Popol Vu
Reading & Writing Workshop: The Popol Vuh and Epic Poetry Motifs
Overview
This workshop explores Popol Vuh, the sacred narrative of the K'iche' Maya, through the lens of epic poetry motifs found in global traditions. Sessions include readings, thematic discussions, and creative writing activities.
Session 1: The Cosmic Creation – The Birth of the World
Focus: Creation motifs across epic poetry
Reading:
Session 2: The Hero Twins – Trials and Transformation
Focus: The hero’s journey and twin protagonists
Reading:
Session 3: The Descent to the Underworld – Death and Resurrection
Focus: Katabasis (descent to the underworld)
Reading:
Session 4: Divine Tests and Sacrifices
Focus: Trials set by gods and self-sacrifice
Reading:
Session 5: Cultural Legacy and Cosmic Balance
Focus: Restoration of cosmic order and cultural identity
Reading:
Final Project:
Overview
This workshop explores Popol Vuh, the sacred narrative of the K'iche' Maya, through the lens of epic poetry motifs found in global traditions. Sessions include readings, thematic discussions, and creative writing activities.
Session 1: The Cosmic Creation – The Birth of the World
Focus: Creation motifs across epic poetry
Reading:
- Popol Vuh, Book I (Creation of the world and humanity)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/popol/index.htm
- Theogony by Hesiod (creation of gods and the cosmos)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/hesiod/theogony.htm - The Epic of Gilgamesh (creation myth and flood narrative)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11000
- How does Popol Vuh’s creation story compare with the Greek and Mesopotamian origin myths?
- Motif: Cosmic creation and divine intervention.
- Compose your own creation myth blending natural elements and supernatural beings.
Session 2: The Hero Twins – Trials and Transformation
Focus: The hero’s journey and twin protagonists
Reading:
- Popol Vuh, Book II (The Hero Twins: Hunahpú and Xbalanqué)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/popol/index.htm
- The Iliad by Homer (Achilles and Patroclus)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6130 - The Mahabharata (the Pandava brothers)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm
- How do sibling dynamics and heroism function in Popol Vuh compared to other epics?
- Motif: Hero twins or dual heroes overcoming trials.
- Write a short story about two siblings facing supernatural challenges together.
Session 3: The Descent to the Underworld – Death and Resurrection
Focus: Katabasis (descent to the underworld)
Reading:
- Popol Vuh, Book II-III (Journey to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/popol/index.htm
- The Odyssey by Homer (Odysseus in Hades)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1727 - The Aeneid by Virgil (Aeneas’ journey to the underworld)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/228
- How do different cultures depict journeys to the underworld and the theme of rebirth?
- Motif: Death, resurrection, and triumph over the underworld.
- Craft a scene where your protagonist must navigate the underworld to retrieve a loved one or gain wisdom.
Session 4: Divine Tests and Sacrifices
Focus: Trials set by gods and self-sacrifice
Reading:
- Popol Vuh, Book III-IV (Hero Twins face trials set by Lords of Xibalba)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/popol/index.htm
- Beowulf (Beowulf’s battles with monsters and his final sacrifice)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16328 - The Song of Roland (Roland’s final stand and sacrifice)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/391
- Explore the motif of heroic sacrifice. How is personal sacrifice rewarded in these epics?
- Motif: Divine tests, sacrifice, and honor.
- Write a monologue from a hero who must decide whether to sacrifice themselves for their people.
Session 5: Cultural Legacy and Cosmic Balance
Focus: Restoration of cosmic order and cultural identity
Reading:
- Popol Vuh, Book IV (Restoration of order and establishment of human beings)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/popol/index.htm
- The Shahnameh by Ferdowsi (themes of kingship and restoring order)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10385 - Paradise Lost by John Milton (restoration of divine order after the Fall)
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20
- How does Popol Vuh’s ending reflect cultural values about balance, humanity, and the gods?
- Motif: Cosmic order, legacy, and the human condition.
- Write an epilogue that shows how the protagonist's legacy shapes the world for future generations.
Final Project:
- Create your own short epic that incorporates at least three motifs discussed in the workshop: creation, hero’s journey, katabasis, sacrifice, or cosmic restoration.