popol vuh

At its heart, however, the Popul Vuh is really about the origin of the creation myth of the Quiche Maya peoples. These are peoples that called home what we know today as the land mostly contained within the borders of Guatemala. The dominant theme of this ancient text relates how the gods honor and reward devotion. The creator deities, from the start, prefer the first four men because they remain loyal to their creators throughout their lives. Other lineages are created, but the first four are the favorites. Unlike their counterparts and obvious competitors, their tribe is rewarded with land, conquest, fertility, and all the makings of a future civilization. Repeatedly the first four and their descendants face immense odds against their survival, but they appeal to their creators for aid and are honored for it. The, when Quiché is established, they build a temple to their gods first thing, as a symbol of their ongoing devotion to the creator deities.