Legend of Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley, Peru) It is said that Ollantay, an Incan general of humble origins who was elevated because of his skills, fell in love with Cosi Coyllur, the daughter of Inca Pachacutec. As most love stories go, their love was forbidden. However, general Ollantay decided to face Pachacutec and ask for his blessing. The Inca was furious, telling Ollantay he was trying to “climb too high”. He expelled the general and locked his daughter in the Acllahuasi, the house of Chosen Women. Ollantay didn’t know about this and he thought his beloved Cosi Coyllur had been murdered. He decides to leave Cusco and settles in the city that was named after him, Ollantaytambo. He then organizes a rebellion against Pachacutec and swears revenge on the Imperial City. Being aware of this, Pachacutec sends general Rumi Ñahui, “Eye of Stone”, to defeat Ollantay. However, Rumi Ñahui is ambushed and forced to retreat by general Orco Huarancca, “A Thousand Mountains”. Ten years later, Inca Pachacutec diez without being able to defeat Ollantay. He is succedded by his son Tupac Yupanqui, who takes on the task of defeating the rogue general. Meanwhile, Cosi Coyllur had given birth to Ollantay’s child, a girl named Ima Sumac. She had grown up as a Chosen Woman, without knowing her parents story. Once she found out, she decided to enter the royal palace and ask the Inca for mercy on her mother’s behalf. By the time of this request, general Rumi Ñahui had defeated Ollantay using his wits. He wounded himself and made Ollantay think he wanted to ally with him. Then, after a night of celebration, he captured him and brought him back to Cusco. Luckily, Inca Tupac Yupanqui was touched by Ima Sumac’s plead. He gave back his former title to Ollantay and reunited him with his beloved Cosi Coyllur, more than ten years after they had been separated. This way the Inca gave this tale a happy ending, thanks to the bravery and resolution of a daughter.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:57:49 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015