Puzzle Description:

One common glyph for the representation of the 13th day in the Mayan calendar cycle. The popular misconception of the Mayan calendar ending on December 21, 2012 is based on the long count entering the next b'ak'tun, commonly represented in arabic numerals as 13.0.0.0.0. See the first spoiler for links and more information.

#1: bugaboo (bugaboo) on Mar 5, 2011

cool puzzle
no guessing
edge logic early on in column 3 (you can completely place the 14) then some line logic and then smile logic to finish the bottom/center area of rows 18/19

This is the image the puzzle is based on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MAYA-g-log-cal-D13-Ben.png

This is not the only glyph used to represent thirteen, but it is a common one used on carved monuments; a concept similar to the Egyptian cartouche.

The Long Count itself is a modified base-20 system, with the "day" representation on the far right. The second digit from the right cycles at 18 instead of 20, since 18x20 (360) is a much closer approximation of the solar year than 20x20 (400) would be.

For more information on the Long Count and why 12.19.19.17.19 is causing the same sort of "end of the world" ruckus as 1999 did, you can read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesoamerican_Long_Count_calendar#2012_and_the_Long_Count

Solving guide:

A little bit of line logic can be done to start, but not all that much.

Use some edge logic on the top & sides. More line logic.

Some internal edge logic can be done with the 9 in R6. Line logic will get you very nearly finished from here.

Smile logic to finish the last bit at the bottom.

Wow, bugaboo, you beat me to my own first comment. Glad you enjoyed it. :D

Cool puzzle and informative too!

Fun solve, nice puzzle :)

Fantastic puzzle, Wombat.

Hey, people out there, listen up. This solve requires very simple edge logic and very obvious smile logic, both relatively easy to figure out, once you've done it a few times. If you are not familiar with these types of logic, please check out Jan's FAQ (tab on the left). And please change your solvability rating. I ask this, because when most solvers see a question mark, they skip the puzzle, as most experienced solvers do not like puzzles that require guessing. It is almost an insult to the puzzle creator who puts great care into making the puzzle solvable.

Now I'm going to go check out the info on this most interesting image. :-)

A neat explanation. I thought it was some kind of Indian symbol.

Found to be solvable with moderate lookahead by blurglecruncheon.

Goto next topic

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