Mythology & Folklore Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [mesoamerica]

For myths originatin in mesoamerica.

Regarding myths originating in Mesoamerica.

Mesoamerica comprises the modern countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico.

Incorporates the Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, Toltec and Aztec peoples.

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What did the Mayans believe would happen when the Long Count rolled over to a new baktun, like it did on Dec 21, 2012?

Remember all that end-of-the-world (pseudo-)hysteria that was going on back in 2012? That corresponded to the Mayan Long Count rolling over from 12.19.19.17.19 to 13.0.0.0.0; i.e. baktun 12 ended and baktun 13 began. Did the Mayans believe that…
senshin
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What is the significance of the sport ball in the Popol Vuh?

In the Mayan creation myth Popol Vuh, the sport "ball" seems to play a special role in the story. For example, playing ball seems to have indicated a lack of respect in this section of the story: As for One Hunahpu and Seven Hunahpu, they would…
user62
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Did the sun stand still at around the same time in Toltec and Biblical traditions?

As I learned from my previous question, the Toltecs had a myth where the Sun did not move for a day. In the year 8 Tochtli, which was 1,347 years after the second calamity and 4,779 years since the creation of the world, it is recorded in their…
El'endia Starman
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Why do Mormons believe Quetzalcoatl (and other American deities) are actually Christ?

I've been doing some research into Quetzalcoatl, and one of the surprising things about him is that Mormons think he is Christ (Mormons believe Christ visited America, and that the story of Quetzalcoatl is actually a corrupted version of the story…
user62
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Why don't Hunahpú and Ixbalamqué tell the Lords of Xibalblo their names?

In the Popol Vuh, the twins Hunahpú and Ixbalamqué refuse to tell the Lords of Xibalba who they are: “Where did you really come from? Would you tell us, boys?” they were asked by the Xibalbans. “We must have come from somewhere, but we don’t…
user62
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The corn plants in the Popol Vuh: reflections of a wider belief?

In the Popol Vuh (you can read it online: there is a literal translation and a less literal translation), the two hero twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque plant corn plants. These corn plants have an unusual property: they will die if Hunahpu and Xbalanque…
user62
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What are some sentient creatures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican mythology?

I have read a bit about the five suns world creation myth, and I am curious if the original peoples of Mesoamerica believed in other sentient beings similar to the fairies, centaurs and such of European mythology and folklore. I have read about the…
LuminousNutria
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What is the origin of a tale of hummingbird extinguishing a fire in Mesoamerica or South-America?

There's a so-called story about a hummingbird trying to extinguish a forest fire, supposed to originate from South-America, of which I've been trying to find the origin - in vain. Someone knows perhaps this story and where it comes from ?
Seb
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Are Mesoamerican feathered serpents considered to be dragons?

Multiple mythologies have the concept of dragons, although their depictions may differ (Western dragons are different from Oriental ones). Are Mesoamerican feathered serpents also considered to be dragons?
Alex O
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Myths on God committing suicide

I am looking for information on myths where God commit suicide, specifically myths based from Central America, South America, and Africa; especially on the idea that earth was created through a God's suicide. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you!
user3106368
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