The Popol Vuh: The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America

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Author Spence, Lewis, 1874-1955
LoC No. 09009953
Title The Popol Vuh: The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America
Note Reading ease score: 56.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project
Gutenberg (This book was produced from scanned images of
public domain material from the Google Books project.)
Summary "The Popol Vuh: The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America" by Lewis Spence is a monumental historical account written in the early 20th century. This significant work serves as a collection of Kiché mythology and history, offering insights into the origins, belief systems, and heroic narratives of the Kiché people, a prominent indigenous group in Central America. The text, originally composed in the Kiché language during the 17th century, highlights the complexities of pre-Columbian spirituality, creation myths, and the genealogy of the Kiché lineage. The "Popol Vuh" unfolds through four main books that chronicled the Kiché creation story, the adventures of hero twins Hun-Ahpu and Xbalanque, and the eventual rise of humanity. Beginning with the creation of the Earth by gods, including the notable deities Hurakan and Gucumatz, the narrative then explores the failed attempts to create humanity out of wood, which ultimately leads to their destruction. The text vividly recounts the trials and triumphs of the hero twins as they confront and defeat the lords of the underworld in Xibalba, showcasing themes of courage, transformation, and the enduring struggle between good and evil. The story concludes with the origin of the Kiché people and their gods, encapsulating a history that intertwines both myth and reality in a powerful narrative that shapes the cultural identity of the Kiché. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class F1401: Latin America local history: General
Subject Manuscripts, Maya
Subject Guatemala -- Antiquities
Subject Popol vuh
Subject Quiché Indians -- Religion
Subject Quiché mythology
Category Text
EBook-No. 56550
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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