Thank you. I had no idea “Camazotz” was a figure from Mayan mythology. I simply thought it was some kind of play on words, as I noted. Loss of head, here (assuming L’Engle was directing us to that story) is as you say — the Camazotans were all “decapitated” by IT, losing their individuality. (In the ABC/Disney miniseries Meg manages to defeat IT and give the Camazotans back their personal autonomy, but they have no idea what to do with it. Interesting notion, but in my opinion the writer(s) was (were) making his/her/their mark on a classic, much as a dog will leave its mark on a fire hydrant.)

Appreciate the comment.

– Daniel

One of the things that I admire now about the books is that while the Christian symbolism is there, and strong, it’s balanced by other kinds. There’s Ixchel, of course, Mayan goddess of medicine and of war (shades of gray, perhaps?) — but also Camazotz, Mayan bat-god of darkness and death. There’s a story about him that deals with him decapitating various victims until killed by a culture hero. Loss of head = loss of identity?

I love when someone who understands myth deeply uses it so well.
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I wonder, is this so much a “tale” or a “challenge” for each of us…….?