Mictlan

Mictlan is the Aztec Empire's underworld. It is believed that most people who die travel through Mictlan's 9 Levels. This journey takes about 4 years with the aid of Xolotl. It is ruled by King Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld and his wife Mictecacihuatl, Lady of the Underworld.

In one of many accounts it is said that in Quetzalcoatl's quest for human creation he was fooled by Mictlantecuhtli. The Lord of the Underworld knew of his quest and set a pit trap. When the Feathered serpent asked for the bones of the previous human creations he put him on a side quest. He sent Quetzalcoatl around Mictlan four times blowing into a conch shell without any holes. To make noise he inserted bees into the shell, thinking he fooled the king, in return Mictlantecuhtli showed him the bones that he was in search of. However, he was not aware of the trap that the king had set, causing Quetzalcoatl to break some bones. This was a way to explain why humans can be so different from one another.

With that being said, here are the challenges of the 9 levels of Mictlan.

River Crossing - Cross the deadly river with help from a spirit dog (Itzcuintli)

Clashing Mountains - Navigate between mountains that continuously crash together

Blade Winds - Survive winds carrying obsidian knives that scrape flesh

Wild Beasts - Evade jaguars and monsters that devour hearts and chests

Arrow Fields - Dodge volleys of flying arrows and sharp flints

River of Blood - Cross a second river filled with blood and more jaguars

Fire Purification - Pass through purifying flames that cleanse sins

Serpent Trials - Face serpents that test wisdom and adaptability

Shadow Confrontation - Confront your darkest fears and regrets

Final Stage

Nine Lagoons - Cross the final nine lagoons to reach eternal rest with Mictlantecuhtli