The Popol Vuh is the mythological book of the Quiche Mayan people of Guatemala.  It was recorded by the 18th century Dominican friar Francisco Ximenez and is one of few accounts of the mythology of Central America to have survived the excesses of the Conquistadors.  It includes a creation story and the exploits of various heroes, and it’s wild.  Ball games, severed heads that are planted and grow into trees, heroes that become constellations and skulls that impregnate women by spitting into their hands.  Read it because it’s trippy and fun, and read it to break out of your Greco-Romano-Germanic shell.

Follow