The first introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers, bringing together a wealth of information into one convenient resource.

The first introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers, bringing together a wealth of information into one convenient resource. Full of hard to find information, Handbook of Inca Mythology provides an accessible introduction to the rites, beliefs, and spiritual tales of the Incas. It provides a concise overview of Incan civilization and mythology, a chronology of mythic and historical events, and an A–Z inventory of central themes (sacrifice, fertility, competition, reversaldualism, colors, constellations, giants, and miniatures), personages (Viracocha, Manco Capac, Pachackuti Inca), locations (Lake Titicaca, Corickancha), rituals, and icons. The last Native American culture to develop free of European influence, the Incas, who had no written language, are known only from Spanish accounts written after the conquest and archaeological finds. From these fragments, a vanished world has been reborn and reintroduced into modern Andean life. There is no better way into that world and its mind-bending mythology than this unique handbook.

"Written by credible scholars in the field, the reader can have reasonable confidence in the reliability of the information provided. . . . Students will particularly appreciate the summary of relevant literature, the guide to best available videos, suggested Websites, the extensive section of reference, and a glossary." - American Reference Books Annual

"Highly recommended. Public, academic, art, anthropology, and Latin American studies libraries." - Choice