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

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TEDEd Animation

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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.

How were the second set of twins conceived?

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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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