Popol Vuj: Libro Sagrado de Los Mayas

by Victor Montejo, David Unger (Translator), Luis Garay (Illustrator)

Discovered in a church in Chichicastenango in 1701, the Popol Vuj is one of the few Mayan documents to survive the Spanish conquest. Stories that describe the creation of the Maya universe and humans are presented in vivid images and captivating text in this first authoritative children's version of the ancient and sacred text.

Genres: History, Religion, Mythology, Anthropology, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 18, 1999

Reviews

[Chericem]

Nice illustrations. Segments of the text could be used with upper level classes.

[Elizabeth Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me parecen interesante la cantidad de parecido con las narraciones católicas y cristianas.
Una buena introducción al pueblo k'iche.

[Bayansa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book of only about 80 pages based on the ancient scriptures of Maya culture. It’s often recommended as an introduction to understanding their mythology, although I’m not entirely sure if this specific version is the right one to purchase, since there are several editions of the Popol Vuh available.

This particular version focuses on the tales and myths surrounding the Maya civilization. It’s concise and written in a simple format, which makes it easy to understand .

I found that these stories carry deep meaning and valuable lessons. As I connected the dots between them, I came across several realizations that stayed with me.

Some of the key lessons I took away are:
• Ego can ultimately lead to your downfall. It also suggests that you shouldn’t reveal all your strength to others ,holding something back can protect you, while being too open or trusting can put you at risk.
• True strength lies in humility. Downplaying your power and carrying yourself with quiet confidence can ultimately lead to success.
• Intelligence and strategy can overcome strength. Carefully navigating situation even outsmarting someone stronger can be the most effective path to victory

[Sere · Rating 3 out of 5]

After my second visit in 20 days at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Ciudad de Mexico, I asked my guide to recommend a book to better understand the indigenous culture.
Popol Vuh was his recommendation.

It is an easy read. Mayan tales of humans, gods, and demigods that interact, trick, and kill each other. Divided in four parts:
1. The creation: how life was created on planet Earth, plants, animals and human surrogates
2. The amazing twins: myths and legends
3. The creation of the men of corn: how today's humans got to be
4. The first fathers of the K'iche' nation: the genealogy of men from the first 4 human couples (4 tribes)

Reading this book provides an additional key to the understanding of Mexican murales, for example Rina Lazo's 'Venerable abuelo maíz'.

I found this book a bit sterile, dry and anecdotal in its literary style; much like when I read "A Wonder Book - Heroes and Monsters of Greek Mythology" by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
It left me wondering whether this is the style that tends to be adopted for this kind of tales...

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought together Ginastera's music [1] and Montejo's book [2] in my review.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWwAv...
Popol Vuh: The Creation of the Mayan World, Op. 44, is a symphonic poem in seven movements by the Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera - La Noche de los Tiempos (The Everlasting Night) • 5:33 El Nacimiento de la Tierra (The Birth of the Earth) • 10:05 El Despertar de la Naturaleza (Nature Awakes) • 15:06 El Grito de la Creación (The Cry of the Creation) • 15:31 La Gran Lluvia (The Great Rain) • 18:47 La Ceremonia Mágica del Maiz (The Magic Ceremony of Indian Corn) • 21:20 El Sol, la Luna y las Estrellas (The Sun, The Moon and The Stars) • 22:55 El Amanecer de la Humanidad (The Dawn of Humankind)

[2] Popol Vuj by Victor Montejo, Luis Garay (Illustrations are fantastically good), David Unger (Translation)

[Guille Rmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy buenas ilustraciones y una traducción bastante amigable.

[Kierstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

An educational read

[Tisbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

La verdad no me gusta pero deseo con todo mi corazón que algún día me guste

[Vicky Cortes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 fue facil de leer y como era comic mejor

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s cool, but in a “I’m reading this for school” way.

[Madkropotkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro se me hizo muy interesante. Tengo que leer otra edicion mas completa del Popol Vuj. Esta edicion esta hecha mas para ninos. Y aunque esta hecha para ninos, encontre las historias muy refrescantes y imaginativas.

[Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't mean to rate the Popol Vuh - though the way it's clearly something that's been written down in a colonial context, possibly by a Spaniard, does complicate things - but I've yet to find a great version/translation in English. The interest wins out though.

[Lorrayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and poetic. A peak into Mayan cosmology.

[Cuauhtli Velazquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muy bueno, interesante parecido con la biblia cristiana...