Day 15 June 6
Part 3




The dark jungle that surrounded us gave way to a small clearing where we saw this stela of a monkey god (or some similarly fantastic being). In Maya religion, monkey gods are the patrons of scribes and artisans. Nonetheless, the sudden appearance of this carved monument, with its fierce expression and grotesque features, alone in its forbidding corner of Seibal, was an awesome experience. To me, it seemed to possess a primitive magic, even a demonic, power.



Hunahpu and Ixbalanqué answered them from the base of the tree: "Loosen your underskirts and fasten them along your waists with your belts; leave a short length dangling behind... then you will be able to walk with ease."

"Fine," shouted (their half-brothers) Hun Batz and Hun Chouen from high in the treetops.... In an instant, this dangling length became a tail. Hun Batz and Hun Chouen were transformed into hairy monkeys, and nothing remained of their former appearance....

Thus Hun Batz and Hun Chouen lost their power and became wild animals. Nonetheless, they were very learned creatures who soon devoted themselves to the study and perfection of the arts.

Popol Vuh
(relating how the Hero Twins defeated their half-brothers)

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