Two Kekchi men encountered two Chols who warned them about the dangerous Xacampach, a group of long-eared, cannibalistic people preparing for a feast. The Chols, claiming shared identity as Indians, urged the Kekchis not to proceed. Instead, they magically transported the Kekchis back to their home in Cajabon when the men closed their eyes, avoiding the peril ahead.
Source
Ethnology of the Mayas of
Southern and Central British Honduras
by John Eric Thompson
Field Museum of Natural History
Anthropological Series, Pub.274, Vol.17.2
Chicago, 1930
► Themes of the story
Trickster: The Chols use cunning and possibly supernatural means to outsmart potential threats and protect the Kekchi men.
Conflict with Nature: The journey of the Kekchi men through dangerous territories reflects a struggle against natural and human threats.
Sacred Spaces: The return to their home in Cajabon can be seen as a retreat to a place of safety and spiritual significance.
► From the same Region or People
Two Kekchis men were walking along when they met a couple of good Chols sitting by the roadside. The two Kekchis were going to kill the Chols, but the latter said, “Don’t kill us, we are harmless. We are of the same race as you. We are Indians. If you go on along that road, you will meet the bad Chols, who are called Xacampach, and live by the sea. They are getting ready for their big fiesta, and if you go there, they will kill and eat you. They are bad people. Their ears are very long, and at night they lie down and sleep on them. They are not Indians. Close your eyes now, and we will take you back to your home.” The two Kekchis did so, and when they opened their eyes a moment later, they were back in Cajabon.
► Continue reading…
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Dreamtime Whispers 