Viracocha

= Viracocha = Viracocha is a god in Inca mythology, he is believed to be responsible for creation of the earth, the stars, the heavens, the moon, and all living things. Viracocha was said to have created all life by breathing into rocks. The oral stories tell that the first time he tried making life, he made large thoughtless giants, which he ended up destroying in a flood. But some of the giants returned to their original forms and created buildings and statues such as Pukara and Tiwanku. Viracocha's second attempt in creating life was more successful: creating humans out of clay. He gave his creations the gift of art and language. When he had completed these duties, he went to spread knowledge to the world, disguised as a poor man. In one legend, Viracocha is the father of Manco Cápac, who is believed to be the founder of the Inca empire. Cápac lived near Cusco with his siblings, who all wanted to take over the Cusco Valley. Then Manco Cápac became greedy and killed his brothers in order to become the sole leader of the Cusco Valley. Viracocha was depicted as a lighter-skinned man with a beard. So when the Spaniards came into conquer, some of them were nicknamed “Viracochas” because they looked like Viracocha.

By: Brian Cottingim