As the circle of initiates enlarged, Yohl Ik’nal wanted close-by residences for these privileged elite. And, the additional residential structures served to further disguise the area.
East of the Ixha River there were few buildings on the ridges. Nearest the river were workshops and residences of minor artisans and merchants, with terraces for home gardens. Beyond these spread pole, clay and thatched roof dwellings of commoners, surrounding shared plazas and gardens. A few large stone structures had been constructed by prior generations of rulers, notably a temple to the East perched high on the eastern slope of the tallest mount overlooking a flat meadow bordered by the Otolum River. This temple caught sunrise before any other in Lakam Ha, and was used for rituals of Lak’in, of sun initiation and beginnings of endeavors. Another temple dedicated to the South was built on a rise with southern exposure just beyond the Ixha River. Here ceremonies honored Nohol, or “big door” of the south through which flowed heat, power and abundance for growth and prosperity.
Nearby was an area of particular interest to Yohl Ik’nal. A small structure built there during her great-grandfather’s time had been used for visioning rituals. It was situated on a modest hillock of bedrock east of the Nohol Temple, in dense forests not yet cleared for building. The small hillock nestled between steep hills as the Otolum River wrapped around its western edge. This location, with its feel of being cradled in the arms of the Great Earth Mother, was her choice for her funerary monument (Temple XX).
It was customary for Maya rulers to plan and begin building their funerary monuments, which were often completed by their successor. Rites of transition for the ruler from the Middleworld to the Underworld were of utmost importance. Properly enacted with rituals and burial objects, transition rites assured a successful navigation through underworld challenges. Death Lords must be overcome and outwitted in order for the rulers to ascend to the Upperworld where they established their presence as stars. The prototypes for this transition were the “Hero Twins” Hun Ahau and Yax Bahlam whose saga is poetically told in the Popol Vuh.
Yohl Ik’nal envisioned her burial temple as a solitary pyramid, embracing the bedrock hillock and rising substantially above to reach toward the sky. She was unique, the first woman ruler of Lakam Ha, and her monument must stand alone. It would remind the people of both her singularity and her oneness with the Great Mother, the primal goddess Muwaan Mat from whose womb all life springs. Her father Kan Bahlam’s funerary pyramid also stood alone, signifying his innovative reign that successfully turned the inheritance pattern toward the female side of the B’aakal lineage. The several preceding rulers had traditional burial patterns. Their monuments were a line of adjoining temples at the southeast corner of the complex by the Bisik River. These six pyramids were built into the hillside overlooking the main plaza, foreshadowing the line of temples built later by Lakam Ha’s most creative ruler.
The momentous occasion of the katun end arrived:
Baktun 9, Katun 8, Tun 0, Uinal 0, Kin 0, 5 Ahau 3 Chan (August 22, 593 CE) marked nearly seven solar years of the building program initiated by Yohl Ik’nal. Ceremonies were held on the highest plaza at the newly completed Temple of Kan Bahlam. The ruler enacted her first katun-end rituals with pomp and precision, in the high style expected of the Bahlam lineage rulers. She presented appropriate bundles to each of the Triad Deities and strongly embodied their presence.
In her vision following blood-letting, from the jaws of the vision serpent coiling in copal smoke emerged Mah Kinah Ahau, the second born of the B’aakal Triad, the Watery Sun Jaguar who traversed through the underworld at night. He conveyed a disturbing message that she recited in trance state to the elite initiates gathered in the underground Sak Nuk Nah:
“Katun 5 Ahau begins,
Harsh is its face, its tidings.
Severe is its toll upon the ruler.
Then begins vexation by enemies,
Then happens suffering in Lakam Ha.
Disrupted is the balance, the stability.
There is affliction borne by the offspring.
Then comes the blurring of the face of the gods.
The red rattlesnake raises its head to bite.
The red stinging ant rises up to bite.
He who lies in wait is among you, it is his katun.
He is seen in the plazas on his mat,
The three-day mat person.
The rattle of the katun is shaken,
There is treachery of the katun at Lakam Ha.
Amid the affliction of the katun, the treachery,
Those greedy for dominion are turned aside.
