On the surface, Signs Preceding the End of the World reads like the perilous journey of a Mexican migrant to the United States. However, since Makina announces her own death at the beginning of the story, her journey also mirrors the myth of a wandering soul trying to find its way to the Aztec underworld Mictlán.
In order to reach this place of darkness, the soul must pass nine levels in a period of four years, including rushing rivers and tall mountains; similarly, the novel is divided into nine chapters. Makina’s journey through the nine stages is foreshadowed when she enters the mirror hall after meeting Mr Q. She sees her front and back inverted, which may indicate her past and present, and she sees her path divided into thresholds.
On its journey, the soul is accompanied by the psychopomp, or companion, Xolotl. This deity is associated with and usually depicted as a dog. In Makina’s case, this role is taken by Chucho, who saves her from drowning when they cross the Rio Grande (representing the great mythical river Apanohuaya, which is impossible to swim across), drives her over the mountains, and protects her from a rancher who tries to arrest the illegal immigrants. The description of “two mountains colliding” is taken directly from mythology. Moreover, Chucho’s name is telling: Not only is ‘chucho’ a slang term for a dog; people who smuggle migrants across the border are also called ‘coyotes.’ He resurfaces at the end of the novel when he opens the door to a secret place of gangsters--the underworld.
This final place is full of cigarette smoke and Makina only hears the sound of running water, which is a representation of the soul’s final resting place Mictlán, traditionally described as a house without smoke holes and walled by water.
