The Popol Vuh
One of the most common mysteries to the human mind is the speculation of how the world came about. Every culture has their belief, but no idea is certain. Therefore wonderful stories are made by the pondering cultures of each region. The Mesoamerican culture has its own unique stories of creation. The Popol vuh is a story of creation, which depicts the Maya imagination of how they believe this world, came about. There for we are able to extend our knowledge about that culture by interpreting their beliefs and ideas, that lead to "their creation".
The Maya were extremely sophisticated people. They were able to adapt to their living environment of their homelands efficiently. Over numerous generations, the Maya developed useful practices and lifestyles, which allowed them to live amongst their surroundings. Ancient religious concepts and teachings, such as the ones found in the sacred text of the Popol Vuh (as well as their highly developed calendar system), have survived through several centuries (Miller, Mary E).
English: Title page of oldest known Popol Vuh manu...
The oldest written account of Popol Vuh (ms c.1701...
English: parallel text of oldest known Popol Vuh m...Such documentations contain the spiritual beliefs, origin and creation stories that reveal the cultural history of the Mayan people.
Following the Spanish conquest, a Quiche Indian transcribed the Popol Vuh. This individual had also learned to speak and write the Spanish language. Not much is known about that person, because the Spanish soldiers and missionaries destroyed most of their sacred texts. It is commonly believed the original Popol Vuh and other sacred manuscipts have been hidden and protected since the time of European contact (www.isourcecom.com). This sacred manuscript is considered as the bible of the Mayan people. Later in time a Spanish priest named Francisco Jimenez translated the book into Spanish (www.isourcecom.com). He borrowed the book from a Quiche Indian with the condition that he would return the book...