In Maya mythology, Yum Kaax (sometimes spelled "Yum Caax") is literally translated as "lord of the forests" in Yucatek and is the Maya agricultural deity. Yum Kaax is the so-called "God E" of Mayan mythology and is viewed as the god of wild plants and animals that are important to hunters. He is equally a protector of the fields against the incursions of wild nature and his name is 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.
Yum Kaax always is represented as youthful god with retreating forehead, wearing a headdress, and personifies perfect male beauty. He was under the protection of the rain god Chaac, and may have assumed the general role of a fertility god.