Meet with us the 9 most amazing Peru myths. Discover this exciting culture with its incredible legends, old tales and beings.
Myths Of Peru
There is no doubt that Peru has a rich historical and mythological culture that goes back thousands of years. In the following article, we explain the most popular and strange myths of Peru. Let’s first take a look at some general facts about some highlights of the Peruvian historical and mythological culture.
Key points in history in the myths of Peru
- Inca civilization: The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America and reached its peak in the 15th century. The Incas built impressive cities such as Machu Picchu and developed an advanced engineering system with roads and aqueducts.
- Chavín: This Chavín culture was an ancient pre-Inca civilization that flourished around 1200 B.C. Its main center was the Temple of Chavín de Huántar, where sculptures and artifacts representative of its religion and cosmovision were found.
- Nazca: The Nazca culture is also known for its famous geoglyphs, huge drawings traced on the Nazca desert floor. These geoglyphs represent animals, plants and geometric figures and are recognized worldwide for their mystery and beauty.
- Moche: The Moche culture was a pre-Inca civilization that developed between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. The Moche were skilled in ceramics and created impressive pieces with detailed representations of daily life, as well as their deities and rituals.
- Spanish viceroyalty and colony: During the time of Spanish colonization, Peru was one of the main colonial centers in South America. The Spanish influence in art, architecture and religion can still be seen in places such as Cusco and Lima.
1.- The Magic Cuy
According to this myth, the Cuy is a rodent that has the ability to grant wishes to whoever catches it and treats it with kindness. It is believed that if a person manages to catch the magic guinea pig, they can make a wish and it will be granted. This is a very popular myth with multiple festivities, it is also commonly eaten in these celebrations.
2.- The Chullachaqui
According to its myth, the Chullachaqui is a protective spirit of nature that has the ability to change its shape. He usually appears as a boy or a man who lures people into the jungle and disorients them.
3.- The Nagua Cart
This myth tells the story of a cart pulled by invisible horses that is heard during the night. It is said that those who hear it can have bad omens or even death. This is a very popular myth in cultures around the world, the fear of death is a universal bond.
4.- The Tunche
It is believed that the Tunche is an evil spirit that inhabits the Peruvian jungle. It is said that it emits strange sounds and appears to torment travelers or those who venture into the darkness of the jungle.
5.- The Wari
In this tale or legend, the Wari is a sea monster similar to a giant snake that inhabits the rivers and lakes of the Amazon jungle. It is said that it can drag people into the water and devour them.
6.- The Aya Uma
According to Amazonian mythology, the Aya Uma is a legendary creature that inhabits the jungle. It is described as a two-faced head with twelve tails or tufts. It is believed to have supernatural powers and has both good and bad legends. Furthermore, it is related to the god inti and is linked to the cult of the sun.
7.- The Yakumama
This mythological being is known as the “mother of the waters“. It is represented as a giant snake that inhabits the rivers and lakes of the Amazon jungle. The Yakumama is considered a protective spirit of water and is worshipped to ensure prosperity and fertility.
8.- The Pishtaco
This myth is part of the global Andean tradition. It is believed that the Pishtaco is an evil being that lurks in rural and mountainous areas. He is depicted as a tall, thin white man who seeks to drain human fat for dark purposes, behaving like a vampire.
9.- The Sachamama
It is a mythological being present in the Amazonian tradition. The Sachamama is a giant snake that lives in the rivers and lakes of the jungle. It is said that its body is so long that it can go around a tree and that it has the ability to hypnotize people.