Peru is a country rich in history, culture and ancestral traditions. Myths and legends have been a fundamental part of Peruvian identity throughout the centuries, passed down from generation to generation. These stories, born from the imagination and wisdom of ancient peoples, reveal a mix of religious, cultural and natural beliefs that form part of the country's cultural legacy. Some myths date back to pre-Columbian times, while others have emerged during the colonial period or are the product of the fusion of different cultures.
In this article, we will explore four of the most popular myths of Peru, which continue to fascinate Peruvians and visitors alike for their depth, symbolism and mystery.
The myth of Naylamp.
One of the oldest and most significant myths of pre-Columbian Peru is that of Naylamp, a figure who is the protagonist of the legend of the creation of the Lambayeque civilization. According to the myth, Naylamp was a demigod who arrived from the sea accompanied by his entourage on a large fleet of rafts, bringing with him an advanced culture. This founding hero is said to have established the first kingdom on what is now the northern coast of Peru, in the Lambayeque region.
The arrival of Naylamp.
Legend has it that Naylamp, along with his wife Ceterni and a large entourage of servants and priests, landed on the shores of Lambayeque. They brought with them idols and sacred artifacts that allowed them to build temples and cities. The most important of these idols was Yampallec, a divine figure who, according to belief, guaranteed the prosperity and well-being of the people.
Naylamp built the great temple of Chot, where he placed the god Yampallec. Under his reign, the region flourished and became an important cultural and political center. The myth tells that, after several years of reign, Naylamp rose to the heavens, becoming a deity and leaving a legacy that would last for generations.
Cultural significance.
This myth is a reflection of the deep respect that the ancient Lambayecans had towards their leaders and ancestors. Naylamp symbolizes civilizing power and divinity, as his arrival marked the beginning of a new era of organization and progress. Furthermore, his ascension to the heavens as a god highlights the belief in the continuity of life and the eternal power of the founders of civilization.
The myth of Pachamama and Pachatata.
The cult of Pachamama, or Mother Earth, is one of the most representative myths of the Andean worldview. Pachamama is a fundamental deity for pre-Hispanic cultures, especially among the Incas, who venerated her as the protector of nature, crops and fertility. On the island of Amantani, located in Lake Titicaca, a special version of this myth is developed, which involves not only Pachamama, but also her male counterpart, Pachatata.
The duality between Pachamama and Pachatata.
The myth of Pachamama and Pachatata reflects the Andean duality of balance between masculine and feminine, heaven and earth, production and protection. According to tradition, Pachamama represents the fertile and abundant land, while Pachatata is the masculine force that rules the skies and mountains.
On the island of Amantaní, ceremonies of gratitude to both deities are held every year. The inhabitants climb the sacred hills, where the temples dedicated to Pachamama and Pachatata are located, to make offerings and ask for good harvests and protection. This ceremony is an example of how the Andean culture has kept its ancestral beliefs alive, respecting the balance between the elements of nature.
Cultural significance.
The relationship between Pachamama and Pachatata is a representation of the deep bond that Andean peoples have with their natural environment. Respect for the earth and the cosmos is central to their worldview, and the myth reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with nature to ensure the prosperity and survival of future generations.
The myth of Amaru.
The Amaru is a mythological serpent present in several pre-Incan and Incan cultures, such as the Tiahuanaco and the Incas. This supernatural being is considered a divinity related to fertility, water and the cycles of life. In Andean iconography, the Amaru is usually represented as a large serpent that can fly and move between the underground and celestial worlds.
The myth of Amaru.
According to myth, the Amaru lives deep in the earth, in lakes or mountains, and has the ability to cause torrential rains or droughts, depending on its mood. It is said that when humans disrespect nature, the Amaru becomes enraged and causes natural disasters, such as earthquakes or storms.
On the other hand, if honored properly, the Amaru brings abundance, fertility and prosperity to the land. In some myths, the Amaru appears as a benefactor who helps peasants cultivate their lands and obtain good harvests.
Cultural significance.
The Amaru myth underlines the Andean belief in the power of nature and the importance of respecting it. The Amaru is not simply a monster, but a manifestation of natural forces that, if respected and honoured, guarantee the survival of the community. This belief in the Amaru lives on in some regions of the Andes, where rituals are held to appease the spirits of the earth and water.
The legend of the Matusita House.
Located in the heart of Lima, Casa Matusita is known as one of the most haunted houses in Peru. Its fame has transcended the country's borders and has generated a series of myths and legends surrounding the mysterious events that supposedly occur within its walls.
The myth of the Matusita House.
According to legend, the house was the scene of a violent murder in the past, when a man, upon discovering that his wife was cheating on him, went mad and murdered everyone present at a dinner party. Since then, it is said that the spirits of the dead roam the house, causing paranormal phenomena.
Another version of the myth claims that during colonial times, the house was the place of secret meetings of dark characters and sects that practiced black magic, which would have left an evil energy in the place.
It is said that those who have tried to spend the night on the second floor of the house have become deranged or have suffered strange deaths. Despite efforts to debunk the stories, the legend of the Casa Matusita lives on, and many people from Lima prefer not to go near the place after dark.
Cultural significance.
This urban myth reflects the interest in the supernatural in Peruvian popular culture. Stories of ghosts, haunted houses and curses are common in the collective imagination of many Latin American cities, and the Casa Matusita is a clear example of how urban legends can endure over time.
Peru's myths and legends are a window into the worldview of the country's ancient inhabitants and into the popular beliefs that have been kept alive over the centuries. Stories such as those of Naylamp, Pachamama and Pachatata, the Amaru and the Casa Matusita show how myth is intertwined with nature, culture and the daily life of Peruvians. These stories are not only part of Peru's cultural heritage, but also reflect the deep connections between human beings, their environment and the mysteries of the universe.