Inti

Introduction

Inti is the Incan sun god, and he is considered as the patron deity of the Inca Empire. Although most consider him to be a cluster of solar aspects, he is actually more of a deity than that. It was also believed that he was born of Viracocha.

Physical Traits

Inti was not often represented in Inca art but when he was it was usually as a gold statue, a sun disk or a golden mask. Gold was particularly associated with the god as it was believed that the precious metal was the sweat of the sun. The most sacred statue of his was kept in his shrine at Cuzco.

Family

It was believed that Inti was the child of Viracocha, who created the universe and its goddess, Mama Cocha. There were two daughters named Quilla and Pachamama, and they were worshipped as the goddess of the moon and earth. Mama Quilla was considered by the Incas to be Inti’s wife, in addition to his sister.

He and his sister, Mama Killa, were both considered to be benevolent deities. They were married and had two children. Legend has it that Manco Capac was the child of Inti, but it is also believed that he was the son of Viracocha. Inti would later marry another goddess named Pachamama.

Powers and Abilities

Inti was considered to be a powerful deity. He controlled the Incas’ agricultural activities, and solar eclipses were regarded as a sign of his discontent. They believed that he was the most powerful god in the Incas’ history. Although he was usually a generous god, he was also prone to becoming angry and human sacrifices were the usual appeasement techniques.

Modern Day Influence

The festival of Inti Raymi is still celebrated today in certain parts of Peru and is still very much a part of the culture of the region.