The Mother of the Gods wears the Plumeria flower,
There is an end to the misery of Lakam Ha.”
2
As the fall equinox drew near, there were days of bright sunshine that defied the tall billowing clouds hinting at rain. Early morning mists burned off quickly, and forests steamed under the strong sun. Many residents of Lakam Ha sought refuge in the cool, dim chambers of their thick-walled homes as insects buzzed and bit relentlessly. Even the birds and monkeys hid in leafy depths, strangely silent until refreshing evening breezes brought revival.
Not so the royal family. Led by Hun Pakal and Yohl Ik’nal, a small entourage toiled over hilly paths and across burbling rivers now at their lowest, heading southeast from the palace. Sak K’uk, ever eager for adventure, bounced energetically a few steps ahead of her father who led the way. She took short detours to examine an interesting bug or flower, humming to herself and tardy to respond when called back. Walking beside Yohl Ik’nal was her childhood friend Sak Nicte, now her chief female assistant at court. Close behind were several household attendants carrying baskets of food and drink, woven mats for sitting and canopies for creating shade.
Next to Hun Pakal was Hix Chapat, son of Chak B’olon Chaak the ruler of Popo’ and ward of the Lakam Ha royal family for the past eight years. He and his twin sister Hohmay lived in the palace, participated in court protocol and training, and were schooled by the royal tutor B’ay Kutz. At fifteen solar years, Hix Chapat was muscular and athletic, participating enthusiastically in games and hunting, bearing himself proudly as the royal heir of Popo’. Hun Pakal was fond of the boy and made a point of cultivating him, teaching skills in competition and battle. Truthfully, he had more rapport with his ward than with his own son, Aj Ne Ohl Mat. Half listening as Hix Chapat described the trophies of his last hunt, Hun Pakal glanced back seeking his son’s whereabouts.
Not surprising, he sighted Aj Ne Ohl Mat walking beside B’ay Kutz, engrossed in the pompous scholar’s long-winded discourse on some learned subject. B’ay Kutz meant “fat turkey” in Mayan, and indeed the chubby little tutor seemed turkey-like as his pink wattles jiggled and round eyes blinked when he made particularly salient points. Aj Ne was a perfect foil to the fat turkey, his own lanky limbs and pointed face perched on a long slender neck making him appear decidedly stork-like.
“No athlete, this one!” Hun Pakal could not suppress his disappointment. Sighing, he turned back to the more satisfying, although self-aggrandizing monologue of Hix Chapat.
But Aj Ne Ohl Mat was not as engrossed in his tutor’s ruminations as he appeared. Nodding often and muttering appropriately, his eyes darted frequently ahead to the young woman following his mother. Her lissome form moved gracefully, arms and shoulders bare in the hot sun. Dark ringlets danced beneath her headband as she walked with a hip-swaying motion, her shapely legs outlined through the thin summer skirt. He was smitten with Hohmay, the twin sister of Hix Chapat. Surges of yearning such as he had never imagined in his 15 years pulsated through him. Her demure demeanor during their studies and social time together had never suggested romantic interest, until recently when sultry glances beneath half-closed eyelids set his heart palpitating.
Or was he mistaken? Anguish flooded the boy and he tried to re-focus on his tutor’s monotonous voice, to no avail. What had he heard, half-listening to his parents’ conversation giving hints that s
he might be selected as his wife? Why had he not paid better attention? Overcome by insecurity and doubt, he dropped into wells of inner darkness and heard no more of B’ay Kutz’s teachings.
Yohl Ik’nal had indeed been cultivating Hohmay as the future bride of her son. She wanted to solidify the alliance with Popo’ and guarantee its longevity, especially since her katun predictions foresaw serious troubles ahead for Lakam Ha. Following her recovery from the trance and bloodletting in the prior year, she studied the notes made by the royal scribe. While she did not completely understand all the symbolism, the message of vexation, suffering and affliction was clear. This seemed especially focused on the ruler and offspring, which troubled her greatly. Treachery was certainly in the offing, but from whom and in what form she did not yet foresee. The ambitions of Ka’an were likely involved, given the imagery of rattlesnake bites, for they were the dynasty of the snake. She puzzled about the “three-day mat occupant” that implied someone taking over Lakam Ha’s governance temporarily. Thankfully, the predictions ended on a positive note with the Great Mother Goddess fending off those seeking domination, and then restoring harmony.
