Mitos y Leyendas: The Ayar Brothers

• Genny de Bernardo shares with us the legend of the Ayar brothers, a legend from Peru.
• It tells the journey of four brothers and four sisters who venture out in search of a new home.
• Gradually, the brothers died, but they achieved their goal.

Have you ever wondered about Peru? Well, today is your lucky day because we will talk about a legend from this country. The culture of Peru is rich and diverse, with roots that go back thousands of years.

This South American nation is known for its impressive historical heritage, its varied cuisine, its vibrant art, and its mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.

The Inca Empire is one of Peru’s most iconic civilizations and left a significant legacy in terms of architecture, agriculture, religion, and more.

Precisely, today we share with you an Inca legend about the four Ayar brothers. It is one of the most popular in Peru and talks about the birth of the city of Cuzco.

Legend of the Ayar Brothers

For many centuries, in Peru, an ancestral legend has been told about a cataclysm that devastated and submerged the world under water.

Once the rains stopped, the first people to leave their shelter were four brothers and their wives:

Ayar Manco, Mama Ocllo, Ayar Uchu, Mama Rahua, Ayar Cachi, Mama Cora, Ayar Auca, and Mama Huaco.

These brave inhabitants of Mount Tampu Tocco faced the desolate panorama and decided to embark on a journey south in search of more fertile lands.

Ayar Cachi

The first brother, Ayar Cachi, stood out for his strong and explosive character, which generated conflicts with his brothers.

To get rid of him, they sent him to search for food in the caves of Pacarina.

However, once inside, his servant blocked the entrance with a large rock, trapping him forever.

His cries of frustration and desperation were so intense that they could move mountains and shake the earth and sky.

Petrification of the Second Brother

The second brother, Ayar Auca, and the others continued their journey south.

On Mount Huanacauri, they encountered a stone statue venerated by the natives.

Ayar Auca tried to challenge it by jumping over it, but he became petrified in the middle of the jump, becoming part of the sculpture.

The two remaining brothers continued their journey with sorrow. However, Ayar Uchu decided to explore an area near the road and, to his surprise, suddenly obtained giant wings.

Cuzco

He flew to the Pampa del Sol, but upon landing there, his body also turned into stone.

Ayar Manco, the last of the brothers, continued his journey until he found a suitable place to live with his sisters: the valley of Cusco.

There, he stuck his golden staff, a gift from the god Inti. In the same place where the staff pierced the earth, the city of Cusco (or Cuzco) emerged, in honor of the gods Inti and Wiracocha.

This group of brave brothers left an enduring legacy in the history and mythology of Peru. Mitos y Leyenda bids farewell and hopes you have enjoyed the legend of the Ayar brothers. See you next time!