Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Illapa

Illapa was an Inca god associated with thunder, lightning, rain, and war. As the lord of the weather, he was particularly important during times of pilgrimage and drought.

Sibling: Mama Killa

As the god of war, Illapa was the primary protective deity of the Inca military. His power was especially significant during the expansion of the Inca empire. Due to his control over weather and warfare, Illapa was considered the third most important god in the Inca pantheon, surpassed only by Viracocha and Inti.

Illapa was often depicted as a powerful man adorned in gold and precious stones. He was believed to reside in the upper world and carried a warak’a, a weapon used to produce storms, and a golden makana, symbolizing his power and the trinity of lightning, thunder, and lightning. Illapa’s rites were held in the highest mountains, as he was believed to live there. These rites included dances, chants, festivals, and animal sacrifices. In times of great need, human offerings were also made.

Illapa was believed to manifest in the earthly world as a puma or hawk. According to legend, he kept water from the Milky Way in an urpu and gave it to his sister, Mama Quilla. When the urpu was full, Illapa would throw a projectile at it, causing thunder and producing lightning as sparks. The water would then fall as rain.

The Incas believed that tying up black dogs without food or drink could attract Illapa’s attention and induce rain. If the dogs died, however, Illapa would send a powerful lightning bolt in anger.