Hunahpu and Xbalanque (the Hero Twins)

The Lords of Death heard about two magical beggars and summoned Hunahpu and Xbalanque to their palace for a private performance. The lords first demanded that the brothers sacrifice a dog and bring it back to life. The twins did so, and the revived dog wagged its tail. Next they were told to set a house on fire and extinguish the flames by magic. They completed that task as well. They then sacrificed a bystander and restored him, while the Lords of Death cheered. Finally, at the urging of the lords, Xbalanque killed Hunahpu. Hunahpu quickly returned to life when Xbalanque called on him to rise. The two brothers were overjoyed, and the Lords of Death rejoiced as though they were performing the dance themselves.

The hearts of the lords filled with longing for the dance of Hunahpu and Xbalanque. One Death and Seven Death called on the twins to do the same to them. They asked the brothers to sacrifice both of them. The twins agreed and told the rulers that they ought to come back to life. One Death, the lord at the very top and ruler of Xibalba, was the first to be sacrificed. Seven Death was the next to be taken. The rulers had asked for the sacrifice after watching the dog, the bystander and Hunahpu return to life. The brothers promptly put both of the lords to death.