Page:The Annals of the Cakchiquels.djvu/103

Rh were divided; but the other, that is, Gagavitz, brought us forth — us, the Xahila.

31, They then arrived at the white hills called Teyocuman, coming there for the second time. There they saw the fire of the mountain called Gagxanul. Truly it was frightful to see the fire coming from the mountain, the fire shooting forth afar off. No one could say how it could be passed by, as the mountain Gagxanul was on fire for a whole year, after which fire did not come forth. When all the warriors of the seven villages had arrived at the foot of the mountain, no one spoke; truly, they grieved at heart, nor could one say how the fire could be captured. They could but go on hoping. When he arrived at the mountain they spoke to our ancestor, Gagavitz, and all the warriors said to him: "Thou our brother, thou hast arrived, thou in whom is our hope. Who will go down to the capture of this fire? Who will descend for us, who are seeking our fortune, oh thou our brother?" So said all; and we replied: "Who of you wishes that I shall try my fortune? He has a heart of a hero, that fears not. I will go first." Thus spoke Gagavitz to them: "You must not fear so soon." Truly, the fire of the mountain was terrible. Then there was one named Zakitzunun, who wished to go with him. "I will go with you," said Zakitzunun, speaking to Gagavitz. Then they were armed and their ornaments put upon them. But the two said together: "There is no use of bows or shields." They laid them aside; they took pointed instruments and dug a trench, and they placed by the water those banana trees called raxah. When these things were in order, they entered first with their heads, then with their necks, then with their arms, with their hands, with their feet, so as to destroy the fire, as they said. Then Gagavitz descended into the fire, while Zakitzunun conducted the water to the fire, and the green grass and maize mixed with the water flowed upon the fire. Truly, it was fearful when it descended into the mountain, when it scattered the fire of the mountain, when the smoke burst forth afar and darkness and night