Introduction

From the ancient, crumbling pyramids of Teotihuacan, a colossal city that once dominated Mesoamerica, whispers a tale of cosmic struggle and the cyclical nature of life and death. This story, passed down through generations of the people who lived in its shadow, speaks of a ballgame unlike any other, a contest played not for sport, but for the very survival of the sun and the fate of humanity. It is a myth, a traditional story told by the ancestors, meant to explain the world around them and the forces that shaped their lives. We approach this narrative with respect for the culture that created it, understanding it as a powerful piece of storytelling, not as a statement of fact.

Origins and Cultural Background

The myth of the ballgame of the underworld originates from the civilization of Teotihuacan, flourishing in Mesoamerica between the 1st and 8th centuries CE. The people of Teotihuacan were sophisticated builders, artists, and astronomers. Their grand city, with its monumental pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon, reflects a worldview deeply intertwined with the cosmos. They believed in a layered universe, with the earthly realm nestled between the heavens above and the underworld, known as Mictlan, below. This underworld was not simply a place of death, but a vital source of regeneration, where seeds germinated in darkness before bursting forth into life.

The Teotihuacanos, like other Mesoamerican cultures, viewed the world as a constant cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth. They believed that the gods had sacrificed themselves to create humanity and the sun, and that this sacrifice needed to be constantly renewed. The sun’s daily journey across the sky was seen as a perilous battle against the forces of darkness, a struggle that required human participation through rituals and offerings. The ballgame, with its symbolic movements and high stakes, became a powerful metaphor for this cosmic drama.

Character Description: Quetzalcoatl

A central figure in the mythology of Teotihuacan, and later adopted by other Mesoamerican cultures, is Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. He is often depicted as a composite being, embodying both the earthly and the celestial realms. His serpent body represents the earth and its fertility, while his feathers symbolize the heavens and spiritual transcendence.

Quetzalcoatl is not a creature to be worshipped. In the context of the Teotihuacan mythos, he is a symbolic representation of duality, wisdom, and the balance between opposing forces. He is seen as a cultural hero, credited with bringing knowledge and civilization to humanity. He is often portrayed as benevolent, advocating for peace and the arts, but also as capable of fierce action when necessary. His image appears throughout Teotihuacan’s art and architecture, reminding the people of their connection to the divine and the importance of striving for harmony in the world.

Main Story / Narrative Retelling

Long ago, when the sun was weak and the world shrouded in perpetual twilight, the lords of Mictlan, the underworld, grew restless. They envied the warmth and vitality of the earthly realm and sought to extinguish the flickering flame of the sun forever. The most powerful of these lords was Mictlantecuhtli, the Lord of the Dead, a fearsome figure adorned with bones and skulls, ruler of the deepest, darkest reaches of the underworld.

Mictlantecuhtli challenged the gods of the upper world to a game of tlachtli, the sacred ballgame, played in a specially constructed court. The stakes were impossibly high: the life of the sun itself. The gods knew that if they refused, the darkness would consume the world. But who among them could face the cunning and power of the lords of the underworld?

It was Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, who stepped forward. He descended into the depths of Mictlan, navigating treacherous rivers of blood and forests of razor-sharp obsidian. He faced trials and deceptions, enduring the cold, the darkness, and the terrifying presence of the dead.

Finally, he stood before Mictlantecuhtli in the grand ballcourt of the underworld. The court was a place of shadows and echoes, the air thick with the stench of decay. The ball, made of heavy rubber, pulsed with an eerie light. The game began.

Quetzalcoatl, using his cunning and agility, battled against the lords of the underworld. He dodged their attacks, strategized against their tricks, and managed to score point after point. The game was long and arduous, a struggle between life and death, light and darkness. Finally, with a final, desperate shot, Quetzalcoatl sent the ball soaring through the stone ring, winning the game and securing the sun’s continued existence.

Victorious but weary, Quetzalcoatl gathered the bones of the previous generations of humans, which were scattered throughout the underworld. He brought them back to the upper world and, with the help of other gods, ground them into a paste and mixed it with his own blood. From this mixture, new humans were created, stronger and more resilient than before. Thus, the victory of Quetzalcoatl not only saved the sun but also ensured the continuation of humanity.

Symbolism and Meaning

The ballgame of the underworld is rich in symbolism. The game itself represents the ongoing struggle between opposing forces in the universe: light and darkness, life and death, order and chaos. The ball symbolizes the sun, its journey across the sky mirroring the perilous journey of the gods through the underworld.

Quetzalcoatl’s descent into Mictlan and his victory over Mictlantecuhtli represent the triumph of life over death, the cyclical nature of existence, and the importance of sacrifice. The creation of new humans from the bones of the old symbolizes regeneration and the continuity of life.

For the people of Teotihuacan, the myth may have served as a reminder of their place in the cosmic order and the importance of participating in rituals and offerings to ensure the sun’s continued survival. It also reinforced the importance of courage, cunning, and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

Modern Perspective

The myth of the ballgame of the underworld continues to fascinate and inspire in modern times. It is frequently referenced in literature, movies, and video games, often as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and confronting mortality. The visual imagery associated with the myth, such as the feathered serpent and the skull-adorned lords of the underworld, is often used to create a sense of mystery and exoticism.

Archaeological discoveries at Teotihuacan, including the remains of ballcourts and depictions of the ballgame in murals, provide further evidence of the importance of this ritual in the ancient city. Scholars continue to study the myth, seeking to understand its deeper meanings and its connection to other aspects of Teotihuacan culture.

Conclusion

The ballgame of the underworld is a powerful story that offers a glimpse into the worldview of the ancient people of Teotihuacan. It is a testament to their creativity, their understanding of the cosmos, and their ability to use storytelling to convey complex ideas about life, death, and the human condition.

As Muslims, we recognize that only Allah is the true Creator and Sustainer of the universe. We understand that these myths are cultural stories, not statements of divine power. We appreciate the rich cultural heritage and the power of imagination and storytelling traditions found in various civilizations throughout history. May we always approach such narratives with respect, understanding, and a recognition of the Oneness of Allah.