5. Chaac: The Mayan Rain God
Chaac is the god of rain, lightning, and thunder in Mayan mythologies. Chaac is frequently considered as a good god unlike many other lightning gods who are shown as enraged or erratic. Usually showing reptile characteristics, he carries an axe that stands for lightning. From their caves and cenotes—natural sinkholes—the Mayans thought Chaac controlled the rain and storms. Legend has Chaac striking his axe against clouds creating thunder and lightning, then life-giving rain. The Mayans, whose way of life revolved mostly on farming, revered Chaac highly and carried out complex ceremonies to please him. As frogs were considered as Chaac’s friends and rain harbingers, these rites sometimes included the pouring of water and mimicry of frog cries.
6. Tlaloc: The Aztec God of Rain and Lightning
The pantheon of ancient Mexico owed much to Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, lightning, and fertility. Often shown with goggle-like eyes and fangs like those of a jaguar, Tlaloc was both loved and dreaded. The Aztecs thought Tlaloc lived on the mountaintops, where clouds assembled before storms. For people who died by water-related deaths—including lightning strike victims—his territory, Tlalocan, was regarded as heaven. Tlaloc was supposed to equip a serpent-like lightning bolt as his weapon and pour rain using golden pitchers. Believing the tears of sacrificed children would bring rain, the Aztecs made frequent sacrifices to please Tlaloc. Although modern sensibilities might find this technique unpleasant, it emphasises the vital relevance of rain and the power ascribed to lightning in Aztec civilisation.