In the ancient religion and mythology of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, an apu is the term used to describe the spirits of mountains and sometimes solitary rocks, typically displaying anthropomorphic features, that protect the local people.

Aug 15, 2024 · ‘Apu’ is a Quechua word that means ‘Lord’. The Incas used it to name the mountains and snow-capped mountains of great importance. The ‘Apus’ were protective spirits and watched over the people in their territory, their livestock and their crops.

Jun 26, 2019 · The Apu mountain spirits were powerful forces in Incan mythology, and the mountains remain sacred among people in the Andean regions of modern Peru.

Feb 21, 2025 · Apus are considered guardians and protectors of the mountains and life. The word “Apu” in Quechua translates to “lord” or “god.” These spirits are seen as powerful beings that govern the mountains and have the ability to influence people’s lives.

Feb 28, 2024 · The Apu gods were deities (or spirits) that resided in certain mountains. Apus gods were particularly influential over Andean civilizations, such as the Inca and pre-Inca peoples like the Norte Chico and Chavin.

Apu is the name given to the powerful god spirits of the mountains in Inca mythology. They are also the sacred mountains themselves, each with its own personality and domain. Learn more about their origin, characteristics, and stories in this article.

Apu Illapu is an important deity in the ancient Inca religion. As the god of rain, he held a significant role in Inca cosmology and agriculture. Legends and stories surrounding Apu Illapu depict his connection to the harvest and his influence on the fertility of crops.

In the ancient religion and mythology of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, an apu is the term used to describe the spirits of mountains and sometimes solitary rocks, typically displaying anthropomorphic features, that protect the local people. The term dates back to the Inca Empire. The word apu has several possible meanings, depending on context.

In Andean Cosmovisión, Apus are not mythological gods in the Western sense, but they are among the most powerful beings.Apus are the spirits of sacred mountains, often personified as wise and protective entities.. Each community has its local Apu, and the highest mountains—like Apu Ausangate or Apu Salkantay—are revered across entire regions. . …

In the religion and mythology of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, apus are the spirits of the mountains that protect the local people in the highlands. The term dates back to the Inca Empire. The word "apu" has several possible meanings, depending on context: A god or supreme being.