Viracocha : The Creator God
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Inca Mythology |
| Classification | Gods |
| Family Members | N/A |
| Region | Peru |
| Associated With | Floods, Creation |
Viracocha
Introduction
Viracocha (also known as Huiracocha, Wiraqocha, and Wiro Qocha)was the god of the Incas and was regarded as the creator of the universe. He is also known for being a teacher of the people and is believed to have gone far and wide teaching humanity.
Viracocha was worshipped before he was incorporated in the Inca pantheon. In ancient Peru, he was given a headdress and a battle-axe by Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler. His name was also assumed by King Viracocha Inca.
While the Incans did not have written language, their rich oral traditions were still maintained by the legends surrounding him. This civilization’s peak was reached between 500-900 AD.
Physical Traits
In art, he has been depicted as a bearded man with a long robe. Early works of him have featured a statue of him at the ruins of Tiwanku, where all things were created.
Other Names
Even though he was not assigned to look after the interests of the humans, the creator God was still very much involved in the lives of his children. As the supreme creator god, he was often referred to by the Inca using various names. These other names, perhaps used because the god’s real name was too sacred to be spoken, included Ilya (light), Ticci (beginning), and Wiraqoca Pacayacaciq (instructor).
Powers and Abilities
It was believed that Viracocha first created giant beings out of stone during the age of darkness. He then punished them by sending a massive flood. In most cases, these creatures returned to their original form once they were punished.
Modern Day Influence
Of all the Inca Gods, he is the one of the most identifiable as the ruins which have baffled archeologists with their intricate and mindboggling construction are mostly dedicated to him. There is a section of researchers known as “Ancient Astronaut Theorists” who believe that Viracocha was actually an extra terrestrial being or alien who visited earth.
The MCU or Marvel Comic Universe has also introduced Viracocha in one of their comic books.
Related Images
Source
Wikipedia: Viracocha – Wikipedia
World History Encyclopedia: Viracocha – World History Encyclopedia
Britannica: Viracocha | Creator God, Andean Culture, Supreme Being | Britannica
“The Ancient Ones: The Mythology of the Andes” by John R. Allison:
“The Incas: New Light on Their History and Culture” by Maria Rostworowski de Diez Canseco
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Viracocha the god of?
Viracocha is the great creator deity in the pre-Inca and Inca mythology in the Andes region of South America. He is also known as Huiracocha, Wiraqoca, and Wiro Qocha. He was considered the creator god and was the father of all other Inca gods. It was he who formed the earth, heavens, sun, moon, and all living beings. Viracocha was worshipped as god of the sun and of storms
Is Viracocha male or female?
According to the myth, Viracocha had a human appearance and was generally considered as bearded. Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa wrote that Viracocha was described as “a man of medium height, white and dressed in a white robe like an alb secured round the waist and that he carried a staff and a book in his hands”
What are the powers of the Viracocha god?
Viracocha was the supreme god of the Incas and was considered the creator god. He was the father of all other Inca gods and it was he who formed the earth, heavens, sun, moon, and all living beings. According to the myth, Viracocha created the universe, sun, moon, and stars, time (by commanding the sun to move over the sky) and civilization itself. He was worshipped as god of the sun and of storms. Viracocha was also seen as the creator of all things, or the substance from which all things are created, and intimately associated with the sea
How was Viracocha born?
According to the myth, Viracocha rose from Lake Titicaca (or sometimes the cave of Paqariq Tampu) during the time of darkness to bring forth light. He was considered the creator god and was the father of all other Inca gods. It was he who formed the earth, heavens, sun, moon, and all living beings.
Was Viracocha the sun god?
Viracocha was the supreme god of the Incas and was considered the creator god. He was the father of all other Inca gods and it was he who formed the earth, heavens, sun, moon, and all living beings. According to the myth, Viracocha created the universe, sun, moon, and stars, time (by commanding the sun to move over the sky) and civilization itself. He was worshipped as god of the sun and of storms. However, Viracocha was immediately followed by Inti, the Sun.
