Youaltepuztli, The Night Hatchet - part of my musical bestiary of mythical creatures
Youaltepuztli is a spirit from ancient Mexican folklore. It manifests in the form of a fearsome headless giant with a tree stump in place of its head and a hole in its chest, framed by hinged wooden doors. When it moves, the doors hit one upon the other and produce a dull thud, somewhat similar to the sound of an axe cutting into wood.
Those traveling through the forest at night may want to get away, spooked by the sound, but in fact it is advised to do the opposite and follow the noise and search out Youaltepuztli.
It is said that those brave enough to face the giant, reach into its chest and grab its exposed heart can bargain for riches and glory. But those who flee or hastily rip the heart out without bargaining will pay costly with illness and misfortune.
I found the story fascinating and here's my attempt to put it in a song. It's part of a larger project - a musical bestiary of mythical creatures that I'm creating with my band. Hope someone here finds this interesting as well!