The lord of death and the underworld, Yamraj is the personification of death to us. The fearful deity visits you escort you out of the world to the path to the afterlife where your fate for the rest of the eternity would be decided. Let’s find out how the God of death, Yama, is depicted in different cultures of the world. Ixtab Not many cultures have a deity for those who take their own lives. The Mayan Goddess, Ixtab, also known as the Rope Lady, is believed to be the protector of souls who have committed suicide. She would take the deceased underneath a tree, called Yaxche, where they’d be free from all wants and pains.

Anubis

The dark skinned human figure with a wolf’s head who guides soul to the afterlife is known by the name, Anubis in Egyptian mythology. Anubis is also said to be the protector of the tombs. Several ancient tombs have prayers to Anubis carved on them.

Dullahan

The Irish legend of Dullahan is not a benevolent spirit of death. A headless rider, Dullahan carries his own head in one hand and a human spine on another which he uses as his whip. The head has a sinister smile that cries out the names of those who are about to die.