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Inca myths were primarily a diffuse and fragmentary oral tradition, eventually preserved in writing only in a piecemeal fashion. In this volume, a leading Andean scholar reviews the sources of our current knowledge of Inca mythology.
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.
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.
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.
Sharing many common beliefs, deities, and rituals, the religion of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca was rooted in both the earth and the sky, the rhythms of the seasons, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Readers will meet rain and sun gods, corn gods and fertility gods, earth mothers who are both creators and destroyers, and even a feathered serpent. Lavish primary-source images of arts and artifacts are paired with text that is both information-packed and enthralling. Readers who enter this pantheon are in for an awe-inspiring cultural journey through the divine mysteries of time and space.
"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."
Analyzes Inca mythology in light of the historical events that transformed their world at the time of the arrival of Spanish conquistadors.
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.