Mysticism
The belief that animals, plants, stones, mountains and all natural elements have a consciousness.
What is animism.
On Antonio's first day of school, his classmates laugh at his-
What is lunch.
(Green chili and tortilla)
The name of Antonio's uncle who was healed by Ultima, with Antonio at her side.
Who is Lucas.
The name of the local brothel.
What is Rosie's.
A doorway or other entry point, either in real life or online.
What is a portal.
Tony senses this in the river, which always shows up in italics. The only other time italics are used is when he describing one of his dreams.
What is a presence.
The name of Antonio's first teacher.
Who is Miss Maestas.
The names of Tony's sisters.
Who are Deborah and Theresa.
The meaning of Tony's last name, Marez.
What is sea
This word means "to take the law into one's own hands." Drop the "e" at the end of the word, and it means "being alert to potential danger."
What is a vigilante.
Ultima makes three of these in the process of healing Tony's uncle, which she coats in wax.
What are dolls.
At the end of the school year, Antonio is summoned to the office and given this new.
This older brother stays behind at home, while the other two venture out on their own.
Who is Andrew.
Tony's lunchtime humiliation at school he calls la tristesa de la vida, or in English...
What is the sadness of life.
This word, as an adjective, means "politely pleasant or friendly." Used as a noun, it is a type of sweet low alcoholic drink.
What is cordial.
Antonio's middle name, which in Mexican folklore, is associated with mystical powers; those with this name are said to have special powers to resist witchcraft.
Who is Juan.
When pressed by Antonio's mother on what she thinks he will become as an adult, Ultima says with sadness that he will be this.
What is a man of learning.
Tony discovers in Chapter Once this man has a vast garden; he is also the town drunk.
Who is Narciso.
Lucas vomits this up as Ultima's cure completes itself.
What is a ball of hair.
This word may refer to a receptacle for holy water, a source (of information), or to a style of letters, say in Microsoft Word.
What is a font.
In this legend, told by Tony's friend Cico, the ancient people of the valley are turned into carp because...
What is they were starving and the carp were the only thing left to eat after 40 years of drought.
From his childish viewpoint, Tony thinks there is magic in this, which he goes to school to learn.
What is letters. (Learning to read and write)
The name of the patriarch, or father, of the three "brujas" who cursed Uncle Lucas.
Who is Tenorio.
What is the population of Las Pasturas, the setting of Bless Me, Ultima, today?
What is two.
This word refers to a type of formation in space- or to something that is vague or unclear here on earth.
What is nebulous.