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Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun
Author and illustrator Martin Prechtel is internationally known for his explorations of ancient folklore and uncovering the lessons therein for modern readers. In "The Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun," he revives a hitherto unknown Guatemalan Tzutujil Mayan tale of the beginnings of the world with a poetic retelling of the story, 28 evocative drawings, and a critical analysis that both enlightens and entertains. Having lived with the Mayans and learned their language, Prechtel authoritatively retells the powerful tale of the Tall Girl who weaves the world in a loom, her parents the Sun and the Moon who repudiate her suitors, and the mysterious man who disguises himself as a hummingbird to lure her away. Prechtel expands this archetypal story with five layers of commentary, each teasing out a different wisdom and revealing its relevance to the world today.
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First published July 22, 2005
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About the author
Martin Prechtel
29 books183 followersA master of eloquence and innovative language, Martín Prechtel is a leading thinker, writer and teacher whose work, both written and oral, hopes to promote the subtlety, irony and pre-modern vitality hidden in any living language. As a half blood Native American with a Pueblo Indian upbringing, his life took him from New Mexico to the village of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. There becoming a full village member of the Tzutujil Mayan population, he eventually served as a principal in that body of village leaders responsible for instructing the young people in the meanings of their ancient stories through the rituals of adult rights of passage. Once again residing in his native New Mexico, Martín teaches at his international school Bolad’s Kitchen. Through story, music, ritual and writing, Martín helps people in many lands to retain their diversity while remembering their own sense of place in the daily sacred through the search for the Indigenous Soul.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 4, 2017
Prechtel's writing is so rich and deep that there are times I feel as if I am drinking from a firehouse of vernacular prowess beyond imagining. This "third" book in Prechtel's retinue is short and yet probably one of the most moving I have read so far.
The story of the the Daughter of the Sun would need to be read over and over to absorb its full potency; which is exactly what Prechtel instructs the reader to do. While the story has meanings within meanings and layers within layers, the part that I loved the most and would go back and read over and over again are the chapters following the actual story. Where Prechtel breaks down the story and describes the rights of passage; the layers of meaning; the teachings, lessons and guidance that each character and happening of the story is telling in how to live our lives.
Ever the master storyteller, Prechtel has written a book that is more than just a story and has so many life applications. A book I will treasure and read again and again.
The story of the the Daughter of the Sun would need to be read over and over to absorb its full potency; which is exactly what Prechtel instructs the reader to do. While the story has meanings within meanings and layers within layers, the part that I loved the most and would go back and read over and over again are the chapters following the actual story. Where Prechtel breaks down the story and describes the rights of passage; the layers of meaning; the teachings, lessons and guidance that each character and happening of the story is telling in how to live our lives.
Ever the master storyteller, Prechtel has written a book that is more than just a story and has so many life applications. A book I will treasure and read again and again.
June 10, 2008
yes, yes, yes. like crystals of tree sap melting in the hot sun, then cooling and hardening again into jewels from spring rain this book is all that and back again.
December 10, 2017
"The Disobedience Of The Daughter Of The Sun: Ecstasy and Time", as retold and analyzed by Martin Prechtel, has the appearance of a simple folktale. Appearance, as Prechtel points out, can be deceiving. This tale, like a single drop of water into a pond, is simple. However, the ever-widening ripples are fraught with meaning, for the myriad life forms that it touches, or for those who care to take the time to delve into its depth.
The book begins with a brief telling of the traditional story. The young lady in this tale is the daughter of the Sun and Moon. She is tall and beautiful and her parents have grand dreams for her about her future spouse. He must be tall, handsome, a god in his own right, someone deserving of their daughter. Unfortunately, as in life, the ways of young peoples' heart do not always follow their parent's plans. The young lady falls in love with an ugly, tiny little man. Her parents are appalled. They banish the unsuitable suitor and imprison their daughter within their hut. How this situation resolves itself is the crux of the "tale of the disobedient daughter".
Prechtel takes this delightful Mayan tale and elucidates its significance on five different levels of meaning. First, he relates the basic meaning of the tale that speaks about the maturation process of youth and the intricacies of the parent-child relationship inherent in any culture. Secondly, he details the unique cultural significance that only a native of the Mayan culture can bring to this story. Next, he instructs the reader how the structure of Native American language shapes storytelling and communication with non-Amerindians. Finally, he relates the lessons of global significance of this tale for the survival of the world.
