History The Mayan Civilization Questions Medium
The Mayan concept of the underworld and the realm of the dead was a significant aspect of their religious beliefs and cosmology. According to Mayan mythology, the underworld, known as Xibalba, was a dark and treacherous place where the souls of the deceased would journey after death.
Xibalba was believed to be a complex and multi-layered realm, consisting of nine levels, each with its own challenges and dangers. It was ruled by the gods of death and darkness, known as the Lords of Xibalba, who were feared and respected by the Mayans. These gods were often depicted as skeletal figures or monstrous creatures, symbolizing their association with death and decay.
The journey to the underworld was not an easy one, as the souls had to pass through various trials and tests. These challenges included navigating through rivers of blood, enduring painful ordeals, and facing supernatural beings and creatures. The purpose of these trials was to test the worthiness of the souls and determine their fate in the afterlife.
Once the souls reached the final level of Xibalba, they would face the ultimate test, known as the House of Knives. Here, the souls had to pass through a house filled with sharp blades and deadly traps. If they successfully completed this test, they would be reborn into the world of the living, while those who failed would remain in Xibalba as spirits or be subjected to eternal punishment.
The Mayans also believed in the existence of a celestial realm, known as the Milky Way or the Road to the Underworld. This celestial pathway was believed to connect the earthly realm with the underworld, serving as a bridge for the souls to travel between the two realms.
Overall, the Mayan concept of the underworld and the realm of the dead was a complex and intricate belief system that played a crucial role in their understanding of the afterlife. It reflected their reverence for death and the supernatural, as well as their belief in the cyclical nature of life and rebirth.