She must undertake another vision to gain more clarity.
Meanwhile, she pushed to complete her building program and ensure alliances with other cities. This excursion today was related to the building program, an idea of the royal tutor B’ay Kutz. He thought the young royals would benefit from first-hand exposure to the out-lying parts of Lakam Ha development, and possibly be inspired to contemplate what their future contributions might be. After all, they were nearing adulthood and before much longer would be assuming leadership roles.
Ruefully, Yohl Ik’nal admitted that her physical vigor was less than a few years ago. Her joints were already aching and her breath shorter than she liked. Glancing ahead at Hun Pakal, her heart swelled at his continued vigor as he strode easily beside the young Popo’ heir.
He will outlive me, she reflected with uncanny certainty.
The failing health of Popo’ ruler Chak B’olon Chaak was also sobering. He was younger than she, and reports of his prospects were not good. Soon young Hix Chapat would return home to prepare for taking over rulership. She felt assured that his training and experiences in the court of Lakam Ha would provide a sound foundation for this critically important transition.
The royal entourage descended a steep hillside and found rocky shallows to cross the Otulum River between the Lak’in Temple and the partially built funerary monument. East of the river was a level meadow bordered by several spreading Ox-Ramon trees that provided welcome shade. Attendants quickly set up ground mats and canopies, and soon served tasty maize cakes, fruit and nuts, and strips of dried venison. Gourds were used to scoop cool river water for drinking. The porters waved large feather fans, attempting to create some airflow in the windless day.
The four young royals gathered on one mat, chatting casually about whatever came to mind. They were usually quite comfortable with each other, spending many hours together over the years studying, eating, exercising and playing. This day, however, Aj Ne felt awkward and remained quieter than normal. Hohmay, sitting opposite him, was more animated than usual, gesturing and tossing her hair repeatedly. Hix Chapat noticed nothing, being habitually self-absorbed and continuously refocusing conversation to his interests. Sak K’uk pursed her lips and took it all in, sensitive to the electric charge between her brother and Hohmay and irritated yet again by Hix Chapat.
As soon as they finished eating, she jumped up making excuses about needing to talk with her mother, and strode purposefully to the elders’ mat. A little wheedling convinced Yohl Ik’nal to accompany her to the lowest rise to the east, so she could see what was beyond. Hand in hand they headed off, skirting the river along a narrow trail. When they were out of earshot, Yohl Ik’nal queried her daughter.
“You seem most eager to leave your companions.”
“Aaah, they are boring me,” Sak K’uk replied. “Aj Ne and Hohmay are particularly dull, all they can do is cast yearning glances at each other, while he pouts and she makes insipid remarks. Are they pledged to marry?”
“That is my intention, and I am certain that Chak B’olon Chaak gives his assent to this union.”
“Thus is it when the urge to marry occurs? Normally intelligent people behave like fools . . is this what it means to be love-sick? Yech!” Sak K’uk tossed her head disdainfully.
Yohl Ik’nal smiled and teased her daughter.
“Does not your affection stir for Hix Chapat?”
The girl’s face clouded as if she entertained a terrible thought.
“It surely must not be your intention that I marry him! Unmarried rather would I remain than be bound to that strutting, puffed-up macaw who can think of nothing but his own deeds and desires. I do not need a man, I am perfectly fine by myself!”
Laughter burst from Yohl Ik’nal. Her daughter was nothing if not honest and direct.
“Rest assured that I have no such intention,” she reassured. “Your assessment is quite accurate. He is far from deserving such a bright star as you. It is to your credit that you harbor no attraction to him. Soon he returns to his home city, and will annoy you no more.”
Sak K’uk’s relief was palpable. She smiled broadly and squeezed her mother’s hand.
“Come, mother, let us hurry to look beyond the next ridge.”
