The Popul Vuh myth shows that the Mayan gods seek recognition in the form of sacrifice, therefore humans must praise and make sacrifices to the gods. The gods seek creatures who will feed and praise them: "We have already made a first attempt...but we were not successful in being worshiped or in being revered by them. Thus let us try again to make who will honor us, who will respect us, one who will be a provider and a sustainer" (Popul Vuh). This shows a fundamental aspect in the Maya religion which is the belief that human beings are seen as mediators between this world and the one of their deities. One of the translators of the text said that the "sacred ritual performed at the proper time and in manner established by ancient precedent is …show more content…
For example, the wood people receive a violent treatment from the gods. Although created to praise the gods, the people of wood fail to recognize and observe their place in the hierarchy. The wood people also did not take proper care and responsibility for the creatures beneath them. Their lack of piety has made them poor protectors of nature, and they lack a proper sense of order. This instance shows the intended function of humans and that if they violate the god's desires, gods will punish them. The myth also shows that the social function of religion is keeping human society operating smoothly. Also worth noting is that the successful creation of humans was one made of corn. The myth shows the historical relationship between the Maya people and cultivated crops such as corn. To the Mayas, corn was sacred and a gift of the gods and it played a central role in every aspect of the Maya life. As stated in the textbook, the success of agriculture meant that it was no longer "necessary for early Mayas, who were hunters and gatherers to move in search of food" (Felipe Fernandez-Armesto).Because corn was a dependable crop, they were able to stay in one area, developing a "sedentary lifestyle" (Felipe