Yum Caax

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In Maya mythology, Yum Kaax ("lord of the woods" in Yucatek) is a god of wild plants and animals important to the hunters. He is equally a protector of the fields against the incursions of wild nature and invoked by traditional farmers. Therefore, Landa (16th century) mentions him as a god of agriculture. Calling him a 'maize deity', however, would be misleading.

Perhaps having origins in ancient northern hunting traditions, this type of deity is also found among indigenous peoples of North America. Invoked by hunters, he is owner of all the game. He can appear to hunters in an instant, and possesses songs that will warrant a hunter success, and allow his arrows to come back to him.