by L.S. Watts

Created on: November 08, 2010   Last Updated: November 09, 2010

The Alux, or Aluxo’ob in plural form, is known to inhabit the jungle forests of the Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala. For centuries, the Mayan people have been wary of a small creature called the Alux. In 1985 and 2007, there was a spike in Aluxo’ob sightings. According to ABS/CBN News, indigenous locals are blaming the accident at the 2010 Elton John concert on the Alux. They say that by performing at the Mayan ruins, it has offended the Aluxo’ob.  One couple also reports that their son, Jesus Kuilton, disappeared in the forest one day. Although searches were made to find the boy, many locals and the parents all believe that Jesus was taken by an Alux.

The Alux is a small creature standing only 30 – 50 inches. Its body is covered in dark fur. It is bipedal with human like features. Its face is monstrous with razor sharp pointed teeth, leading people to believe it is carnivorous. Locals believe that the Aluxo’ob is generally invisible and will materialize when they choose to interact with humans or gather as a group. They can also materialize as other animals of the jungle but prefer to take on this human-like form dressed as the Ancient Mayans once dressed.

Although the Aluxo’ob are considered to be happy and energetic in general, they can be very aggressive and will let out a high-pitched shriek when cornered. Like mischievous children, they love to play harmless tricks on people unless the person has offended them, then they become quite vengeful. Unfortunately, it is said that the Aluxo’ob are easily offended and get angry easily.

They are known to live in caves, Mayan ruins, or Alux houses built to appease them. In fact, these Alux houses, known as kahtal alux, can be found in towns across the Yucatan. They are built atop small pyramid like stairs where locals will leave offering to the Aluxo’ob so that they won’t cause havoc to the people of the town.

Offerings of honey and other sweet treats are a personal favorite of the Aluxo’ob. People have also set out a plate of scraps for the Aluxo’ob to appease them. They typically set the offering in the Alux house or at the edge of the forests. It is also a common belief that if an Alux visit a person, the person must make an immediate offering to appease the Alux. If the offering is acceptable, the Alux will protect the person and bring them good luck. If the offering is not deemed acceptable, the Alux will seek revenge by causing havoc on the person and bring overall illness.

Mayan farmers would build an Alux house on their farm land in the middle of their corn crops. The purpose was to invite an Alux to help their crops. It is thought that the Alux will help their crops grow by summoning rain when needed and scaring off predators and other crop thieves with a high-pitch whistle or shriek. Unfortunately, this protection only extends to the farmer for seven years. At that time the farmer will trap the Alux inside the Alux house by sealing the doors and windows. If the farmer doesn’t then the Alux can cause the crop to fail and start plaguing other people in nearby towns with harmful tricks.

The Aluxo’ob has been compared aside Irish leprechauns, British faeries, and Spainish goblins. Although, many local Mayan’s will disagree, it is thought that the belief in the Aluxo’ob came about in the 16th century when Spanish and British pirates frequently visited the Yucatan. Mayan descendents believe the Aluxo’ob are the spirits of their ancestors and spirits connected to the land. Regardless of the time frame, an Alux seems to be a force to be reckoned with and anyone interested in searching for the Alux should approach with caution.

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