Las 9 Difíciles PRUEBAS del MICTLAN y CÓMO era el CAMINO para RECORRERLAS

Summary

This video explores the ancient Mexica concept of the afterlife, focusing on the nine difficult trials of Mictlán, the realm where souls traveled after death. Mictlán, ruled by the gods Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacíhuatl, is where souls who died naturally embarked on a perilous journey to reach eternal rest. Each level presented unique challenges, such as crossing rivers with the help of dogs, evading jaguars, and enduring sharp winds and arrows. The video highlights the differences between Mexica and Western beliefs about death, inviting viewers to reflect on their own thoughts about the afterlife.

Takeaways

• 💀 Mictlán is part of the Mexica cosmovision and represents the place where souls rest after natural deaths or due to illness.
• 🕊️ Mictlantecuhtli, the Mexica god of death, governs the underworld with his wife, Mitecacihuatl.
• 🐕 The journey to Mictlán involves crossing nine difficult trials, the first being a river that requires the help of a Xoloitzcuintli (dog) to cross.
• ⛰️ In the second trial, the soul must pass between two mountains that continuously crash together.
• 🪨 The third level involves climbing sharp, jagged mountains that tear the soul’s skin as they ascend.
• 💨 At the fourth level, the soul faces freezing winds carrying obsidian blades.
• 🌪️ In the fifth level, powerful winds toss the souls around, making it difficult to proceed.
• 🏹 In the sixth trial, the soul must avoid sharp arrows launched by invisible hands, representing lost battle arrows.
• 🐆 The seventh level involves being devoured by jaguars or offering a symbolic heart to continue.
• 🌊 In the final levels, the soul crosses rivers of black water, shedding their physical body to reach the end of the journey.

Q & A

What is the Mictlán according to Mexica mythology?

The Mictlán is the place of eternal rest for the souls of those who died of natural causes or normal illnesses. It is governed by the gods Mictlantecuhtli and his wife Mictēcacihuātl and represents the land of the dead in the Mexica worldview.

Who were Mictlantecuhtli and Mictēcacihuātl?

Mictlantecuhtli was the Mexica god of death and ruler of the Mictlán, while his wife, Mictēcacihuātl, also governed the underworld. Together, they oversaw the dead who arrived in Mictlán after death by natural causes.

What was the significance of dogs, specifically Xoloitzcuintli, in the journey through Mictlán?

Dogs, particularly the brown Xoloitzcuintli, were essential guides for the dead in the first level of Mictlán, helping them cross the dangerous river. It was believed that people who treated dogs well during life would be aided by them in the afterlife.

What was the challenge in the second level of Mictlán, 'Tepectli Monamitlán'?

In the second level, the deceased had to cross between two mountains that constantly opened and closed. The challenge was to time the crossing without being crushed by the mountains.

What dangers did the dead face in the third level, 'Iztepetl'?

In the third level, the dead had to climb sharp, jagged mountains, which were difficult to traverse as the rocks would tear their flesh as they ascended.

What was 'Itzgecayan', the fourth level of Mictlán?

'Itzgecayan' was a place of harsh, icy winds filled with sharp obsidian knives. The dead had to survive this desolate and dangerous environment to advance further in the underworld.

What made the fifth level, 'Paniel Catacoyan', so perilous?

In the fifth level, gravity ceased to function properly due to strong winds that tossed the dead around like flags. The challenge was to fight these winds and avoid being carried away.

What happened to the dead in the sixth level, 'Timiminaloayan'?

In the sixth level, the dead had to traverse a long path while invisible hands shot arrows at them. These arrows were believed to be the ones lost in battles in the living world.

What was the significance of the jaguars in the seventh level of Mictlán?

In the seventh level, jaguars sent by the deity Tepeyóllotl would attack the dead and devour their hearts. This act symbolized the release of the soul from the physical body, allowing the dead to continue their journey.

What was the final task for the deceased in Mictlán's ninth level?

In the ninth level, 'Chiconamitlán', the souls had to cross the final waters and were freed from their earthly sufferings by Mictlantecuhtli and Mictēcacihuātl. The dead needed to offer tributes they were given during their funeral rites to complete their journey.