One Hunahpu Severed Head

“Here your faces shall be hidden, for you are to be sacrificed,” said One Death
and Seven Death.

Then they were sacrificed and buried. It was at the place named Crushing
Ballcourt that they were buried. The head of One Hunahpu was cut off, while the rest of
his body was buried with his younger brother.

“Place his head in the midst of the tree that is planted by the road,” said One
Death and Seven Death.

Now when they went to place his head in the midst of the tree, the tree bore
fruit. The tree had never borne fruit until the head of One Hunahpu was placed in it.
This was the tree that we now call the calabash. It is said to be the head of One
Hunahpu.

One Death and Seven Death marveled at the fruit of the tree, for its round fruit
was everywhere. Neither could the head of One Hunahpu be seen clearly, for his face had
become identical in appearance with the calabashes.

This was seen by all Xibalba when they came to look at it. In their hearts, they
perceived the greatness of the essence of that tree, for it was accomplished immediately
when the head of One Hunahpu entered into its midst.

Thus the Xibalbans spoke one to another, “Let no one cut the fruit, nor enter
beneath the tree,” they said.

Thus they restricted themselves. All the Xibalbans restrained themselves. For the
head of One Hunahpu was no longer clear, having become identical with the fruit of the
tree whose name is the calabash. Great is the account of it.


- Popol Vuh