The girl trotted ahead but Yohl Ik’nal continued to climb slowly, catching her breath. She heard footsteps behind and turning, saw Hun Pakal hurrying to catch up. She was very glad to have him take her arm and assist in the gentle climb.
Sak K’uk stood on the ridge top, looking east. The Otolum River ran almost straight across a long level meadow. Impressive, steep hills swept upward to the south, covered with trees. Another steep hillside veered west, crowned by the Nohol Temple. The far end of the meadow appeared to drop precipitously into a canyon as the river disappeared from view. A modest, rectangular structure bordered the left bank of the river not far from the ridge where she stood.
Her parents reached the ridge top and stood beside Sak K’uk. Tree branches rustled slightly as a breeze blew across the meadow. The sun behind them cast lengthening shadows on the waving grasses.
“What is that building?” Sak K’uk pointed to the lone building.
“In the time of my father, it was used for hunters to stay between forays into the forests,” said Yohl Ik’nal.
“Occasionally the warriors use it to stage practices, since the meadow provides an open area for contests,” added Hun Pakal.
“It seems empty now,” observed Sak K’uk.
“Hmmm, I think it is,” her father said.
Quiet descended upon the trio, as the breeze brought welcome coolness. Sak K’uk closed her eyes and appeared deep in contemplation. After some moments, she whispered intently:
“There, over that building I can see an immense palace. It is the most beautiful palace I have ever seen, with wide stairs ascending all sides, tall buildings and a most unusual tower, many courtyards inside and . . . Oh, it has the most gorgeous panels and frescoes, with columns and windows and water flowing inside the rooms . . . Many people fill the palace and they wear strange clothes and come from distant places . . . Nothing like this palace has ever been before!”
Her parents exchanged glances, sharing the identical thought: Was this a vision of the future? Or a young girl’s daydream?
“How lovely,” murmured Yohl Ik’nal.
“Yes, and I am there too.” Sak K’uk spoke with startling certainty, eyes still closed.
3
The high-ranking ahauob of Lakam Ha maintained large home complexes, impressive structures with multiple courtyards, living quarters for family and servants, guest residences, separate cooking and dining areas, and even buildings resembling the royal court where the household head received his peers and supplicants. Here networks and alliances were shaped, loyalties and obligations established, and intrigue initiated. Most of t
hese ahauob traced their family origins back to K’uk Bahlam I, the dynastic founder of the ruling B’aakal lineage. Their ancestors were the brothers and sisters of the rulers, family members who never acceded to rulership but who had legitimate claim through their sacred bloodlines.
Over generations, a large cadre of blooded ahauob was created. Some had diluted bloodlines through out-marrying, and thus were farther removed from potential rulership. But others had bloodlines arguably as pure as the ruling Bahlam family. This created a scenario with many contenders for rulership at every change of ruler. Since determination of the next ruler was not strictly dictated by direct descent, or even by sex, an unstable situation existed in the large Maya cities. An excess of blooded ahauob eligible for rulership was inherently explosive.
Yaxun Zul was one of these blooded ahauob. He was a well-respected man of middle age who had acquired large farms and orchards; an astute manager of traders whose far-flung trade network brought exotic goods favored by the elite. While he inherited considerable assets, he expanded these holdings and was now among the wealthiest men in the city.
Yaxun Zul was also ambitious. When young, he had dreamed of becoming ruler himself. The wily manipulations by Kan Bahlam I, father of Yohl Ik’nal, had derailed this dream. Yaxun Zul still marveled at how smoothly the transfer of rulership to Yohl Ik’nal had been engineered. Indeed he could learn much from studying the great ruler’s tactics. Now Yaxun Zul dreamed again, this time for his 15 year-old son Kan Mo Hix. Yohl Ik’nal was aging, and her heir not yet named. Few elite in Lakam Ha were unaware that her son, Aj Ne Ohl Mat lacked leadership qualities. Of course her daughter Sak K’uk possessed these qualities in abundance, but her claim to rulership could be challenged more effectively than her brother’s. Kan Mo Hix was no less eligible than either of the ruler’s children.
The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik'Nal of Palenque Page 23