Inca Creation Legends

   As the Incas were comparatively late arrivals in Peru, being the last of a whole series of pre-Columbian cultures, their Creation Legends are scanty in the extreme. Several of them are centred on Tiahuanaco, where there are monolithic structures of great age far outdating the Incan culture. Here it was believed that both men and animals had been created, and the two mother goddesses of the lake, Mama Cocha and Copacati, appear to have been connected with this. Later Titicaca became a centre of sun worship to which pilgrimages were made.

   In common with many other American races the Incas tell of a time when humanity sought refuge in a cave known as Pacari from which came the founders of the Inca culture. Another story is that of Ataguju, from whom descended Guamansuri, the father of Apocatequil and Piguerao. Finally there was the mother goddess Mama Pacha, from whom originated Pachacamac, the earth god. Further details will be found under the following headings: Epunamun, Guachimines, Ka-Ata-Killa, Mama Allpa, Mama Ocllo Huaca, Mama Pacha, Mancoccapac, Punchau, Supay, Thonapa, Tiahuanaco, and Viracocha.