Definition of Tecún Umán

In most countries there is a hero from ancient times who ends up becoming a symbol of the national culture. In the case of Guatemala, there is an official national hero since 1960 and on February 20 of each year different acts of tribute are held in his honor. His name is Tecún Umán and he is a warrior of the civilization Quiché who fought the Spanish conquerors in the XVl century.

The figure of him is remembered in different sculptures in the territory from Guatemala.

The stories about Tecún Umán are a mixture of legends of oral tradition and historical facts

According to legend, in the battle of El Pinar that took place in the Pachah Valley in 1524, Spanish soldiers fought against the indigenous people of the Mayan Quiche culture. These were led by the warrior Tecún Umán, who carried quetzal feathers on his head and in his hand a magic spear with which he could fly over his enemies.

With his spear he managed to bring down the horse of Pedro de Alvarado, the leader of the Spanish soldiers. When both were face to face there was an intense combat in which the chief

indigenous he was mortally wounded.

It is said that at that precise moment a quetzal that was flying over the skies fell on the bloody chest of Tecún Umán.

According to popular tradition, the red color on the chest of this bird comes from the blood of the mythical Guatemalan warrior

Also, it is stated that Tecún Umán's body was abandoned by the conquerors and later the Quiche warriors buried her body in a hidden place in the so-called Cerro de Tecún.

The original dimension history of this character is debated by specialists. Some consider the stories about him to be popular inventions with little foundation, while others have no doubts about him. leadership of this warrior who faced the Spanish conquerors.

While Tecún Umán is a national hero, Pedro de Alvarado is a character who does not arouse any sympathy in Guatemalan society

Pedro de Alvarado from Extremadura was under the command of Hernán Cortés and has gone down in history as a bloodthirsty and cruel conqueror. He died in 1541 in Mexico when a wild horse accidentally fell on him.

Later, his daughter, Leonor, had his remains transferred to the cathedral of Santiago de los Caballeros in the city of Antigua Guatemala.

As a result of several earthquakes, the cathedral has been renovated on different occasions and for this reason the exact location of his grave is unknown.

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