Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Many cultures have a collection of myths about a particular religious or cultural tradition. In Gods of Jade and Shadow, author Silvia Moreno-Garcia builds off traditional Mayan mythology. With what myths are you familiar? What cultures do they represent? Have there been modern retellings of this myth, either in books or films?

Teaching Suggestion: It might be helpful for students to enter this discussion by first brainstorming myths with which they are familiar. Most students will likely have been exposed to Greek or Norse mythology but making a list of popular myths might be helpful. When considering the last question regarding modern retellings, it might be beneficial to consider popular movies such as Thor and Wonder Woman.  

• “6 Maya Myths and Legends That Will Show You a World of Ancient Magic”  - This article by Magazine Maya Luxe introduces Mayan mythology. There is a section about Xtabay, a character that appears in Gods of Jade and Shadow.
• Xibalba  - This article provides some background information about Xibalba, a major setting within the story.