20 of The Most Unknown Ancient Mayan Legends (Part 2)

Mayan myths and legends reflect the popular culture of one of the most fascinating civilizations in history. They are characterized by having magical or supernatural aspects, these being the main reasons why they are distinguished.

The Dwarf of Uxmal: The legend tells the story of an old lady who worked in the village oracle and who could not have children, so she asked the God Chic Chan and was granted a son, who was born a dwarf, with red hair and green skin. This dwarf built a large jícara (a kind of vessel) that he used as a kind of rattle. According to legend, whoever played a similar instrument and its sound was heard in the Mayab (Mayan region), would be made king. The then enraged king challenged the dwarf to a duel who passed all the tests. But in the last one he asked that the king also do it and he did not survive. So the dwarf was proclaimed king.The Punishment of Vanity: The Mayan legend tells that the earth was left in darkness when the sun and the moon went to rest, but by then, the vain king wanted to demonstrate that with his jewels he could illuminate the entire city. To do this he climbed a tree with them, and the gods punished him by throwing him out of it, leaving him muddy and covered in dirt, he was then warned.The Myth of the Owl, The Wise Counselor: This myth tells the story of an owl who was advisor to the peacock, the king, and was punished for wanting to withdraw from a party that all the birds had prepared in his honor, the king forced him to dance in front of all the guests and the owl felt ashamed and humiliated, so he did not want to go out in public anymore. In his period of confinement he read the sacred book of the Mayans and discovers a secret about a betrayal. Leaving to tell the story, he discovers that he could no longer read as his eyes had become accustomed to the dark.When the Tunkuluchu sings: The legend tells the story of a mysterious and lonely bird that flies over the ruins of Mayab, which they call Tukulunchú. With its song it announces death, for which everyone fears it, the cause of this was a desire for revenge of this bird towards the Mayan, who had ridiculed it at a party. In order to take revenge, he took advantage of his sense of smell, which was his strength. He approached the cemeteries to recognize the smell of death and, in this way, be able to announce to the Mayan the proximity of his death.Water and Love: Legend has it that a warrior from Bolochen, a town that grew around nine wells but suffered from drought, falls in love with a maiden, her mother, for fear of losing her, locks her up under a grotto. El guerrero y su gente la encuentran, y junto a la gruta siete estanques, el Chacha, el Pucuelba, el Sallab, el Akabha, el Chocoha, el Ociha y, el Chimaisa.The Cocay: Cocay is the name by which the Mayans call fireflies. And the legend tells how this insect created its own light, in the Mayab lived a man capable of healing the sick with his green stone. One day he discovers that he has lost her in the forest and asks the animals to look for her. It was the Cocay who tirelessly searched for her and before finding her, due to his dedication and perseverance, he obtained his reward, his own light. The Quail: According to this Mayan myth, the quail called Bech, was the favorite bird of the gods, so it enjoyed many privileges, envied by the rest of the birds. But not satisfied with it, in his selfishness, the quail wanted a world for her and her family. On one occasion, the Great Spirit together with Yaa Kin, the prince of the sun, visited the earth. This news made Box Buc, the Prince of Darkness turn black with envy. What prompted his desire for revenge for the travelers.Zamna and Henequen: So he entrusts him with the task of taking some families from the kingdom and three Chilamanes of greater wisdom so that they can carry the writings that narrate the history of the town. Also commissioning him that he must found a new city and that under the main temple he must keep those writings in order to preserve them.The Creation of the Earth: According to the Mayan legend about the creation of the earth, before its existence there were only two gods: Tepeu and Gucumatz. They were the ones who came together to create the world, from their thoughts, everything they thought was created. This is how the mountains, the valleys, the sky, the water and all the life forms inhabiting the Earth were created.Creation of Life on Earth: The gods Tepeu and Gucumatz made the beings they created to be the ones who take care of their creations and praise them, but until then there were no beings capable of speaking, so they undertook the task of creating them. On their first try, the clay men they brought to life were still unable to speak. Then, the wooden men could do it but they were not capable of thinking or loving. So they caused a great flood to destroy them. In their last attempt they created four corn paste men with all the characteristics they desired. Later they created four women for them. And these eight human beings were the ancestors of all men today.

20 of The Most Unknown Ancient Mayan Legends (Part 1)

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 hides her true form behind it.

Available in paperback and eBook at Barnes and Noble.

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