Willaq Umu
Encyclopedia
The Willaq Umu were the High Priests of the Sun in the Inca Empire
. They were usually the brothers of the Sapa Inca (the ruler of the empire), and most likely the second most powerful person in the entire empire. This office (in some accounts) was created during the reign of Pachakuti. By the end of the empire, the high priest was also the field marshals in war for the emperor.
The Sun God in Inca mythology
was Inti
, and the most important god amongst the pantheon the Inca people. In part, this is why the most powerful priest in the empire was the high priest to the most revered god.
Inca Empire
The Inca Empire, or Inka Empire , was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political and military center of the empire was located in Cusco in modern-day Peru. The Inca civilization arose from the highlands of Peru sometime in the early 13th century...
. They were usually the brothers of the Sapa Inca (the ruler of the empire), and most likely the second most powerful person in the entire empire. This office (in some accounts) was created during the reign of Pachakuti. By the end of the empire, the high priest was also the field marshals in war for the emperor.
The Sun God in Inca mythology
Inca mythology
Inca mythology includes many stories and legends that are mythological and helps to explain or symbolizes Inca beliefs.All those that followed the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire by Francisco Pizarro burned the records of the Inca culture...
was Inti
Inti
According to the Inca mythology, Inti is the sun god, as well a patron deity of the Inca Empire. His exact origin is not known. The most common story says he is the son of Viracocha, the god of civilization.- Worship :...
, and the most important god amongst the pantheon the Inca people. In part, this is why the most powerful priest in the empire was the high priest to the most revered god.