The People of Corn
10 pages · 4 min · ages 5+
Based on: Central American (Maya)
Long ago, the world was quiet. The great god Kukulkan was there. He wanted friends to share it. He wanted people to love life. The world was green and beautiful. Kukulkan felt very happy and excited.
Kukulkan used soft, brown mud first. He shaped two small, round people. They were very squishy and wiggly. Then, a gray rain cloud arrived. The raindrops began to fall down. The mud people melted away slowly. They became a puddle on ground. Kukulkan sighed and tried once more.
Next, he carved people from wood. They were very strong and tall. They could walk through the forest. But they did not have hearts. They did not smile at flowers. They could not say 'thank you.' Kukulkan needed something much more special. He needed people with warm feelings.
Kukulkan visited wise Grandmother Ixmucané now. She was the oldest, kindest spirit. She lived in a bright garden. 'Please help me make people,' he said. Ixmucané smiled and nodded her head. She knew a very special secret. The earth held a magic gift. She walked to the golden fields.
The fields were full of corn. Some corn was white like clouds. Some corn was yellow like sun. Ixmucané picked the best, ripe ears. Corn was the life of earth. It was a very sacred plant. She carried the corn home carefully. She was ready to start again.
Ixmucané used a flat, gray stone. She ground the corn into flour. She mixed it with clear water. The corn became soft, sweet dough. It felt smooth in her hands. She worked with lots of love. The dough smelled like warm bread. She gave the dough to Kukulkan.
Kukulkan shaped the four first people. They were the color of sun. Suddenly, their little hearts started beating. Thump-thump, thump-thump, they went inside. The people opened their bright eyes. They looked at the blue sky. They looked at the green trees. They were finally alive and well.
The corn people began to speak. 'Thank you, Grandmother!' they shouted. 'Thank you, Kukulkan!' they sang. They were very grateful and happy. They could think and feel love. They took care of the plants. They spoke softly to the animals. They were kind to every creature.
The people learned to plant seeds. They poked small holes in soil. They gave the corn cool water. They waited for the rain's help. They did not take too much. They only took what they needed. This showed great respect for nature. The earth felt very happy too.
Soon, it was time to harvest. The corn grew tall and strong. Everyone danced in the golden field. They ate delicious, sweet corn together. We are part of the earth. We are the children of corn. Every harvest is a big party. The world is full of joy.