The Popol Vuh Part 1: Creation and Demise as a Lesson



The Popol Vuh gives an imaginative experience as the descriptions show us the history of the K'iche' people and the links to establishment and development in indigeneity. Just reading the preamble illustrated a similarity in biblical-like belief. Showing a form of religion and basis of how the Ki’che’ were first and forever situated into this large living space. It depicts this world as being centered around these two all knowing characters labeled as the Framer and the Shaper. These mother and father figures that are identified as male and female respectively, serving the functions of birthing children and the other as planting them. Both would engage in historic discussion, leading to a decision in conceiving humans under “a luminous sky” which intricately links life and light together. The Framer and Shaper brought  about this world by simply vocalizing the phrase “Earth” and land formations arising from their spirit. My reaction was how beautiful these origins were phrased by taking this complex theory of creation and weaving simplicity through its formation.

As the first section showed this beauty in the belief of creation from the Ki’che’ people, the Flood showed a side of punishment. It resembles some religions in this concept of sin and immoral actions. I was very deep in thought picturing the seen depicted that explained why humans were being punished for their actions. In the simplicity of their creation, humans would not uphold the moral imperative in sight and in mind. The idea of humans being merely creations taken from materials of the earth yet, from what I am assuming, not living in the manner intended resulted in viscous judgment. I cringed at the thought of this same earth meant to live in harmony reeking havoc through actions of dismembering limbs and removing this privilege of light in their lives. Citing that it was humans that used and abused in the same manner in which these illuminated objects and animals were subjected to. They did not feed so therefore they were not fed. They would strip the essence of materials, so they were stripped of their flesh. It is very poetic and teaches us about the history behind the Ki’che’ and why they act in certain ways through what is permissible. 

I am looking forward to continuing with the various sections within this book and have a question to ponder coming into class. How can understanding the origins of belief in the Ki'che' people effect the way we interact with others and within the community?

Comments

  1. Jon Beasley-MurrayJanuary 17, 2024 at 12:59 AM

    "My reaction was how beautiful these origins were phrased by taking this complex theory of creation and weaving simplicity through its formation."

    This is a nice way of putting it. There's certainly a mix of simplicity and complexity in these stories. I'm struck in fact by how quickly there are very many figures and characters on the scene.

    I'm also struck, as you say, by the mix of harmony and (sometimes quite graphic) violence. I don't think this is at all unique to the Maya, but the physicality of the conflict is notable.

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