Xbalanque is the younger of the Hero Twins, the constant companion of his brother Hunahpu throughout the exploits of the Popol Vuh. The two are conceived by Xquic from the skull of One Hunahpu and grow to shame the false sun Seven Macaw and his mountain-making and mountain-toppling sons before descending into Xibalba to avenge their father. Xbalanque is the more resourceful in adversity, reviving Hunahpu after his decapitation in the house of bats and directing the ruse by which the twins let themselves be burned and reborn, then dismember and restore each other before the astonished lords of death, luring the death lords to their own destruction. The etymology of his name is disputed, but the jaguar element aligns him with a nocturnal, lunar aspect complementary to his solar brother.