Amaru : The Inca Dragon

Amaru

Introduction

The Amaru is a mythical creature that was featured in the mythology of the Incas as a double-headed dragon or serpent. It lived underground and was regarded as a significant figure in the Incan culture. Due to its special powers, it can cross the boundary between the underworld and the spiritual realm.

Physical Traits

Although the images vary, the general idea is that this creature is a serpentine animal that has parts of other animals. The Amaru is similar to a Chinese dragon.

Amaru was drawn from a central element within the Gateway of the Sun’s pyramid or mountain motif at Tiwanaku in Bolivia, with the heads of a puma and a bird. It is often depicted with wings and feet, and it is a powerful Chimera-like creature with a fox’s mouth, a fish’s tail, a snake’s body, and scales, and sometimes wings.

Other names

Amaru is also the name of the last Inca chief Tupac Amaru who was also after the rapper Tupac Shakur is named after.

Powers and Abilities

It was believed that Amaru possessed supernatural powers and was capable of causing sudden changes in the environment. It was often depicted as a creature that emerged from the depths, and it was said to be the harbinger of rain, revolutions, and winds of change. The Amaru is often regarded as an aggressive and morally ambiguous creature. It was not interested in humans, and it would sometimes fight and kill other creatures.

The Amaru is believed to represent the creative power of humankind, Earth, and Mother Nature. It is also associated with the underworld and is seen as a symbol of the sudden and violent changes that can occur in the world. Through its energy, Amaru helps balance the world’s various natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and storms.

The Amaru is also said to show the link between the otherworld and the sky through lightning. It is believed that the creature appears in the sky and is depicted to the people.

Modern Day Influence

The Amaru’s complex mythology is as fascinating as it is captivating for researchers. It can be depicted as a two-headed serpent that appears in the underworld or as a winged monster that fiercely duels its simile. It makes us think of dragons from medieval fantasy and medieval mythology and question the connection between European dragons and South American dragons.