The Legend of Xunaan
In the small town of Bolonchen (nine cenotes) in the Maya region there was a great warrior who had lead his village in many victories. This brave warrior fell in love with a beautiful maiden named Xunaan, who they said had a pure soul and a voice as beautiful as the running streams. She was blessed by the gods.
The warrior was madly in love with Xunaan and wanted to take her for his bride when the mother found out. She was angry and jealous that the warrior would take away her daughter so she hid her away in one of the many cenotes that were carved out long ago by the lords of water.
When the warrior was unable to find the beautiful maiden he managed to get the whole village to search for her but it was to no avail.
Then one day some women who were washing clothes were met with a bird who lead them to one of the cenotes. The women said they could hear a beautiful voice singing at the bottom of the cenote.
The warrior with his search party followed the bird and went to the cenote. At first they could hear the beautiful singing and the could see someone at the bottom. They built a large ladder so the warrior could climb down.
When he got to the bottom he saw the beautiful maiden and all the village people cheered and gave offerings to the deities.
It is said that at night you can still hear her singing while her warrior can come and listen.
