TED-Ed: The Taino myth of the cursed creator | Bill Keegan

In a world before humans, four brothers lived in the celestial realm of gods. Deminán, one of the brothers, was afflicted with painful scabs. They sneaked into the Supreme Spirit Yaya's house and accidentally created a new world by breaking a gourd. This world was filled with seas and separated from the celestial realm. The brothers met their grandfather, Bayamanacao, who revealed their lineage. Deminán's affliction was a sign of his role as a caracaracol, a link between gods and humans. The caracaracols maintained balance but suffered from the same affliction, symbolized in Taino art.

What was the initial setting of the story before the creation of the world of humans?

• A dense forest with mythical creatures

• A celestial realm of fields and gardens

• A world of seas and islands

• A barren desert with hidden oases

What event led to the creation of the new world of seas?

• A magical spell cast by Yaya

• A battle between gods

• The breaking of a giant gourd

• The brothers' discovery of their lineage

Who revealed the brothers' lineage and what was their mother's identity?

• Yaya, the Supreme Spirit

• Bayamanacao, their grandfather

• A mysterious sea creature

• A wise old turtle

What emerged from Deminán's back after Bayamanacao's curse?

• A fish

• A bird

• A serpent

• A turtle

What is the significance of the caracaracol in the world of humans?

• They are warriors who protect the seas

• They are healers who cure diseases

• They maintain the balance between people and gods

• They are builders of great cities