Four suns myth

Definition

The four suns myth is a Mesoamerican creation story that explains the emergence of the current world through a sequence of four previous suns, each representing a different era of creation and destruction. This myth highlights themes of transformation, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of time, showing how gods created and destroyed worlds to establish the present human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the four suns myth, each sun represents a different age or world that was created and subsequently destroyed due to various failures or conflicts among gods and humanity.
2. The first sun was made of fire and was destroyed by a flood, while the second was created from wind and ended in a rain of jaguars.
3. The third sun was made from maize but faced destruction by a series of disasters, including earthquakes and other calamities.
4. The fourth sun is the current sun, which is associated with humanity's existence today and reflects the ongoing relationship between humans and divine forces.
5. This myth emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, as gods often had to give up their own lives or undergo transformations to create new worlds.

Review Questions

• How do the themes presented in the four suns myth reflect Mesoamerican views on creation and destruction?
  • The four suns myth illustrates Mesoamerican beliefs regarding creation as a cyclical process involving both creation and destruction. Each sun represents an era that ends due to a fundamental flaw or conflict, emphasizing the idea that life is inherently unstable and requires constant renewal. The interconnectedness of these themes suggests that Mesoamericans viewed their existence as part of a larger cosmic cycle, where each phase serves as a lesson for future generations.
• Discuss how the concept of sacrifice is portrayed in the four suns myth and its significance in Mesoamerican culture.
  • Sacrifice is central to the four suns myth, where gods often must give up their essence or lives to bring forth new worlds. This act is not only pivotal for creation but also symbolizes the reciprocal relationship between deities and humanity. In Mesoamerican culture, this reflects the importance placed on offerings to gods, highlighting that life itself comes through hardship and transformation. Such beliefs reinforced societal norms around ritualistic practices aimed at maintaining harmony between humans and divine entities.
• Evaluate how the four suns myth connects with other Mesoamerican legends and what this reveals about cultural values regarding time and existence.
  • The four suns myth connects deeply with other Mesoamerican legends such as those found in the Popol Vuh, showcasing a broader cultural narrative about creation, struggle, and rebirth. The cyclical nature of these stories emphasizes the Mesoamerican understanding of time as non-linear; past events influence present realities and future possibilities. This perspective encourages a deep respect for ancestry and tradition, illustrating how cultural values prioritize collective memory and continuity through storytelling across generations.

Related terms

Quetzalcoatl: A prominent god in Mesoamerican mythology, often associated with creation, knowledge, and wind, who plays a vital role in several creation myths, including the four suns myth.

Xibalba: The underworld in Maya mythology, often described as a place of trials and challenges that souls must face after death, contrasting with the themes of rebirth found in the four suns myth.

Popol Vuh:

The Maya creation narrative that includes accounts of the four suns myth and offers insight into the beliefs, values, and history of the Maya civilization.