Viracocha: Christ among the Ancient Peruvians?

Authors

Scott Hoyt, California State University, Fullerton

Keywords

Mormon studies, Viracocha, Incas

Abstract

There came from a southern direction a white man of great stature, who, by his aspect and presence, called forth great veneration and obedience. This man who thus appeared had great power, insomuch that he could change plains into mountains, and great hills into valleys, and make water flow out of stones. As soon as such power was beheld, the people called him the Maker of created things, the Prince of all things, Father of the Sun. For they say that he performed other wonders, giving life to men and animals, so that by his hand marvellous great benefits were conferred on the people. . . . In many places he gave orders to men how they should live, and he spoke lovingly to them . . . admonishing them that they should do good . . . and that they should be loving and charitable to all. In most parts he is generally called Ticiviracocha. . . . [And] that wherever [he] . . . came and there were sick, he healed them, and where there were blind he gave them sight by only uttering words.

—Pedro de Cieza de León, Catholic Historian, 1550

Recommended Citation

Hoyt, Scott (2015) "Viracocha: Christ among the Ancient Peruvians?," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 54: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol54/iss1/7