Inti

Hello, little starbeam. My name is Inti, and I am the sun. From high up in the big blue sky, I watch over the world. Long, long ago, the Earth was a chilly place, and people didn't know how to build warm homes or grow yummy food. I saw them from above and wanted to give them a great big, warm hug. This is the story of how I sent my children to create a special city for everyone; it is the myth of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo.

I called my son, Manco Cápac, and my daughter, Mama Ocllo, to my side. I gave them a special gift: a shiny staff made of pure gold. 'Take this to the Earth,' I told them with a smile. 'Walk and walk until you find a place where this staff sinks right into the ground. That is where you will build a wonderful city for the people.' My children began their long journey, walking over tall mountains and through green valleys, tapping the staff on the ground as they went.

After a long time, they came to a beautiful, sunny valley. Manco Cápac tapped the golden staff on the soft earth, and poof. It sank all the way in and disappeared. They had found the special place. They named this city Cusco, and it became the heart of the great Inca people. My children taught everyone how to plant corn and potatoes, how to weave cozy clothes, and how to build strong houses. The Inca people told this story to their children to remember where they came from. And even today, when you feel my warm sunshine on your face, you can think of the golden staff and the beginning of a great adventure. My light is still here, connecting you to this amazing story from long ago.