Chapter One—The Beautiful Quetzal (KET-suhl)
Long ago, Cacique (ka-SEE-kay), a powerful leader of the K’iche’ (KIH-chuh) people, lived in the rain forests of Guatemala. He longed for a son to carry on as ruler when he died. After many years, his wife gave birth to a baby boy, Quetzal, which means “beautiful.” On the day the boy was born, a wise man put a jade and obsidian necklace over the baby’s head and said, “Quetzal, it is your destiny to live forever.”
Everyone cheered in the tribe except for Chiruma (CHY-room-uh). He was the younger brother of the chief who was jealous of the baby. With Quetzal around, the only way for Chiruma to become the chief was to get rid of his nephew.
This story is from the January 2021 edition of Faces - The Magazine of People, Places and Cultures for Kids.
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This story is from the January 2021 edition of Faces - The Magazine of People, Places and Cultures for Kids.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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ME OH-MAYA!
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