Prechtel is a wonderful storyteller and educator. He spins a tale that delights the inner child. His words flow in easy simple language accessible to even young readers. It is impossible to walk away from this book without learning something about Mayan culture, Amerindian language structure, Indigenous mythology, or the impact of global warming. Amazing that this can all be addressed through the telling of one simple story. More remarkable that this is done with such depth and clarity, yet speaking within the range of comprehension of a child. Beyond this tremendous feat, Prechtel has illustrated this story with his own elegant line drawings.
Martin Prechtel is a "half-blood native American". He was raised in a Pueblo Indian reservation in New Mexico. As a young man, he found his way to Santiago Atitlan in the mountain region of Guatemala, to study with a Tzutujil (Mayan) shaman. He spends years collaborating with his mentor as a shaman for the Tzutujil people, continuing after his passing. Martin previously published, "Secrets of the Talking Jaguar" (1999) and "Long Life, Honey in the Heart" (1999). He since has released "Stealing Benefacio's Roses: A Mayan Epic" (2002), "The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumaquic: The Parallel Lives of People as Plants: Keeping the Seeds Alive" (2015) and "The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise" (2015). After the American supported Guatemalan military dictatorship's genocide of over 200,000 traditionalist Mayans, who had nothing to do with the "Guatemalan Civil War", Martin was forced to flee back to the U.S. with his Guatemalan wife and two sons. (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/l...) Martin now resides at his ranch in New Mexico, where he now thrives as a writer, artist, musician, healer and charming storyteller.
"The Disobedience Of The Daughter Of The Sun: Ecstasy and Time" by Martin Prechtel is much more than the re-telling of an ancient Mayan folktale. It teaches of a way of life and a way of thinking, so easy to read and understand, that it can and should be shared with a child. This book is an absolute delight. It should be read again and again, because each reading will harvest some new insight. It has earned a permanent place in my collection and in my heart. Am sure, it will do so for you and your family also. (this is an edited version of a review by "Su Terry".)
The book begins with a brief telling of the traditional story. The young lady in this tale is the daughter of the Sun and Moon. She is tall and beautiful and her parents have grand dreams for her about her future spouse. He must be tall, handsome, a god in his own right, someone deserving of their daughter. Unfortunately, as in life, the ways of young peoples' heart do not always follow their parent's plans. The young lady falls in love with an ugly, tiny little man. Her parents are appalled. They banish the unsuitable suitor and imprison their daughter within their hut. How this situation resolves itself is the crux of the "tale of the disobedient daughter".
Prechtel takes this delightful Mayan tale and elucidates its significance on five different levels of meaning. First, he relates the basic meaning of the tale that speaks about the maturation process of youth and the intricacies of the parent-child relationship inherent in any culture. Secondly, he details the unique cultural significance that only a native of the Mayan culture can bring to this story. Next, he instructs the reader how the structure of Native American language shapes storytelling and communication with non-Amerindians. Finally, he relates the lessons of global significance of this tale for the survival of the world.
Prechtel is a wonderful storyteller and educator. He spins a tale that delights the inner child. His words flow in easy simple language accessible to even young readers. It is impossible to walk away from this book without learning something about Mayan culture, Amerindian language structure, Indigenous mythology, or the impact of global warming. Amazing that this can all be addressed through the telling of one simple story. More remarkable that this is done with such depth and clarity, yet speaking within the range of comprehension of a child. Beyond this tremendous feat, Prechtel has illustrated this story with his own elegant line drawings.
Martin Prechtel is a "half-blood native American". He was raised in a Pueblo Indian reservation in New Mexico. As a young man, he found his way to Santiago Atitlan in the mountain region of Guatemala, to study with a Tzutujil (Mayan) shaman. He spends years collaborating with his mentor as a shaman for the Tzutujil people, continuing after his passing. Martin previously published, "Secrets of the Talking Jaguar" (1999) and "Long Life, Honey in the Heart" (1999). He since has released "Stealing Benefacio's Roses: A Mayan Epic" (2002), "The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumaquic: The Parallel Lives of People as Plants: Keeping the Seeds Alive" (2015) and "The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise" (2015). After the American supported Guatemalan military dictatorship's genocide of over 200,000 traditionalist Mayans, who had nothing to do with the "Guatemalan Civil War", Martin was forced to flee back to the U.S. with his Guatemalan wife and two sons. (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/l...) Martin now resides at his ranch in New Mexico, where he now thrives as a writer, artist, musician, healer and charming storyteller.
"The Disobedience Of The Daughter Of The Sun: Ecstasy and Time" by Martin Prechtel is much more than the re-telling of an ancient Mayan folktale. It teaches of a way of life and a way of thinking, so easy to read and understand, that it can and should be shared with a child. This book is an absolute delight. It should be read again and again, because each reading will harvest some new insight. It has earned a permanent place in my collection and in my heart. Am sure, it will do so for you and your family also. (this is an edited version of a review by "Su Terry".)
