Mexico's president claims he has proof of mythical Mayan forest spirit pictured

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appeared serious in his analysis of a photo taken by an engineer he believes to be an "alux" - a forest spirit mischievous in Mayan folklore

The Mexican president shared a photo of what he believed to be a Mayan mythological alux (

Image: @lopezobrador_)

The President of Mexico has shared a photo that he says is proof of the existence of a mythological elf-like forest spirit.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sounded serious in his analysis of a photo taken by an engineer he believes to be an “alux” – a mischievous forest spirit in Mayan folklore.

The 69-year-old, who has held the position since 2018, wrote on Twitter: "I'm sharing two photos of our supervision of the Mayan train works: one, taken by an engineer three days ago, apparently from an alux; another, by Diego Prieto, from a splendid pre-Hispanic sculpture at Ek Balam. Everything is mystical."

According to traditional Mayan belief, "alux" are mischievous little creatures that inhabit forests and fields and are prone to playing tricks on people, such as hiding things. Some people leave small offerings to appease them.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed his respect for indigenous cultures and beliefs (

Picture:

AFP via Getty Images)

The photo, which was taken at night, shows a tree with a branch forming what looks like a halo of hair and what could be stars forming the character's eyes.

Lopez Obrador has expressed his respect for indigenous cultures and beliefs during his tenure.

Engineers and workers are on the Yucatan Peninsula, building a tourist train that is the president's pet project.

Mayan traditions are taken very seriously in Mexico, especially one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Chichen Itza.

Last month, a Polish tourist was hit in the head with a large wooden stick after causing sparks