Two Ixil Myths (Guatemala) 
217 
As straightforward as the dramatic component usually is, however, a 
* u U understanding depends on an analysis of the basic story plot, the eido- 
chronic component. This component concerns the sequencing of narrative 
ac tions and circumstances in a story. Eidochronic analysis involves the 
identification of the basic elements or eidons and the derivation of rules which 
govern their occurrence. 
The first part of the term, eidochronic, is from the Greek, eidos, form 
0r shape. More recently it has been used in anthropology to represent certain 
Co gnitive aspects of culture as it is carried in the minds of individuals. Imti- 
at ed by Bateson (1958) and later used by Gladwin and others the term has 
taken on a special meaning in the discipline. 
A complete eidochronic analysis requires that numerous stories 
studied. They should all be of the same genre and from the same group of inter 
ring individuals who use essentially the same culture. Eidochronic analysis 
Proceeds in a series of successive approximations until eidons and eidochronic 
rules are derived from the same group under study. One way to begin eido- 
chronic analysis is to select stories which are very similar to each other and 
group them by pairs, triads, or however many can be found to form a sum ar 
cl uster. Then one determines the narrative action sequence common to the 
Tories of the grouping. Afterwards, he looks for similarities among the a 
s tracted sequences until a basic inventory of eidon candidates and tentative 
rules governing their sequence can be developed. As more stories are teste 
a gainst both the inventory and the rules, progressively fewer changes become 
Accessary until a stable set of eidons and sequence rules has emerged. 
The discussion that follows concerns only two myths and hence canno 
be said to constitute an eidochronic analysis but only the beginning of it . 
The myths are from an Ixil Maya Indian of highland Guatemala. I he 
are one of some twenty-odd Maya language groups still found m . eso 
ai Ueri Ca today. There are over 50,000 Ixil-speaking Maya. They live m the 
n °rthern part of the Department of Quiche in three dialect areas. The myt s 
Ascribed here were told in the Nebaj dialect. The first myth to be analyzed 
18 Presented in its entirety; the second, in synopsis form. The first involves 
story of an Ixil man who was transported to the underworld; the second 
a man who was carried to the skyworld. 
At the highest level of generality, the two stories seem to follow a pattern 
ls ubout 
transgression-restoration. A wrongdoing causes the protagonist to be trar 
Ported to a supernatural realm where various actions take place during is 
Vlsi T Afterwards, he is restored to his native locale. 
i he first story is about a maize farmer from Chajul. 
The Abode of the Mountain Deities 
is a sin to cut the maizefields before harvest or to mistreat animals. 
Phey are animals of the earth deities, of our mountain and our valley 
P° r a nearly complete eidochronic analysis, see Colby 1973a and 1973&.