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Elements of Self-Discovery Hidden Within the Text of Popul Vuh

Throughout history, man has searched to find meaning in his existence. Often, the first clues of a culture's journey of self-discovery emerge within their early texts. Examples of mankind's quest to find meaning in this existence are found within the sacred texts of every culture. The Quiche Mayan's Popul Vuh delineates the origin, purpose and connectedness of man, making it an excellent example of man's search for knowledge and meaning. Within this text, the people find comfort in knowing that there was a beginning and that they are connected to their maker and to all things.

The story begins with an explanation of how man, and all of earth, came to be. In the beginning, "whatever there [was] that might be [was] simply not there" (1747). It goes on to explain how each part of nature was created. The water, land, fish, plants and animals are, each, created in turn. Mankind was the final and most difficult creation, as emphasized by three failed attempts. Here, mankind was emphasized as being most important above all the rest of creation.

The Gods, though, took exception to man's vanity. The twin gods, Hanapu and Xbalanque, saw "evil in his attempt at self magnification" (1748). Man, therefore, was warned of the dangers of regarding himself too highly. The Gods took out Seven Macaw's eyes and he was cured. "The last of his metal came out" and "the last of his greatness left him" (1750). Man also learned, from the gods, that he has only been allowed enough knowledge and vision to see his own little corner of the world.

In the beginning, man saw perfectly and "knew everything under the sky" (1757). Because they behaved as Gods, the people lost their knowledge. "They were blinded as the face of a mirror is breathed upon. Their eyes were weakened. Now it was only when they looked nearby that things were clear" (1758). Man was "taken apart just a little" (1757) from the gods and made to "procreate, proliferate at the sowing, the dawning" (1757), "such was the loss of understanding, along with the means of knowing everything" (1758).

With the ability to procreate, man lost immortality, but was given, instead, a means whereby he might have a lasting impact upon the earth and live forever. Seven Macaw explained that "it's just flesh that makes [man's] face look good. And when he dies, people get frightened of his bones. After that his son is like his saliva, his spittle is in his being" (1752). In this, man

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