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The book provides an in-depth exploration of Maya mythology, specifically focusing on the representations of gods and mythological animals in Maya manuscripts. The first chapter delves into the characteristics, symbols, and associations of various gods, including the death-god, universal deity, moon and night god, maize god, and others, highlighting their roles and relationships with other gods and natural phenomena. The second chapter builds upon this discussion, examining the mythological animals present in the manuscripts, such as the moan bird, serpent, dog, and jaguar, and their connections to specific gods, astronomic significance, and natural phenomena. The book showcases the complexity and intricacy of Maya mythology, revealing the profound relationships between gods, animals, and the natural world, and demonstrating the rich cultural and symbolic significance of these representations in Maya manuscripts.
This chapter discusses the representations of gods in Maya manuscripts, specifically focusing on the gods A to P, and their associated hieroglyphs and symbols. The death-god A is described as a figure with a skeleton face and spine, and is often depicted with a stiff feather collar and globular bells or rattles. God B is considered a universal deity, associated with various elements and phenomena, and is often depicted with a long nose and tongue. The chapter also describes the moon and night god D, the maize god E, the god of war and human sacrifice F, the sun god G, the Chicchan god H, the water goddess I, and other gods such as K, L, M, N, O, and P. Each god is associated with specific symbols, animals, and days of the week, and their roles and relationships with other gods are explored. The chapter also touches on the mythological animals associated with these gods, including the moan bird, serpent, dog, vulture, jaguar, and tortoise.
This chapter explores the mythological animals present in the Maya manuscripts, building on the previous discussion of the representations of gods. The text describes various animals, including the moan bird, serpent, dog, vulture, jaguar, and tortoise, each with its unique characteristics and significance. These animals are often depicted in conjunction with specific gods and are believed to possess mythological meaning. The chapter also touches on the potential astronomic significance of some of these animals, such as the moan bird's possible connection to the constellation of the Pleiades. Additionally, the text mentions other animals like the owl, ape, scorpion, and bee, which may also hold mythological importance. The discussion highlights the intricate relationships between these animals, gods, and natural phenomena, showcasing the complexity of Maya mythology.