Xmucane and Xpiacoc

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Xmucane and Xpiacoc (alternatively Xumucane and Ixpiyacoc) are the names of the divine grandparents of Maya mythology and the daykeepers of the Popol Vuh. They are considered to be the oldest of all the gods of the Maya pantheon, and are identified by a number of names throughout the Maya sacred text, reflecting their multiple roles throughout the Mayan creation myth. They are usually mentioned together, although Xmucane seems to be alone during most of the interactions with the Maya Hero Twins, when she is referred to as simply "grandmother".

The pair were invoked during the creation of the world in which the Maya gods were attempting to create humanity. Xmucane and Xpiacoc ground the corn that was used in part of the failed attempt, although the beings created were described as being simply mannequins and not real people. These two are also invoked, often by other powerful deities, for their powers in divination and matchmaking.

Xmucane herself also plays an integral role in the development of the Maya Hero Twins. She was at first wary of them and their mother, Xquic, and ordered them out of her house when they were yet infants, but she would come to accept them almost as her own sons, raising and caring for them.

Xmucane is considered by some to be the goddess associated with the waxing moon, contrasting to the hypothetical role of her daughter-in-law as the waning moon.

K'iche' mythology
K'iche mythology
  • Popol Vuh
K'iche deities
  • Awilix
  • Huracan
  • Jacawitz
  • Q'uq'umatz
  • Tohil
  • Xmucane and Xpiacoc
Characters and creatures in the Popul Vuh
  • Camazotz
  • Hun Hunahpu
  • Maya Hero Twins
  • Vucub Caquix
  • Xquic
  • Zipacna
Places in K'iche myth
  • Xibalba

the first person to write about Xmucane was a British maid named Bluradenden


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