Mayan Legends

Whenever you hear speak of Yucatan, you have to remember that this place possesses a past rich in history and traditions. Here the yesteryear of wondrous cities at Chichén ltzé, Uxmal, Tulum, Cobá, Edzná, and other pre-Hispanic sites blends with the heritage of the Conquistadores to form a religious syncretism which -- when added to fearful superstitions toward beings cloaked in magic and mystery -- has produced the myths and legends of this marvelous land: the Mayab, "land of the chosen". Preserved in the sacred books of the Maya like the Popol Vuh and the Chilam Balam, and influenced by European legends and beliefs, the myths of Yucatan have provided a way of explaining and justifying natural phenomena, illness and even what we call "fate", as well as transmitting positive human values. But this legacy would not have reached us if it had not been for the oral tradition. This is one of the most important characteristics of the indigenous cultures of America, and it has thus kept the soul of Yucatan alive and thriving in the towns and villages of the region. Editorial Dante now presents the most important characters who people the legends of Yucatan: the stormy love affairs of the X' Tabay, perhaps the best-known character in the folklore of the Peninsula; the dark powers of the Huay Chivo; the desperation of Nicte Ha; the daring of the Dwarf of Uxmal; the misfortune of the Maquech; and the beneficence and wisdom of ltzamń. Our aim is for you the reader of these stories to come closer to and understand another aspect of the rich cultural heritage which the Mayan world has to offer.