The Popol Vuh (Seedbank)

For a reader of Western epics, myths and creation stories, there is something disconcerting and almost surreal about reading The Popol Vuh. It is not as though the basic tropes of myth are not present: gods and men striving to wrest meanings out of a chaotic existence that will ultimately account for the universe in its cyclical rotations. It is rather that the names and the cultural references are off kilter for a reader of Western Myth in a way that make The Popol Vuh's world strange. This can be read in the smallish details, where characters have numbers without referent associated to their names such as Seven Macaw or One Hunahpu, in the sudden disruptions where characters or magic tools appear suddenly, and ultimately in the tragic-comic striving of gods and men to establish creation. One can almost read the connection between these ancient myths and the magic realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.The creation myth itself is one in three. The Framer and Shaper first demonstrate a clear omnipotence in their creation of the world. But then their initial act of speaking earth into existence is superseded by a series of false starts as they seek to create a being able to speak to them, as if the internal dialogue of divinity needs an Other to create meaning for creation. Instead of humans, they end up with animals and then wooden men in their first two attempts, only to finally make humans after the interlude of the story of the twin brothers Hunaphu and Xbalanque, the twin children of the daughter of death and One Hunahpu. These twin brothers must overcome death, but can only do so by dying. Through Hunahpu's death and resurrection, they overcome the tribe of death and establish the seasons and the cycles of the sun and moon, which they themselves become. Once their story is complete, the Framer and the Shaper return and humans can be made from the food produced through the cycles of life and death of an agrarian society.As a poet himself, Bazzett's translation of this story establishes a rhythm and cadence that he combines with a vivid language to make the work accessible and a joy to read. I highly recommend this book and this translation to anyone interested in myth and ancient literature. (less)

A wonderful read. This verse-in-translation is written in a way that allows the ancient spirit of this story to sing beautifully through modern language. Well-written; the introduction alone is captivating. Fans of mythic/mystic poetry will especially appreciate this book.

The Popol Vuh is a remarkable book for its insights into the earliest origin myths of this ancient Central American culture. The parallels with the ancient Judeo Christian origin stories are equally remarkable complete with the world being spoken into being, the gods desire to be worshipped, an ancient flood, virgin birth, a loaves and fishes story, a Cain and Abel parallel, and many others. That two cultures separated by half a world should have developed similar themes at roughly the same time in human development suggest universal themes. The poetic translation by Bazzett is very satisfying. Highly recommended.

I have read the Popol Vuh before from various authors but have not been so moved by the words until reading this translation.There is a lifeforce contained in these words that has to be felt and thought upon simultaneously. This is sacred stuff!

The poetically written Mayan creation story receives an easily understood and even enjoyed treatment in this book.

Although the thread is a little disjointed, the reader is prepared for it from the introduction. This is important and neglected literature!

What a wonderful book! I have read other versions of the Popol Vuh, but have never been immersed in the story as I have reading Michael Bazzett's translation. It engages all one's senses.

Somewhat flimsy. The print seems to be a good enough translation. Very small book.

Muchas paginas de contenido en prosa sin ilustraciones. Calidad baja. No vale el costo

I need this cancelled any a refund.