Madhava Agave Nectar - Legend of the Agave (Maguey)

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Legend of the Agave (Maguey) This is the indigenous story of "pulque," which has been passed verbally through generations. The Maguey is the "Tree of Wonders," delaying the aging process as it is consumed in the womb and throughout life. Mexican ancestors claim that when the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, they were surprised to find no elders in their society. This is the marvel of the "Tree of Wonders." Papantzin In 1340, Papantzin, a loyal farmer to the King Talcalpanetzin, made his way across the semi-arid zone of the Nahuatl Territory, just north of the Tenochtitlan Pyramid. At a point in his journey, he discovered a mystifying liquid dripping on the land. He stopped to investigate the cause, uncovering a hollow cavity among the enormous leaves of the Great Maguey, in the heart of the plant. The juice accumulated in the empty core, and upon tasting it, he found that it was curiously sweet. The juice was Neutli, or "the mead of the maguey." Using his faithful knife, Papantzin sliced the leaves of the Maguey to reveal its sweet offering. He gathered the nectar and took it home to his family. All enjoyed this new drink, and the Maguey became a customary source of sustenance for the family. Papantzin kept the leftover Neutli in a stone pot. As the days passed, the liquid transformed into a white and frothy drink. Upon sampling the puzzling juice, he discovered that it had an even more satisfying taste and a unique aroma. In addition, consuming it put him in a very joyful, amused state of mind. Today, we know this liquid as "pulque." Papantzin sent his daughter to King Telcalpanetzin with a gift, a mud pot containing his mysterious new discovery. Upon tasting it, the King saw in Papantzin's daughter a very beautiful woman. Because she was from an underprivileged family, the King offered to keep her in his kingdom where she could be suitably educated and cared for. Only wanting the best for his daughter, Papantzin allowed her to remain with the King. A short time later, to Papantzin's dismay, his daughter became pregnant by the King. Papantzin felt betrayed and misled, and he immediately declared war on the King. After a long hard battle, he had to succumb to the King's army. The Goddess Mayahuel, the female divinity associated with the maguey. The ancient ritual of collecting "neutli," the mead of the Maguey. The value of the Maguey (agave) and its many uses is mentioned in this ancient codex inscribed on the wall of the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City: " ...Ten cuidado de las cosas de la tierra, haz algo, corta madera, labra la tierra, planta nopales, planta magueyes; tendras que beber, que comer, que vestir. Con eso estaras en pie, seras verdadero, con eso andaras. Con eso se hablara' de ti, se te alabara', con eso te daras a conocer..." Translation: Be mindful of the earth. Be active, cut wood, work the land, plant cactus, plant magueys; you will need to drink, eat, and clothe yourself. With this you will have what you need, you will be virtuous, and you will be prepared. With this you will be spoken of, praised and made known to all.

Legend of the Agave (Maguey)

This is the indigenous story of "pulque," which has been passed verbally through generations. The Maguey is the "Tree of Wonders," delaying the aging process as it is consumed in the womb and throughout life. Mexican ancestors claim that when the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, they were surprised to find no elders in their society. This is the marvel of the "Tree of Wonders."

Papantzin

In 1340, Papantzin, a loyal farmer to the King Talcalpanetzin, made his way across the semi-arid zone of the Nahuatl Territory, just north of the Tenochtitlan Pyramid. At a point in his journey, he discovered a mystifying liquid dripping on the land. He stopped to investigate the cause, uncovering a hollow cavity among the enormous leaves of the Great Maguey, in the heart of the plant. The juice accumulated in the empty core, and upon tasting it, he found that it was curiously sweet. The juice was Neutli, or "the mead of the maguey."

Using his faithful knife, Papantzin sliced the leaves of the Maguey to reveal its sweet offering. He gathered the nectar and took it home to his family. All enjoyed this new drink, and the Maguey became a customary source of sustenance for the family.

Papantzin kept the leftover Neutli in a stone pot. As the days passed, the liquid transformed into a white and frothy drink. Upon sampling the puzzling juice, he discovered that it had an even more satisfying taste and a unique aroma. In addition, consuming it put him in a very joyful, amused state of mind. Today, we know this liquid as "pulque."

Papantzin sent his daughter to King Telcalpanetzin with a gift, a mud pot containing his mysterious new discovery. Upon tasting it, the King saw in Papantzin's daughter a very beautiful woman. Because she was from an underprivileged family, the King offered to keep her in his kingdom where she could be suitably educated and cared for. Only wanting the best for his daughter, Papantzin allowed her to remain with the King.

A short time later, to Papantzin's dismay, his daughter became pregnant by the King. Papantzin felt betrayed and misled, and he immediately declared war on the King. After a long hard battle, he had to succumb to the King's army.

The Goddess Mayahuel, the female divinity associated with the maguey.

The ancient ritual of collecting "neutli," the mead of the Maguey.

The value of the Maguey (agave) and its many uses is mentioned in this ancient codex inscribed on the wall of the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City:

" ...Ten cuidado de las cosas de la tierra, haz algo, corta madera, labra la tierra, planta nopales, planta magueyes; tendras que beber, que comer, que vestir. Con eso estaras en pie, seras verdadero, con eso andaras. Con eso se hablara' de ti, se te alabara', con eso te daras a conocer..."

Translation:

Be mindful of the earth. Be active, cut wood, work the land, plant cactus, plant magueys; you will need to drink, eat, and clothe yourself. With this you will have what you need, you will be virtuous, and you will be prepared. With this you will be spoken of, praised and made known to all.