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TED-Ed

The twins who tricked the Maya gods of death - Ilan Stavans

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One day, twin brothers Junajpu and Ixb’alanke discovered their father’s hidden ballgame equipment and began to play. Hearing their vigorous game, the lords of the underworld sent a messenger to challenge the boys to a match. Despite the danger, the twins nevertheless answered the call, making the trek to the great city of Xibalba. Who would emerge victorious? Ilan Stavans shares the Maya myth.

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Meet The Creators

Educator
Ilan Stavans
Director
Arvind Singh Jeena, Nikhita Prabhudesai
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Storyboard Artist
Nikhita Prabhudesai
Animator
Gaurav Dhaimodkar, Ashish Phadke, Elisha Bansode, Arnav Gaikwad
Compositor
Arvind Singh Jeena
Art Director
Nikhita Prabhudesai, Ashish Phadke
Composer
Adam Alexander
Sound Designer
Adam Alexander
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Producer
Bethany Cutmore-Scott
Editorial Producer
Elizabeth Cox
Script Editor
Alex Gendler
Fact-Checker
Jennifer Nam

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