"A retelling of several important ancient Maya myths, with background information describing the history, geography, belief systems, and customs of the people"-Provided by the publisher. Meet the ancient Maya. A sacred landscape ; A glorious civilization ; Kings, nobles, and commoners ; Gods and spirits ; Ritual and sacrifice - Timeless tales of the Maya. The origins of the world: the great flood ; The hero twins battle evil: the defeat of Seven Macaw ; The hero twins outsmart the giants: Zipacna and earthquake ; Adventures in the underworld: One and seven Hunahpu ; The hero twins defeat death: playing ball with the lords of Xibalba ; The origins of the Quichae Maya: the people of corn