In literature centered on the heroic quest, the heroic character often becomes an embodiment of the most important ideas and perceptions of the society of the corresponding period in which the literature piece was written. Through defining the culture, the societies and nations established their moral values and virtues, contributing to the definition of what it means to be a hero. Therefore, the process of creating the hero is often influenced by existing moral practices, values, and virtues, and thus, heroes often reflect the society of the period.
The heroic quest theme was commonly used in literature to demonstrate the character’s superior abilities, illustrate his moral values, and establish a connection with the people. This essay will explain how characters in Sundiata and Popol Vuh were influenced by the values defined by society’s perception of heroism and heroic acts and, therefore, could be considered as their reflection.
There are many examples in Sundiata’s story that could be used to demonstrate the societal norms of that period, for example, in the description of how society valued women depending on their skin color. There are also several moments emphasizing the rareness of true heroes as Sundiata’s father had to marry multiple women to find the one that would give birth to the child with heroic destiny. When Sundiata was born, he was known as a “lion child,” emphasizing his regal heritage and potential power (Niane 14). Sundiata’s birth was marked by a “great feast day” and “distribution of meat to the heads of the family,” meaning that the hero brought joy and was loved by the nation from his first days (Niane 14). The statement about the heroes being the embodiment of heroic qualities defined by society suits the story of Sundiata.
On the other hand, Sundiata’s childhood was very hard and signaled the start of his way in overcoming obstacles, as he had no power in his legs and crawled on the floor instead of walking. Even though Sundiata was destined to be a hero, the idea of the hero not being able to do a simple task illustrates that real heroes do not appear instantly, and the process requires patience. Moreover, Sundiata and his mother were subjected to the hateful actions of the queen mother and were forced to live off her leftovers (Niane 18).
In his first heroic act, Sundiata stood up for the first time and brought a whole baobab tree to his mother to cheer her up as she was insulted by the queen mother. The text suggests that “the child is no more than the mother is worth,” explaining that Sundiata’s heroic destiny was sourced in his mother’s power and dedication to her son (Niane 22). This point highlights the important idea of having respect for the parents and mother especially.
Another quality demonstrated by Sundiata that illustrates society’s perceptions about heroism is kindness. When Sundiata discovers several old women scourging his mother’s garden for condiments, he expresses kindness by stating that they are free to gather crops, not knowing that they were witches sent to kill him. He even offers the witches a portion of elephant meat, completely changing their original intent and switching the witches to his side. Here, through choosing the highly regarded actions of kindness and generosity, Sundiata managed to maintain peace instead of committing acts of anger and violence. In continuing the theme of kindness, Sundiata always showed friendly intentions towards his half-brother Manding Bory, emphasizing how it is important to express a kind attitude to anyone and make friendly connections in real life. During the time of his exile from Mali, Sundiata made several reliable connections in other kingdoms through his wisdom and kindness.
On the other hand, examining the story of Hunahpú and Xbalanqué from Popol Vuh could also provide significant information about the virtues and heroic qualities highly valued by the Maya people. Hunahpú and Xbalanqué were young gods who saw harm and evil intentions in Vucub-Caquix’s actions and his sons following the father’s arrogancy as “assumed greatness” (Goetz & Morley 9). Hunahpú and Xbalanqué decided to prevent the seed of arrogancy from growing by killing Vucub-Caquix and his sons.
After failing to kill Vucub-Caquix with a blowgun, which cost one of the brothers a lost arm, they decided to conduct a plan in which they disguised themselves as grandchildren of an old couple. Through their cunning plan, they took Vucub-Caquix’s teeth and pierced his eyes, which were the main sources of his pride. By showing their intelligence in constructing the cunning plan, the twins defeated the Vucub-Caquix. The superiority of intelligence and determination over brute force and pride in the story emphasizes the qualities valued in people in the society of that period.
Next, to defeat both of Vucub-Caquix’s sons, Hunahpú and Xbalanqué again used their intelligence and constructed plans to kill them, demonstrating how arrogant and narrow-minded people could easily be manipulated. In going to Xibalba, Hunahpú and Xbalanqué continued to use their intelligence and skills to overcome the trials set by the Lords of Xibalba that the Lords used earlier to kill Hun-Hunahpú and Vucub-Hunahpú. The text states how the two twins “suffered great hardships, but they did not die despite all that was done to them,” emphasizing that the real heroes should never give up the heroic quests (Goetz & Morley 42). In the final stage of their heroic quest, Hunahpú and Xbalanqué tricked the Lords of Xibalba.
In order to entertain the Lords of Xibalba, the twins showed magical skills with their ability to bring living creatures and people back to life after being cut to pieces. Even though the process required one brother to be sacrificed, with his arms and legs “sliced off” and his head “cut away from his body and carried away,” they did not fear (Goetz & Morley 46). Moreover, their commitment and powers amazed the Lords of Xibalba, and they wished to be cut into pieces too, falling into the twins’ trap like their other enemies did.
Thus, through wisdom, intelligence, and commitment to the goal, the twins fulfilled their heroic quest and avenged the death of Hun-Hunahpú and Vucub-Hunahpú. The story represents the heroic qualities that Mayan people valued in people: not power or strength, but wisdom, righteousness, and determination.
In conclusion, the examples of Sundiata and the story of Hunahpú and Xbalanqué from Popol Vuh illustrate how society’s perception of qualities highly valued in individuals influenced the heroic characters and their quests. The story of Sundiata shows how in Mali Empire being kind and showing a friendly attitude towards other people presented the foundation of success and power, and simply being strong was not enough. The story of Hunahpú and Xbalanqué, on the other hand, demonstrates how the Mayan people valued intelligence and saw greatness in wisdom rather than power or strength.
Works Cited
Niane, Djibril Tamsir. Sundiata. Translated by y G. D. Pickett, Pearson Education Limited, 2006.
The Book of the People: Popul Vuh. Translated by Delia Goetz and Sylvanus Griswold Morley. Plantin Press, 1954.