Myths & Legends
Myths and Legends of Latinoamérica
The Gold Man
There is a story about creation according to the Maya, collected in our own century. He tells that, a long time ago, there were four gods. The land had already been created, which was full of plants and animals, as well as the sea, where there were many fish. The wind watched everything and brought, in due course, different climates. But one thing was missing: people.
"We must create some being who appreciates our hard work," said one of the gods.
The others agreed, and began to discuss what would be the most appropriate matter to proceed with the creation they intended. First they tried it with mud. They modeled a little clay man, whom they drew their faces and features. When it had dried it seemed very well done; But when the gods subjected the figure to the test of the waters, that body dissolved until it disintegrated completely....