72 pages 2 hours read

Anonymous

Popol Vuh

Nonfiction | Scripture | Adult | Published in 1554

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Section 7Chapter Summaries & Analyses

“The Resurrection of Hunahpu and Xbalanque” Summary

Five days after the deaths of Hunahpu and Xbalanque, the brothers start to appear before others in various forms. At first, people see them in the river as fish. When the Xibalbans try to search the river for them as fish, they transform into two orphans. When the Xibalbans find them in their orphan forms, they do not recognize them as Hunahpu and Xbalanque. The brothers dance several ceremonial dances in honor of the creator deities, which includes Heart of Sky, in their orphan forms. They perform miracles, such as setting a house on fire without having it truly burn. They also kill themselves again just to show the Xibalbans that they can revive themselves. The Xibalbans watch the brothers in awe but have no idea that they are the resurrected Hunahpu and Xbalanque.

“The Summons of Hunahpu and Xbalanque Before the Lords” Summary

One Death and Seven Death demand that the orphans (who are Hunahpu and Xbalanque in disguise) come to their house to perform for them. The boys refuse, expressing shame over their poverty. However, the lords of Xibalba threaten harm to them if they refuse. Finally, the boys relent and proceed to the lords’ house.