August 12, 2008
Love on so many levels - deep cycles of time. Reading this book was balm to my aching heart.
November 14, 2020
Rich, lush, relevant, magical, full spectrum, no stone unturned, absolutely gorgeous book. Everything I could ever ask for, and much much more..
All you can do is bow down in eternal gratitude to the Tzutujil and Martín Prechtel
All you can do is bow down in eternal gratitude to the Tzutujil and Martín Prechtel
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February 27, 2015I read this book because I was looking for tales of Goddesses who symbolize the archetypal role of "daughter" and there are only a few. Instead of my intended scholarly look at a new myth, I was transported and blown away. Prechtel's use of language is florid and heart-rending. This is a read and read again book. I need the rest of his works!
February 6, 2014
I love the ideas in Martin Prechtel's books. However, I found the writing in this book to be really difficult to get through. If you haven't read any of Prechtel's books yet, start with The Secrets of the Talking Jaguar, which clearly had a better editor!
Currently reading
September 13, 2009Martin teaches Bolad's Litchen in NM, where some friends go. Trying to get a feel for his ideas.
January 12, 2022
I have a friend, a wise man that I consider a Shaman. He would never call himself by that title because he is too unassuming, too humble. But my friend is the kind of person that moves energy, people, mountains... so when he directed me to Martin Prechtel's works, I paid attention.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Here, Prechtel takes a folktale passed down from generation to generation in the oral tradition customary to the Tzutujil community of Guatemala, and then he analyzes its different layers and symbols, to reveal many insights that apply not only to the Tzutujil, but to everyone, because its teachings and archetypes are universal. In stories we find different meanings that apply to our own lives in different ways. This is a magical story meant to open our hearts, one we must read to our children, and allow it to flow.
This book conveys a great reverence for nature, a sense of respect and admiration for the elements that sustain and shelter all forms of life. The land "is a tangible living soul that has a heart." Women are water: the soul of the community, the givers of life. Prechtel's words are as poetic and delightful as is the essence of the story. The more we read it, the deeper its teachings will burrow in our hearts.
Favorite quotes:
"There is no safety, ever. Once you've chosen to love, to have longing, to follow an art or devotion, you automatically accept your death as payment for being blessed with a mortal life to live out your longing."
"The story tells us that living the life of an artist is not as useful as living our lives as a work of art."
"We are all meant for big things, not the stupid little things you hang out with. Our lives are not our own to do with as we please, in our bigness we serve more that our whims. Our very actions, breaths, and thoughts make or break the world. Our speech makes winds rise or trees to wither and burn."
This is the first book I have read by this author. Here, Prechtel takes a folktale passed down from generation to generation in the oral tradition customary to the Tzutujil community of Guatemala, and then he analyzes its different layers and symbols, to reveal many insights that apply not only to the Tzutujil, but to everyone, because its teachings and archetypes are universal. In stories we find different meanings that apply to our own lives in different ways. This is a magical story meant to open our hearts, one we must read to our children, and allow it to flow.
This book conveys a great reverence for nature, a sense of respect and admiration for the elements that sustain and shelter all forms of life. The land "is a tangible living soul that has a heart." Women are water: the soul of the community, the givers of life. Prechtel's words are as poetic and delightful as is the essence of the story. The more we read it, the deeper its teachings will burrow in our hearts.
Favorite quotes:
"There is no safety, ever. Once you've chosen to love, to have longing, to follow an art or devotion, you automatically accept your death as payment for being blessed with a mortal life to live out your longing."
"The story tells us that living the life of an artist is not as useful as living our lives as a work of art."
"We are all meant for big things, not the stupid little things you hang out with. Our lives are not our own to do with as we please, in our bigness we serve more that our whims. Our very actions, breaths, and thoughts make or break the world. Our speech makes winds rise or trees to wither and burn."
January 18, 2026
A rich and transporting story, followed by five layers of interpretation (as long as the story itself) that collectively provide an interesting glimpse into the cosmology, values, and everyday life of the Tzutujil Mayans.
Personally, I found this book ethnographically fascinating and occasionally insightful (particularly the first two “layers”) … but as much as I respect different and indigenous cultures, the Mayan cosmology just didn’t resonate with me as much as I think was hoped by the author—or by the person who gifted this to me.
It’s a well-written book about a culture that’s underrepresented in literature, but it was less educational than most non-fiction—and less enjoyable than most fiction—that I’ve been reading lately.
Personally, I found this book ethnographically fascinating and occasionally insightful (particularly the first two “layers”) … but as much as I respect different and indigenous cultures, the Mayan cosmology just didn’t resonate with me as much as I think was hoped by the author—or by the person who gifted this to me.
