An Overview of the Ancient Mayan Civilization and Their Legends
The ancient Mayan civilization fascinates and mystifies people as one of the most intriguing cultures in world history. This highly advanced society constructed many impressive structures and artifacts and developed a rich mythology and legends. The Mayan people embraced strong spiritual beliefs, participating in rituals, ceremonies, and utilizing astrological knowledge.
The 20 Most Unknown Ancient Mayan Legends and What They Reveal About this Advanced Culture
The ancient Mayans were a highly advanced civilization that left behind a wealth of mysterious stories and legends. From forgotten tales of their gods to secrets of the underworld, these stories tell us about the beliefs and culture of these ancient people. In this article, we will explore some of the most unknown Mayan legends. We will examine what they reveal about this advanced culture.
- Dziú and corn: The legend centers on Dziú, a brave bird. Responding to the orders of Yuum Chaac, the God of rain, he risks his life to save a corn seed from a burning field. This seed is essential for life. As a result of entering the fire, Dziú is left with red eyes and a gray body.
- El Chom: The legend tells the story of the birds called Chom and the punishment imposed on them by the King of Uxmal. The Chom were birds with colored plumage that flew over the king’s palace at the time of the celebration held by him to honor the Lord of Life, Hunab Ku. The Choms ate the food prepared for the occasion. Therefore, Uxmal ordered a punishment for them and it was a group of priests that took charge of carrying it out.
- The Princess and the Maquech: This legend recounts a love oath between Princess Cuzán and her lover Chalpol, a young man with red hair. Princess Cuzán agrees to marry Prince EK Chapat, following his father’s orders. Her father would kill the princess’s lover, Chalpol. However, the princess promises to stop seeing him to keep him alive. The princess’s father spares Chalpol’s life but, through a sorcerer, turns him into a marquee, a beetle. Princess Cuzán carries it close to her heart, like the most precious jewel, fulfilling the promise of love that they had made.
- The Flower of May: This legend tells the story of a girl, the daughter of a devotee who could not have children, and how she asks the gods to give her the opportunity to be a father. He observed the beauty of the stars, particularly the Southern Cross, during the time of the month of May. At this time, his wife gives birth to their daughter. But she dies in her teens at the same time she was born. Every May, when the Southern Cross illuminates her tomb, the Mayflower appears at the foot of it.
- The Uay Goat: The Uay Goat legend refers to a sorcerer represented as a black entity, with bright eyes and large horns. Its mission is to scare those who appear in its path at night. According to this belief, there are demonized people who have the ability to become a goat. They can scare the population and/or fulfill some objective of evil origin.
- Xkeban and Utz Cole: This legend tells of two women, Xkeban, who practiced prostitution but remained humble and kind to the poor, genuinely giving herself to love. Utz Cole claimed to be virtuous and honest. When Xkeban died, the city filled with a beautiful aroma of flower perfume. After they buried her, flowers with this characteristic appeared on her grave. People called these flowers Xtabentún, wildflowers with intoxicating nectar that resembled the love of Xkeban.
- Che Uinic: This myth is about the man of the woods, a giant who has supernatural powers and eats human flesh, so he is to be feared. He is described as a boneless man with backward feet. That is, their fingers point toward his back. For this reason, he uses a trunk as a cane. To get rid of him in his presence, you must perform a dance with branches. This amuses him and makes him fall.
- Alux: The goblin or elf known as Alux steals children. He plays most of the time and sometimes engages in diabolical activities. Myths about Alux and other goblins claim they are invisible, but they can make themselves visible to scare people. They associate with places like forests and caves and often travel to seek offerings. By invoking them, peasants believe they can achieve seven years of good harvests. They expect protection for their fields and what they do within them, in a place called the house of the alux or kahtal alux.
- Uay: Legend has it that the Uay is a magician or sorcerer who performs enchantment phenomena inherent to black magic. It has a ghostly character that adopts different forms of animals to achieve its evil goals.
- Sac Nicté and Canek: Canek was a prince of Chichen Itza. At 21 years old, brave, and with a good heart, he falls in love with Sac Nicté, a 15-year-old princess. But she had to marry Ulil, the crown prince of Uxmal. Canek went to look for her with his warriors on her wedding day, ready to fight for her. He snatches her from the arms of the witnesses and war breaks out between his army and Uli. Canek emigrates with the princess and all her people. Consequently, when the people of Uxmal go to Chichen Itza to claim her, the city is empty.
The Siguanaba / La Siguanaba
Delve into an ancient tale of the Spanish conquest of the Mayan lands in Latin America and discover the truth behind La Siguanaba. Experience a story full of suspense, mystery, and adventure as you uncover the secrets of this mythical being.
La Siguanaba is a mysterious figure in Central American folklore that has captured the imagination of many. She is a supernatural woman figure who appears to men in the night. Often with a beautiful face and long hair, but she hides her true form behind it.
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