1. Tecun Uman was declared Guatemala's official national hero on March 22,1960, and is commemorated on February 20, the popular anniversary of his death.
10 Facts About Tecun Uman
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Tecun Uman has inspired a wide variety of activities ranging from the production of statues and poetry to the retelling of the legend in the form of folkloric dances to prayers.
3.
The death of Tecun Uman is said to have taken place in the battle of El Pinar, and local tradition has his death taking place on the Llanos de Urbina, upon the approach to Quetzaltenango near the modern village of Cantel.
4.
The legends relate that Tecun Uman entered battle adorned with precious quetzal feathers, and that his nahual, a quetzal bird, accompanied him during the battle.
5.
Tecun Uman quickly realized his error and turned for a second attack but Alvarado's thrust his spear into his opponent's heart.
6.
Tecun Uman called upon his own magic, and in the intention of killing Alvarado, struck Alvarado's horse dead.
7.
The true existence of a historical Tecun Uman is subject of ongoing debate.
8.
Tecun Uman was declared a National Hero of Guatemala on March 22,1960, and is celebrated annually on February 20 for the bravery and dignity he demonstrated in opposition to the Spanish Conquistadors.
9.
Tecun Uman's namesakes include a small town in the department of San Marcos on the Guatemala-Mexico border as well as countless hotels, restaurants, and Spanish schools throughout Guatemala.
10.
Tecun Uman is memorialized in a poem by Miguel Angel Asturias that bears his name.