Witch C'oxol

The wonderful tales offered in this bilingual collection provide readers with a new set of living stories that give insight into the current traditional ways and daily habits of Guatemala's Tz'utujil Maya peopletraditions that are fast disappearing.Anthropologist James D. Sexton and Maya storyteller Pedro Choloto Tem have worked together for more than fifty years, collaborating on seven previous books, including Mayan Folktales: Folklore from Lake Atitln, Guatemala. Their latest collaboration, The Witch C'oxol: An Ancient Legend and Other Mayan Folktales, offers a wonderful bilingual story collection that is priceless in cultural content.Readers will encounter tales about the Mayan calendar and shapeshifting naguals and meet characters such as King Tecn Umn and his powerful witch C'oxol as well as the early Spaniards who deceived the Maya out of their gold and silver. Some stories reinforce cultural values such as cleverness and compassion, while others call for respectful conduct while hunting or visiting enchanted hills. The stories reinforce traditional beliefs, reflect much about the natural habitat, and encourage us to pay attention to our dreams.