5.6 Mesoamerican underworld narratives

Mesoamerican underworlds played a crucial role in ancient mythologies. These complex realms reflected beliefs about death, afterlife, and cosmic order, offering insights into cultural values and societal structures.

From the Aztec Mictlan to the Maya Xibalba, these underworlds featured multiple levels, challenging journeys, and powerful deities. They symbolized cycles of death and rebirth, connecting deeply to agricultural practices and cosmic balance.

Origins of Mesoamerican underworlds

• Mesoamerican underworlds form a crucial part of the region's mythological landscape, reflecting complex beliefs about death, afterlife, and cosmic order
• These underworld concepts intertwine with broader themes in Mesoamerican myth and literature, offering insights into cultural values and societal structures

Aztec underworld concepts

Top images from around the web for Aztec underworld concepts

• 

  Mictēcacihuātl - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictēcacihuātl - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Aztec underworld concepts

• 

  Mictēcacihuātl - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictēcacihuātl - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mictlāntēcutli - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Mictlan serves as the primary underworld in Aztec mythology, ruled by the god Mictlantecuhtli
• Consists of nine distinct levels, each presenting unique challenges for the deceased
• Journey through Mictlan takes four years, with souls facing obstacles like rivers of blood and mountains of knives
• Reflects Aztec beliefs about the cyclical nature of life and death, emphasizing the importance of proper burial rites

Maya underworld beliefs

• Xibalba represents the Maya underworld, described in detail in the Popol Vuh creation myth
• Governed by a pantheon of death gods, including Hun-Came and Vucub-Came
• Features multiple houses filled with trials and torments (House of Bats, House of Jaguars)
• Serves as a realm of transformation, where souls can be reborn or face eternal punishment

Olmec influence on underworlds

• Olmec civilization (1500-400 BCE) laid the foundation for later Mesoamerican underworld concepts
• Introduced the idea of a layered cosmos, with the underworld as a vital component
• Developed early iconography associated with death and the afterlife (were-jaguar motif)
• Established the concept of ruler-shamans who could communicate with the underworld, influencing later Maya and Aztec beliefs

Key deities and figures

• Underworld deities and mythological figures play central roles in Mesoamerican cosmology and literature
• These characters embody various aspects of death, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of existence

Lords of Xibalba

• One Hun-Ahpu and Seven Hun-Ahpu rule as the primary lords of Xibalba in Maya mythology
• Possess distinct personalities and domains, such as disease, sacrifice, and violent death
• Challenge and test souls entering the underworld through various trials and deceptions
• Represent the forces of death and decay that must be overcome for rebirth and renewal

Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl

• Mictlantecuhtli serves as the Aztec god of death and ruler of Mictlan
• Often depicted as a skeletal figure adorned with eyes on his skull
• Mictecacihuatl, his female counterpart, oversees the bones of the dead and presides over funeral rites
• Together, they maintain the balance between life and death in Aztec cosmology

Hero twins in mythology

• Hunahpu and Xbalanque feature prominently in the Maya Popol Vuh as hero twins
• Embark on a perilous journey through Xibalba, facing numerous challenges and deceptions
• Defeat the Lords of Xibalba through cunning and sacrifice, ultimately becoming the sun and moon
• Symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the cyclical nature of cosmic renewal

Structure of Mesoamerican underworlds

• Mesoamerican underworlds possess complex structures reflecting cultural beliefs about the afterlife
• These mythological realms serve as settings for important narratives and religious concepts

Nine levels of Mictlan

• Itzcuintlan: first level, where souls cross a deep river aided by a red dog
• Tepectli Monamictlan: second level, featuring clashing mountains that threaten to crush the deceased
• Iztepetl: third level, characterized by sharp obsidian mountains that souls must navigate
• Itzehecayan: fourth level, where icy winds strip flesh from bones
• Paniecatacoyan: fifth level, featuring complete darkness and strong winds
• Timiminaloyan: sixth level, where arrows pierce the souls of the dead
• Teocoyocualloa: seventh level, where wild beasts devour hearts
• Izmictlan Apochcalolca: eighth level, where souls cross a river of blood
• Chicunamictlan: ninth and final level, where souls find rest and lose their memories

Xibalba's layout and regions

• Divided into multiple houses, each presenting unique challenges (House of Darkness, House of Knives)
• Features a central court where the Lords of Xibalba convene and judge souls
• Includes rivers of blood, pus, and scorpions that souls must cross
• Contains hidden traps and deceptions designed to confuse and torment the deceased

Symbolic elements and features

• Rivers and bodies of water represent boundaries between life and death
• Mountains and cliffs symbolize the difficult journey souls must undertake
• Darkness and cold embody the absence of life and vitality
• Animals (jaguars, bats) serve as guardians and manifestations of underworld forces
• Obsidian and flint represent sacrifice and the cutting away of mortal attachments

