Viracocha

In Inca mythology, Apu Qun Tiqsi Wiraqutra was the creator of civilization, and one of the most important deities in the Inca canon. In one legend he had one son, Inti and one daughter, Mama Quilla. In this legend, he destroyed the people around Lake Titicaca with a Great Flood called Unu Pachakuti, saving two to bring civilization to the rest of the world. In another legend, he fathered the first eight civilized human beings. In some stories, he has a wife called Mama Cocha.

For the meaning of Tiqsi Huiracocha, tiqsi means foundation or base in Quechua, huira means fat (which the Inca knew as a source of energy), and cocha means lake, sea, or reservoir. His many epithets include great, all knowing, powerful, etc.

Huiracocha was also the name of an Inca, father of Pachacutec.

Another name for Viracocha is Con-Tici Viracocha, and he is identifiable with the Polynesian sun god in Tiki culture.

See also: Manco Capac, Inti