The Quechua of southern Peru divide the universe into three great estates: Hanaqpacha, the upper world, in which are found Christian deities, the saints and spirits of the dead; Kaypacha, this world, in which the entire gamut of spirits and supernatural beings are located; and Ukhupacha, the inner world, inhabited by little people. Three mythological eras are distinguished: a dark era of the spirits, lit only by the moon; a rebellious era of the ñawpa who are blinded and dried by the newly risen sun; and the era of man, which provides a range of vacillating lights. Quechua worship is directed to the spirits inhabiting the mountains and earth, whose existence is independent of their material habitats. The system in general is structured around the two great deities - Roal, the creator spirit who occupies the top of the hierarchy, and Pachamama, who permeates the system from top to bottom, being linked with femininity and the fertility of the earth. Quechua gods are intimately related to everyday activities and intervene directly in determining the success or failure of such activities in accord with individual conduct and the quality of relationships to the gods.
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