“At dawn, the boys came out of the House of Bats into the yellow light. They went down to the ball court. As they came close, they saw Hunahpu’s head hanging over the court…. Xbalanque took his brother’s head which hung above the court. When Hunahpu had his head back, the two boys laughed joyfully and ran to finish the ball game. The Lords of Death thought that something strange was going on. Even though they played hard against the boys, they couldn’t score….” (from the Popol Vuh, sacred text of the Quiché Maya)

Why let a little thing like Death stop us from playing?

“The boys took their ball and went to the court where their father had played…. Like their father, they happily played the sacred game. The earth shook beneath their running feet. Below the earth, the Lords of Death looked around. ‘Again?’ they exclaimed. ‘Who could it be this time? Who dares disturb us by playing ball above our heads?…’ The Lords called their messengers. ‘Go tell those who play ball up there that the Lords of Death wish to see them. Tell them to come within seven days, and to bring their ball and gear so that we can play together.’” (from the Popol Vuh, sacred text of the Quiché Maya)

Game on, Lords of Death.