In the beginning, there was only the silence of the sky and the stillness of the sea. The gods Tepew and Q'ukumatz gathered in the darkness to meditate. They spoke the word 'Earth,' and instantly, mountains rose from the water and forests bloomed. Wishing to be praised, they first created animals, but the creatures could only squawk and roar. Next, the gods fashioned humans from mud, but they crumbled and had no minds. They then carved people from wood; these figures spoke and multiplied, but they lacked souls and forgot their creators. A great flood was sent to wipe them away, and the survivors became monkeys. Finally, the gods discovered yellow and white corn. The divine grandmother Xmucane ground the grain nine times, and from this dough, the first four true humans were formed. These people were wise and saw everything, so the gods blew mist into their eyes to limit their vision, ensuring they remained mortal and humble worshippers.
True creation requires the right essence and a spirit of gratitude toward those who gave us life.
Advertisement
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Creation of the World?
The story teaches that humans are defined by their ability to remember and honor their origins. It highlights the importance of humility and the sacred connection between people and the natural world.
Who are the primary creator gods in the Popol Vuh?
The primary creators are Tepew and Q'ukumatz, also known as the Sovereign and the Quetzal Serpent. They worked together through thought and word to bring the physical world and its inhabitants into existence.
Why did the gods fail with the first two versions of humans?
The mud people were physically weak and lacked intelligence, while the wooden people had no souls or memories of the gods. Both failed the essential requirement of being able to consciously praise and thank their creators.
What is the significance of corn in Mayan creation?
Corn is the sacred substance that finally allowed humans to have both physical strength and spiritual wisdom. It represents the Mayan belief that humanity is literally and spiritually made of the food that sustains them.
Advertisement
