K'inich Ajaw: K'inich Ajaw, God of the Sun in Mayan Religion, Mythology

Name and Etymology:
K'inich Ajaw, "Sun-Faced Lord," "Sun-Eyed Lord"
Kin Ajaw
Kinich Ahau
Ahau Kin
Ah Kinchil

Religion and Culture of K'inich Ajaw:
Maya, Mesoamerica

Symbols, Iconography, and Art of K'inich Ajaw:
K'inich Ajaw is portrayed in the various phases of the sun as it travels across the sky and then down through the underworld at night. Sometimes, for example, K'inich Ajaw is portrayed as the "Jaguar Sun," the aspect of the sun in the underworld. Other times, K'inich Ajaw looks a lot like Itzamna or a bearded man.

K'inich Ajaw is God of:
Sun
War
Blood-letting rituals
Human sacrifice
Divine kingship
Poetry
Music

Equivalents in Other Cultures:
Tonatiuh, in Aztec mythology

Story and Origin of K'inich Ajaw:
unknown — please email me if you have any information to add about this.

Family Tree and Relationships of K'inich Ajaw:
Son of Itzamna or the aspect of Itzamna that existed during the day.

Temples, Worship and Rituals of K'inich Ajaw:
Mayan warriors participated in blood-letting dance rituals to honor K'inich Ajaw. Mayan rulers believed that they were the descendants of K'inich Ajaw and would assume his identity during festivals honoring him. Ulike impersonators of gods in other cases, though, they would not be ritually sacrificed. K'inich Ajaw was protector of the city of Izamal.

Mythology and Legends of K'inich Ajaw:
unknown — please email me if you have any information to add about this.