childbirth.