Tecún Umán

Categories: Central American people stubs | Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica

Tecún Umán was the last ruler of the Quiché people, in the highlands of what is now Guatemala. According to the Kaqchikel annals, he was slain by Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado while waging battle against the Spaniards in the grasslands of El Pinar (Valley of Olintepeque) on February 20 1524.

Tecún Umán is considered the most representative of his people for his bravery and dignity because he fought to protect his land and his people. He was declared Guatemala's official national hero on March 22 1960 and is conmemorated on February 20, on the anniversary of his death.

Tecún Umán has inspired a number of legends and songs. The most popular legend says that during the battle against the Spaniards, his spiritual guide (his nahual), a quetzal bird, accompanied him. When Tecún Umán was slain, his nahual died of sadness and stained its breast with the hero's blood. From that day on, all male quetzals bear a scarlet breast and their song has not been heard since.

One of many tributes to Guatemala's national hero is a sculpture by Roberto González Goyri, which stands near the south west entrance of the zoological park "La Aurora".

He is mentioned in the Hardy Boys book The Clue in the Embers (Vol. 35).