Popol Vuh

This retelling of the Popol Vuh revitalizes the ancient Maya creation myth, offering insights into indigenous culture and resilience.

The Popol Vuh is an inspired and urgent prose retelling of the ancient Maya creation myth, crafted by the esteemed Latin American author and scholar Ilan Stavans. This edition is beautifully illustrated by Salvadoran folk artist Gabriela Larios and features an introduction by the renowned author and environmental activist Homero Aridjis. The retelling breathes new life into the archetypal story, making it accessible to contemporary readers while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Originally an oral tradition, the Popol Vuh was documented in the mid-sixteenth century by members of the K’iche’ nobility in Guatemala, during a time when indigenous cultures faced the threat of European conquest. The text, which was translated into Spanish in 1701, offers profound insights into the Maya worldview, including their ethics, beliefs about death, and reverence for nature. The narrative unfolds through a series of cosmic events, detailing the creation of the world and the trials faced by its inhabitants.

In this unique prose rendition, Popol Vuh emerges as a sacred text that holds a place alongside other monumental works like the Bible and the Qur'an. Ilan Stavans revitalizes this timeless story, inviting readers to engage with the struggles and resilience of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. This retelling serves not only as a literary work but also as a vital cultural document, ensuring the legacy of the Maya tradition endures for future generations.