Hurakán
Hurakán (Huracán) (the one-legged) In Mayan mythology, a creator god. In the beginning, according to the Popol Vuh, sacred book of the ancient Quiché Maya of Guatemala, there was the god Hurakán hovering in the dense and primeval gloom over a watery waste. Hurakán passed over the surface of the waters as a mighty wind, saying one word, “earth.” In response to this utterance a solid mass rose slowly from the deep. The gods (there were many) then took counsel to see what should be done next. Among the gods were Hunahpú, Gucumatz, Xpiyacoc, and Xmucané. After some discussion, it was decided to create animals, which they did. Then the gods carved wooden mannequins and gave them life, but they were too puppetlike. Hurakán sent a great flood to destroy them. All were drowned except for a few handfuls, whose descendants are said to be “the little monkeys that live in the woods.” Later Hurakán made four perfect men—Balam-Quitzé, BalamAgag, Mahucutan, and Iqui-Balam. They are the ancestors of the Quiché.
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SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow – Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