It’s a well-written book about a culture that’s underrepresented in literature, but it was less educational than most non-fiction—and less enjoyable than most fiction—that I’ve been reading lately.
September 28, 2021
I listened to this book, as it felt like a much better way of experiencing it. Martin Prechtel is an amazing storyteller and had this book been mostly a recounting of the Mayan myth I would have given it 5 stars. But his interpretation/breakdowns of the story was where I felt it got very weak. While some completely made sense (such as how those with a creative soul forsake everything to bring their art to life) other times it just seemed like he was trying really hard to make a case for his interpretations.
January 19, 2021
Not something I'd typically read because my genres are normally crime or supernatural but it was good. My takeaway was that it was about family; parent's influence on their children and whether to give your children the choice to decide if they agree with your thoughts, beliefs, feelings, etc. It was definitely heavily embedded with "social class" issues. The story was cool but the 5 chapters following it, describing the "layers" was more interesting to me.
July 12, 2021
Before visiting New Mexico, listened to Martin read this on audio. What a beautiful audio book! Loved hearing him tell this story of the daughter of the Sun and her love, the son of the sea.
After the story (about half the book), Martin gives awesome analysis of the five layers to this story. A great testament to story and beauty and how they play into our rich, tumultuous lives.
After the story (about half the book), Martin gives awesome analysis of the five layers to this story. A great testament to story and beauty and how they play into our rich, tumultuous lives.
February 18, 2024
3.5/4 stars. Super interesting but the prose was a little too much for me sometimes. I had to start keeping a count of how many times the author used the word "suckle" if that gives you any indication lol
January 17, 2020
The story is moving, but the commentaries are not very helpful.
September 3, 2023
Lovely. So many gems.
February 9, 2024
I've literally never finished a book and then started it over until this one.
July 14, 2024
An absolutely beautiful blend of folktale, mythology and philosophical analysis. I anticipate reading this one again slowly to digest the lessons.
February 18, 2025
Very difficult to read. This writing style is not for me.
May 16, 2025
How rare it is to find a story as good as this and go in knowing nothing about it. This 1,000 year old myth is as captivating as anything else l've read recently. Truly amazing
November 3, 2025
Really beautiful and interesting storytelling and metastorytelling. The author is not native Tz'utujil Mayan, but does know the language and culture fairly intimately.
February 13, 2025
How rare it is to find a story as good as this and go in knowing nothing about it. This 1,000 year old myth is as captivating as anything else I’ve read recently. Truly amazing
March 2, 2008
The storytelling tradition this book embodies is one my soul longs for and my voice looks towards the way a lake looks to the moon.
It begins with a traditional Mayan teaching story. Then, Martin guides the reader/listener(s) through several layers of meaning, facilitating a journey into a bottomless world of the most integritous metaphor.
It begins with a traditional Mayan teaching story. Then, Martin guides the reader/listener(s) through several layers of meaning, facilitating a journey into a bottomless world of the most integritous metaphor.
May 12, 2008
A Mayan tale, told four different ways, revealing wisdom from this ancient earth culture... if you are paying attention and opening your heart. Martin Prechtel is a true poet. Delicious and eloquent are his words. Extremely fortunate are we to hear these stories passed on. Best if read out loud and several times over...
September 5, 2008
I love Pretchel's tales of his life with the indigenous Tzutujil Mayan in Guatemala... I've since heard, not surprisingly, that he is a very controversial figure. So be it. His story (embellished, biased, whatever) is a great lovely adventure, filled with magic, shamanism and spirit. Beautiful. I've read all his books and wish there were a dozen more...
November 17, 2012
if there is a rule . i do not read books more than once .... i have started this one again immediately .....this is a Mayan story containing many of the beliefs they have about how our world is structured . it has cast our own fairy tales , which have hung on by a thread in another light . i am also drawn to re read my European fairy tales .... a wonderful book
April 29, 2023
I highly recommend all of Martin Prechtel's books. My favorite nonfiction storyteller who expresses a lyrically beautiful; full, authentic, integral life. Martin illustrates admirable talent, embodying an exemplary way of being in this world in interrelation to the spirit world.
October 2, 2008
I love all of Martin Prectel's books. This one I read after I read the trilogy. It was a nice follow up. I recommend reading his other 3 books first.
December 24, 2008
One of the most beautiful books I've ever read.
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July 12, 2009Beautiful and heartbreaking. A story meant to feed more than entertainment, a deep digging tale to pull up a passion for life, your everyday wonderfully "mundane" life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews