BOOKS OF THE WORLD| GUARANI LITERATURE

Hello, how are you? Welcome to this podcast, from the Canary Islands to the world.

This is a literary journey without borders. In each episode, I explore a work, an author, or a literary movement from different corners of the planet. Because books are also passports, and each story brings us closer to different cultures, languages, and realities.

#ReadingIsTraveling

The same thing happens with African literature; if we don't see the books, it seems they have no culture. They forget an important fact:

Characteristics of Guaraní Literature

* Orality as a Fundamental Basis

Traditional Guaraní literature is transmitted orally, with a strong presence of myths, legends, songs, prayers, and stories that explain the origin of the world and the values of the culture.

Example: The myth of Karai, one of the four great creator gods.

* Symbolic and Poetic Language

Intense use of natural symbols (mountains, animals, rivers) as metaphors for life, death, and balance.

Rhythm, repetition, and parallelisms are common, as in oral poetry.

* Indigenous Spirituality and Worldview

The Guaraní worldview is based on balance with nature, community, and the spiritual. There is talk of the "ayvu marane'ỹ" (the word without evil), which expresses an ethical and aesthetic ideal.

* Preservation of the Guaraní Language

Although often repressed, the Guaraní language remains a vital vehicle of identity. There is literature written entirely in Guaraní, or bilingually (Guarani-Spanish).

* Cultural Resistance and Identity

Both traditional and contemporary literature are forms of resistance to cultural colonization. "Ñande reko" (our way of being) is celebrated, and marginalization is denounced.

León Cadogan (1899–1973)

Although not indigenous, León Cadogan was a researcher and defender of Guaraní culture, especially that of the Mbya and Ache. He collected and translated Guaraní myths with great respect and helped preserve key texts.

Key Work:

“Ayvu Rapyta” (The Foundation of Speech)

It captures the Guaraní religious and philosophical worldview, narrated by indigenous scholars. It is considered one of the most important texts of Guaraní literature and a key document of Mbya spirituality.

Patricia López Muñoz 

Técnico Superior en Animación Sociocultural 

Técnico Especialista en Inmigración 

Técnico Superior en Integración Social