The Serpent Road
Page 31
The creation myths contained in the Popol Vuh and other archaeological discoveries around early Mayan civilisation show several anomalies that led me to inevitable questions. Why would the Mayans build large road systems to rival those of the Roman Empire, when they possessed no wheeled vehicles or beasts of burden? How do we explain some of the carvings found in many of the Mayan temples and cities? Why were some of these places simply abandoned? What prompted the belief that sacrifices involving the removal of hearts appeased the gods?
Though I have taken liberties with some of the existing histories, and the Seelee, of course are my own creation, I have used the Popol Vuh and other source material to create a world where we can speculate about some of the answers to these questions while also, hopefully, enjoying Tohil’s journey of discovery.
There exist multiple sources online containing both old and new translations of the Popol Vuh and numerous discussions about Mayan civilisation and its decline and disappearance. For those that are interested these are well worth taking a look at. Some of the stuff is truly fascinating. Reading the Popol Vuh in its entirety, I was surprised by some of the comparisons to be drawn with completely different religions, a great flood, the fall, oceans parting to allow passage, similar parallels. It’s worth the short read just for those.
My thanks to Charlene L. Brusso and Paul Horne for their commentary on early drafts, and thanks, as always to my constant reader Sylvia for her input, advice, and continuing support. Without her, that fiery mountain would be so much taller. Any errors, mistakes, inconsistencies, they are all my own.