---
title: Balames
description: Spirits from Maya traditions.
author:
  name: Graciela Paula Caldeiro
  url: http://graciela-caldeiro.idoneos.com
canonical: https://mitosyleyendas.idoneos.com/en/bestiario_mitologico/balames/
source: en/bestiario_mitologico/balames/index.md
---

<h2 id="balames">Balames</h2>

The balames are Maya spirits whose principal mission is to serve as guardians of the four cardinal points as well as their center. They are said to be elders with horrible faces and white beards. Their attire consists of tunics, hats, and sandals.

The balames protect human beings and their crops from the dangers of the night, but if they do not receive offerings, they can also kill them. They are known to move at great speeds. They feed on the souls of children.

They are smokers, and from the sky they toss down their cigarette butts; human beings believe these to be shooting stars.