Vucub Caquix

Vucub-Caquix (K'iche': Wuqub' Kaqix, [ʋuˈquɓ kaˈqiʃ], likely meaning 'Seven-Macaw') appears in ancient Maya mythology as a powerful bird demon ultimately defeated by the Hero Twins. This tale survives in the 18th-century K'iche' manuscript known as the Popol Vuh.

Archaeological evidence reveals that this mythological figure predates the written account by many centuries. Representations of Vucub-Caquix's defeat appear on Stela 2 and Stela 25 at Izapa, Mexico, dating to the Late Preclassic Period (before 200 CE). These early carvings establish the foundation for the narrative that would later be documented in the Popol Vuh.

In the mythology, Vucub-Caquix is portrayed as an arrogant bird demon who falsely proclaimed himself a sun deity. With brilliantly shining eyes, he would perch daily atop a massive tree to feast on its fruits. The myth identifies him as the father of two other destructive supernatural beings: Zipacna, an underworld demon, and Cabrakan, the god responsible for earthquakes.