Underworld journeys and trials

• Underworld journeys form a central theme in Mesoamerican mythology and literature
• These narratives often serve as metaphors for personal transformation and cosmic renewal

Popol Vuh's underworld narrative

• Recounts the journey of the hero twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, through Xibalba
• Twins face a series of trials, including the Houses of Darkness, Knives, and Fire
• Overcome challenges through wit, skill, and self-sacrifice
• Ultimately defeat the Lords of Xibalba and ascend to become celestial bodies

Aztec afterlife journey

• Souls embark on a four-year journey through the nine levels of Mictlan
• Deceased must overcome obstacles like rivers of blood, mountains of knives, and fierce winds
• Journey reflects Aztec beliefs about purification and the cyclical nature of existence
• Proper burial rites and offerings aid the soul's passage through the underworld

Tests and challenges for souls

• Riddles and deceptions posed by underworld deities test the wisdom and character of the deceased
• Physical trials (navigating treacherous terrain, enduring extreme conditions) symbolize the soul's resilience
• Psychological challenges (facing one's fears, resisting temptation) represent spiritual growth
• Sacrificial acts demonstrate the soul's willingness to transcend mortal attachments

Symbolism and cultural significance

• Underworld concepts in Mesoamerican mythology carry deep symbolic meanings
• These beliefs reflect and reinforce cultural values, social structures, and cosmic understanding

Death and rebirth cycles

• Underworld journeys symbolize the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth
• Mirrors agricultural cycles of planting, growth, harvest, and fallow periods
• Reflects Mesoamerican beliefs in the regenerative power of sacrifice
• Emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence, from the cosmic to the personal

Agricultural connections

• Underworld realms often associated with soil, seeds, and germination
• Maize god's journey through the underworld parallels the planting and growth of corn
• Seasonal changes in the natural world linked to mythological events in the underworld
• Reinforces the importance of agriculture in Mesoamerican societies and cosmology

Cosmic balance representation

• Underworld serves as a counterbalance to the celestial realm, maintaining cosmic equilibrium
• Interactions between underworld and surface world (rain, volcanic activity) explain natural phenomena
• Dual nature of deities (creator/destroyer) reflects the complex interplay of cosmic forces
• Emphasizes the need for proper rituals and behavior to maintain balance between realms

Influence on Mesoamerican society

• Underworld beliefs profoundly shaped various aspects of Mesoamerican culture
• These concepts influenced daily life, art, and social structures across different civilizations

Funerary practices and rituals

• Elaborate burial rites designed to aid the deceased's journey through the underworld
• Grave goods (food, tools, jewelry) provided to assist souls in overcoming challenges
• Positioning of bodies and orientation of graves reflected beliefs about the afterlife journey
• Ritual bloodletting and human sacrifice connected the living to the underworld realm

Art and iconography

• Underworld themes prominently featured in Mesoamerican art and architecture
• Temples and pyramids often incorporated underworld symbolism in their design
• Codices and murals depicted scenes from underworld narratives and mythological events
• Sculpture and pottery adorned with images of underworld deities and symbolic elements

Religious and political power

• Rulers and priests claimed special connections to the underworld, legitimizing their authority
• Shamanic practices involved journeying to the underworld for knowledge and power
• Public rituals and ceremonies reinforced societal hierarchies based on underworld beliefs
• Control over underworld knowledge served as a source of political and religious influence

Comparative mythology

• Mesoamerican underworld concepts share similarities and differences with other mythological traditions
• Comparing these beliefs offers insights into universal themes and cultural specificities

Mesoamerican vs Greek underworlds

• Both feature multiple regions or levels with distinct characteristics
• Greek underworld (Hades) ruled by a single god, while Mesoamerican underworlds have multiple deities
• Mesoamerican underworlds emphasize cyclical renewal, while Greek afterlife is more static
• Trials in Mesoamerican underworlds focus on personal transformation, Greek underworld on judgment

Similarities with Egyptian afterlife

• Both traditions feature complex journey through the afterlife
• Emphasis on proper burial rites and offerings to aid the deceased
• Inclusion of challenges and tests for the soul (Egyptian Book of the Dead, Mesoamerican trials)
• Concept of cosmic balance and the cyclical nature of existence

Modern interpretations and adaptations

• Mesoamerican underworld concepts influence contemporary literature and art (magical realism)
• Day of the Dead celebrations incorporate elements of traditional underworld beliefs
• Video games and films draw inspiration from Mesoamerican mythology (Grim Fandango)
• Academic studies continue to explore the relevance of these concepts to modern society and psychology