The Story at a Glance

This tale combines fantasy with motifs from the Andean world. Pachamama appears as a protective Earth goddess, while Lloque Yupanqui is shown as an early Inca ruler in a dangerous situation.

Historically, Lloque Yupanqui is considered the third Sapa Inca according to traditional accounts. Little is reliably documented about his actual reign, as early Inca history is largely known from oral traditions and later chronicles.

A Quiet Night in Peru

It was a quiet, starlit night as Perusina and Perusino lay in their beds, dreaming of their adventures in the land of the Inca. The moon shone softly through the window.

Suddenly, they were awakened by a strange sound. It was a soft whisper that seemed to come from afar. Curious, Perusina and Perusino sat up.

"Did you hear that?" Perusina whispered.

Perusino nodded. "Yes. It sounds like someone is calling us."

Before they could say more, a warm, golden light appeared in the room. This time, however, it was not Inti, the sun god. Instead, a figure in a shimmering robe stood before them. Her gaze was serious, but kind.

"I am Pachamama, the Earth goddess," she said. "You must help me. Lloque Yupanqui is in great danger, and only you can save him."

Pachamama's Warning

Perusina and Perusino looked at each other in surprise.

"In danger?" Perusino asked worriedly. "What happened?"

"A dangerous rock threatens to fall on him," Pachamama explained. "He is in the mountains inspecting the water channels. But a landslide has occurred. If no one intervenes quickly, he might not escape in time."

"We'll help immediately!" Perusina exclaimed resolutely.

Pachamama nodded gratefully. "Then come. I will take you there."

With a wave of her hand, she closed her eyes. The earth began to tremble softly. Suddenly, Perusina and Perusino stood on a narrow mountain path that wound through the high Andes. Rocks towered before them, and a cool wind swept across the path.

The Mountain Path in the Andes

"Quick, follow me!" Pachamama called, leading the children up the steep path.

Soon, they heard a dull rumbling. It came closer and closer. Small stones rolled over the path. The ground beneath their feet vibrated.

After a while, they saw him: Lloque Yupanqui stood further up the mountain. He was observing a water channel that ran between the rocks. Deep in thought, he checked if the water was flowing correctly.

He did not notice that a large rock was slowly dislodging above him.

"Lloque Yupanqui!" Perusino cried desperately. "Watch out!"

But the wind was loud, and the rumbling of the stones drowned out his voice.

The Power of Nature

Perusina and Perusino looked around in a panic.

"We must act quickly," Perusina said. "But how? The rock is huge!"

Pachamama stepped forward. "You are brave children. But courage does not mean achieving everything alone. Nature itself can help you if you listen to it."

Perusino furrowed his brow. "Nature will help us? How?"

Pachamama pointed to the trees and bushes at the edge of the path. "Do you see these strong old roots? They hold the soil firmly. If you ask with respect, they can help stop the sliding rock."

"And how do we speak to them?" Perusina asked.

Pachamama gently placed her hand on the ground. "By becoming calm, thinking of the earth, and asking with an honest heart."

The Roots Awaken

Perusina and Perusino knelt and placed their hands on the cold ground.

"Please, dear trees," Perusina whispered. "We need your help. Lloque Yupanqui is in danger."

Perusino closed his eyes. "Help us stop the rock."

Then they suddenly felt a faint trembling beneath their hands. The earth seemed to awaken. The roots of the trees moved slowly but powerfully. They crawled over the ground, entwining themselves around loose stones and holding the slope firm.

The branches bent in the wind. The roots tensed. With a loud crack, the rock stopped just before it could fall on Lloque Yupanqui.

Everything became still.

Lloque Yupanqui is Saved

Lloque Yupanqui looked up startled. Only now had he noticed the rumbling. Then he saw the moving roots, the stopped rock, and Perusina and Perusino waving excitedly.

"You saved my life!" he cried and ran down the path to them.

"We had help from Pachamama," Perusina said modestly. "But you really need to be careful when you're alone in the mountains."

Lloque Yupanqui smiled gratefully and placed a hand on their shoulders. "You two are very brave. Without your quick help, I wouldn't have made it."

Pachamama also stepped forward and looked at the children with pride. "You have understood that the earth is not just beneath your feet. It carries you. It protects you. And it needs your respect."

Back to the Palace

The children felt filled with pride and gratitude. They had not only saved Lloque Yupanqui but also felt how strong the connection to nature can be.

"Now we should safely bring you back to the palace," Perusino said with a smile. "And next time, you'll take someone with you when you check the channels!"

Lloque Yupanqui laughed heartily. "I promise."

Together they walked down the mountain path. The path was now safe again. The stones lay still. The roots rested deep in the earth again.

When they reached the palace, Pachamama bid farewell. "You have proven today that courage and respect for nature belong together," she said.

Then she disappeared into the earth as if she had never been there.

A Last Look at the Sky

Perusina and Perusino spent some more time with Lloque Yupanqui. But the night was drawing to a close.

With a last warm glow, Inti brought them safely back to their room. There they soon lay in their beds again.

The adventures of this night let them fall asleep content. They now knew that great help sometimes begins very quietly: with two small hands on the earth and an honest desire to do the right thing.

(c) by ToPet

Classification for Parents and Children

This story is a fantasy narrative. It uses names and motifs from the Inca and Andean world but does not tell a documented historical episode.

Pachamama is a central figure in the Andean world, associated with earth, fertility, and nature. Lloque Yupanqui belongs to the traditional line of Inca rulers, but many details about the early Sapa Inca are uncertain.

The story was therefore revised to remain child-friendly and at the same time make it clear: the adventure is fictional, but the cultural references have a real background.

More from the World of Perusina and Perusino

These pages complement the story well and delve deeper into the world of the Inca, gods, and children's adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Classification

PeruMagazin – Lloque Yupanqui explained simply

PeruMagazin – Inca Mythology

PeruMagazin – Inca Gods

PeruMagazin – Inti

Britannica – Inca

Britannica – Pachamama

General classification of oral tradition, Andean religion, and early Inca rulers