Inca Myths

Inca Myths begins with an introduction to the land and people of the Andes and reviews the sources of our current knowledge of Inca mythology. Gary Urton then recounts various creation myths, including a selection from various ethnic groups and regions around the empire. Finally, he draws upon his extensive knowledge of the history and ethnography of the Incas to illuminate the nature and relationships of myth and history. The contents include: Introduction Creation myths Origin myths of the founding of the Inca empire Myths of the works and deeds of the Inca kings Selection of myths from around the empire Animal myths Myths from the Spanish Conquest Conclusions

The myths of the Inca gods in the first section of the book explain how the world was created and also detail the adventures of various deities as they vie for supremacy or act as tricksters in the worlds of mortals and huacas alike.

An introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers that brings together a wealth of information. A timeline places all key mythological tales and historical developments in chronological order.

Analyzes Inca mythology in light of the historical events that transformed their world at the time of the arrival of Spanish conquistadors.

The first introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers, bringing together a wealth of information into one convenient resource. Full of hard to find information, Handbook of Inca Mythology provides an accessible introduction to the rites, beliefs, and spiritual tales of the Incas. It provides a concise overview of Incan civilization and mythology, a chronology of mythic and historical events, and an A–Z inventory of central themes (sacrifice, fertility, competition, reversaldualism, colors, constellations, giants, and miniatures), personages (Viracocha, Manco Capac, Pachackuti Inca), locations (Lake Titicaca, Corickancha), rituals, and icons. The last Native American culture to develop free of European influence, the Incas, who had no written language, are known only from Spanish accounts written after the conquest and archaeological finds. From these fragments, a vanished world has been reborn and reintroduced into modern Andean life. There is no better way into that world and its mind-bending mythology than this unique handbook.

This book is dedicated to exploring the gods and goddesses that the Incas on the American continent worshiped, and within the pages you will find subtopics like: Historical background of the Inca empire before the colonists arrived. The myths about creation, death, procreation, and more. Strange gods and goddesses they worshipped, sometimes in brutal, macabre ways. The polytheist Inca religion. Child sacrifices and inhumane rituals as part of idol worship. Typical elements that made up the Inca civilization. Inca mythology is intricate, complex, and the ideals behind their mythological beliefs were often intertwined with real life events. This book will examine how both myth and fact contributed to the culture and traditions of the Inca, and how these influences and some stories continue to live on throughout the centuries. Add this book to cart now.

"Fascinated by the history and cultures of three highly developed ancient societies--the Mayans, followed by the Aztecs in Mesoamerica and the Incas farther south--Ferguson examines their artifacts and those of the Spanish conquistadors, in relation to the traditions preserved today by their many descendants...Part anthropological study, part history and part folklore... distills a huge amount of information to present a clear, uncluttered and rich resource."--"Publishers Weekly." "Fun, inspiring, educational, and all in all, a great read."--"The New Times."

A process of assimilation and cultural layering makes Incan mythology a rich and complex brew of Andean folklore, history, and belief. This book serves up a sumptuous offering of Incan and other Andean myths, and sheds light on cultures that often remain shrouded in mystery to this day. These myths and legends are placed within a context of history, archaeology, religion, folk beliefs, and culture, that both explains and enhances their meaning. Dozens of full-color images illuminate the rich storytelling.