Inca Mythology: Intriguing Myths of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Andean Legends

High in the Andes, the Inca built one of the most sophisticated empires in human history. They did so without the wheel, iron tools, or a written alphabet. Instead, their universe was bound together by a sacred thread of storytelling, cosmic order, and an unbreakable bond between the human and the divine.

In Inca Mythology: Intriguing Myths of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Andean Legends, researcher and author Samuel M. Goldstein unravels the mystical worldview of Tawantinsuyu—the Realm of the Four Quarters. This comprehensive guide journeys beyond the stones of Machu Picchu to reveal the living, breathing legends that shaped a continent-spanning civilization.

From the primordial emergence of the creator god Viracocha from the dark waters of Lake Titicaca to the tragic, forbidden romance of the warrior Ollantay, this book offers a deeply researched and captivating exploration of Andean folklore, political myths, and spiritual traditions.

Inside, you will discover:

• How Viracocha shaped the world, commanded the sun into the sky, and breathed life into the first peoples of the earth.

• The powerful political myths that justified the Sapa Inca’s divine right to rule and fueled the expansion of a global empire.

• The complex and dramatic relationships between Inti (the Sun Father), Mama Killa (the Silver Moon), and Pachamama (the avenging and nurturing Earth Mother).

• Enchanting stories of trickster foxes, mountain witches, and celestial llamas that highlight the everyday lives, fears, and values of the Andean people.

• A thrilling prose adaptation of the famous ancient Inca drama featuring rebellion, forbidden passion, and imperial mercy.

Whether you are a student of history, a lover of ancient mythology, or a traveler seeking to understand the sacred geography of the Sacred Valley, this book provides the essential cultural context needed to truly understand the Children of the Sun.