For questions regarding the stories within the holy book of the Quiche Maya people of pre-Columbian South America
A translation of the popol-vuh can be found here; an older version can be found here, in multiple languages.
Questions tagged [popol-vuh]
3 questions
20
votes
1 answer
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
8
votes
1 answer
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
8
votes
1 answer
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