Explain the three different "versions" of man that are created and why the first two versions were not acceptable to the gods.

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Social Studies

Mckinley Monroe

15 April, 01:25

Explain the three different "versions" of man that are created and why the first two versions were not acceptable to the gods.

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Arthur Dominguez · Answer 1

The Popol Vuh is a compilation of mythological and historical narratives of the Quiché-Maya people, written in the middle of the 16th century approximately.

In this compilation is found the story of humankind's origin. By that time, there were two creator gods: Gucumatz and Tepeu. These gods wanted to create humans in order to be worship.

Their first human version was made of mud, but it had major flaws: its head didn't move so it only could look in one direction, it could talk but without understanding, it couldn't multiply and nor worship, and due to its nature, this "human being" wasn't strong and looked twisted. It was sodden and soft and finally, it crumbled.

The second human version was made out of wood. The humans created were the improved version of the last one: they could speak, move their head, were stronger and started to populate the earth. Nevertheless, this type of people didn't have hearts nor minds to worship the gods. So the gods decided to destroy them with a flood. The people that survived, scattered into the forest and turned into monkeys. That's why monkeys and humans are similar.

The third and final version was created out of maize. They had hearts, minds, vision, understanding, were able to learn, multiply, and they worshiped the gods. They were perfect. However, the gods didn't like this kind of perfection for they could have divine powers and could eventually become like gods themselves. So the gods decided to make a dense cloud or fog, and put it in human eyes. As a result, the people had less understanding and started to praise the gods more openly. The gods were proud.