72 pages 2 hours read

Anonymous

Popol Vuh

Nonfiction | Scripture | Adult | Published in 1554

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Section 11Chapter Summaries & Analyses

“The Deaths of the Four Progenitors” Summary

Balam Quitze, Balam Acab, and Mahucutah bear children with their wives. Balam Quitze has two sons, Co Caib and Co Cavib, who make up the Cavec Quiché line. Balam Acab also has two sons, Co Acul and Co Acutec. Mahucutah only has one son named Co Ahau. Iqui Balam has no children. When Balam Quitze, Balam Acab, Mahucutah, and Iqui Balam sense that their deaths are near, they sing the “Our Burial” song and give instructions to their sons and wives concerning their deaths. They tell them, “Remember us. Do not forget us. Do not sweep us away” (240). The four men tell the others that after their deaths, the sons and wives will go to Tulan Zuyva, which is where they will reside. Balam Quitze leaves behind a bundle of items that he refers to as the Bundled Glory. Although its contents are not known and it is not opened by any of his progeny, his sons and wives accept the Bundled Glory to remember him by. Balam Quitze, Balam Acab, Mahucutah, and Iqui Balam simply vanish from the mountain where the reside. While it is unclear how they vanish, the others accept that the four men have passed away.