Amaru (mythology)

In mythology of Andean civilizations of South America, the amaru or katari (aymara) is a mythical serpent or dragon. In Inca mythology, Amaru is a huge double-headed serpent that dwells underground, at the bottom of lakes and rivers.^[1] Illustrated with the heads of a bird and a puma, Amaru can be seen emerging from a central element in the center of a stepped mountain or pyramid motif in the Gateway of the Sun at Tiwanaku, Bolivia. When illustrated on religious vessels, amaru is often seen with bird-like feet and wings,^[2] so that it resembles a dragon. Amaru is believed to be capable of transcending boundaries to and from the spiritual realm of the subterranean world.^[2]

Amaru

A sketch of an Amaru
Creature information
Folklore	Inca mythology

For other uses, see Amaru.

An amaru depicted on a Qiru.

In Inca mythology it is described: "Dragon or rather a Chimera of Inca Mythology. It had multiple heads consisting of either a puma's, a condor's, or a llama's head with a fox's muzzle, condor wings, snake's body, fish's tail, and coated in crocodilian or lizard scales.^[3] It was found frequently throughout Andean iconography and naming within the empire, and likely predates the rise of the Inca".

According to Professor Brian S. Bauer, (Sacred serpent) was a serpent or dragon deity often depicted as a winged serpent, with crystalline eyes, a reddish snout, a llama head, taruka horns, and a fish tail^[4]; the details of its features vary from legend to legend, with its serpentine form remaining constant. Its symbolism is very broad: in addition to many associations with weather and the heavens (e.g. storms, hail, wisdom, rainbow, the Milky Way, etc.), ^[4] it was also a symbol of wisdom. Its image was found in the Yachay Wasikuna (Houses of Knowledge).^[4] Amaru was also associated with the vital waters that irrigated the farmlands and upon which the Aymara people depended.^[4] In addition, Amaru was associated with the underworld, as well as the earth and earthquakes. Despite their usual benevolent portrayal, some Amarus display a violent side.^[4] In one myth, "Amaru Aranway," two Amarus fight and cause widespread destruction and death in the process. In response, the creator god Viracocha sends the gods Illapa (Thunder) and Wayrapuka (Wind) to defeat them. ^[4] The two Amarus initially try to fight the gods, then attempt to escape to the skies, but Wayrapuka drags them back to earth while Illapa battles and kills them. Upon their death, the Amaru dragons became a chain of mountains in valle del Mantaro, Peru.^[4]

See also

• List of dragons in mythology and folklore
• Religion in the Inca Empire
• Túpac Amaru