Itzamná – No. 548

Itzamná is one of the most important gods in Yucatec Maya mythology. His name in the Mayan language means caiman, lizard or large fish. Thought to reside in the sky, he was considered the god of creation, the inventor of writing and was also worshiped as the god of medicine. In his human form, Itzamná is portrayed as an old, wise priest often wearing an elaborate headdress. In modern culture, Itzamna has shown up in the Earth-616 universe of Marvel comics.

Happy 12/12/12, numerologists! Today is the last repeating date for 89 years. Some people think December 21, 2012 (or December 12, 2012) is going to be a big day. Nine days from today, on 12/21/12, the ancient Maya calendar will end its current cycle and a new cycle will begin. That’s right, folks, the count is starting over again. Misinterpretation of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar is the basis for the popular belief that a cataclysm will take place on December 21, 2012. While the Maya calendar is simply advancing to the next b’ak’tun, don’t let this fact stop you from fawning over dreams of your long-awaited apocalypse of choice. Maybe you should learn to swim?