The Lords of Death

Deep within the Mayan underworld of Xibalba lived the Lords of Death, led by One Death and Seven Death. They were cruel rulers who delighted in tormenting the living. When the Hero Twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, were summoned to the underworld to play a legendary ball game, the Lords prepared a series of deadly trials. The twins were sent through the House of Gloom, the House of Knives, and the House of Bats, surviving each through sheer wit and divine magic. During the final ball game, the Lords of Death thought they had won when the twins allowed themselves to be sacrificed and ground into dust. However, the twins were reborn as traveling performers. They performed miraculous feats, even sacrificing and resurrecting each other. Intrigued, the Lords demanded the twins perform the miracle on them. The twins obliged, slaying One Death and Seven Death, but they refused to bring the dark lords back to life. Having stripped Xibalba of its power, the twins ascended to the heavens to become the sun and the moon, forever lighting the world above.

“Do not fear the dark, for even in the depths of Xibalba, light and cunning shall prevail.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Lords of Death?

The story teaches that wisdom, patience, and strategic thinking can overcome even the most overwhelming and terrifying forces. It emphasizes that those who rely on cruelty often fall victim to their own arrogance.

Who are the Lords of Death in Xibalba?

The primary rulers are One Death and Seven Death, who preside over a council of ten other lords. Each lord represents a different form of human suffering, such as sickness, starvation, or fear.

How did the Hero Twins defeat the Lords of Death?

The twins tricked the lords by masquerading as miracle-working performers who could resurrect the dead. After sacrificing the lords at their own request, the twins simply chose not to bring them back to life.

What is Xibalba in Mayan mythology?

Xibalba is the Maya underworld, described as a 'place of fear' consisting of a complex subterranean court and various 'Houses' designed to test and destroy visitors. It is ruled by deities associated with death and disease.

What trials did the Twins face in Xibalba?

They endured several 'Houses' of trial, including the House of Gloom, the House of Cold, the House of Jaguars, and the House of Bats. They used their magic and animals to survive these impossible conditions.

What is the significance of the ball game?

The ball game, known as pitz, represents a cosmic struggle between the forces of life and death. In the Popol Vuh, it serves as the ultimate arena where the twins prove their superiority over the underworld deities.