The Maya maize god, father of the Hero Twins. Hun Hunahpu's death in Xibalba and resurrection by his sons represents the planting and sprouting of maize, the fundamental cycle of Maya agricultural life.
Hun Hunahpu (One Hunahpu) is the maize god whose death, burial, and resurrection mirrors the agricultural cycle. His story forms the background for the Hero Twins' adventures in the Popol Vuh.
The First Ballgame
Hun Hunahpu and his brother Vucub Hunahpu were skilled ballplayers whose playing disturbed the lords of Xibalba. After failing the tests of Xibalba, both were sacrificed.
The Calabash Tree
Hun Hunahpu's head was placed in a calabash tree. The skull impregnated the maiden Xquic with the Hero Twins.
Resurrection by the Hero Twins
Years later, the Hero Twins defeated the death lords and resurrected Hun Hunahpu, who rose from the earth as the maize plant sprouts.
Origin Story
Hun Hunahpu was one of the first beings created by the gods. He and his brother were tricked by the lords of Xibalba, sacrificed, and buried beneath the ballcourt. Through his sons' defeat of death, he achieved resurrection.
