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Mapuches believed in two worlds: the natural world, made up
of the earth with its people, and a supernatural one which
is magical and religious in the sky. The supernatural world
is called Wenumapu, and it is a |
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region between the clouds and the universe. It is where gods, spirits
and ancestors live. The
Anka-wenu was a disorganized and chaotic space next
to Wenumapu where evil spirits or Wekufes live.
These cause suffering and harm to mankind. |
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Chau
was the creator god of the Mapuche. He was also known as Nguenechèn,
Father, the Sun, and Antü. |
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Hueñauca
was an evil and fiery spirit who lived in the depths of the Osorno
volcano. He produced fire and ruled over a court of beings that
could not speak. There was often a male goat protecting the entrance
to his cavern. |
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Kai-Kai
Filu was the evil sea serpent who carried two of Chau's rebellious
sons within him. Kai-Kai Filu was always planning to take power
away from his father the creator. When he got mad he created tidal
waves, floods and earth quakes by violently flapping his giant tale. |
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Küpuka
fucha and Küpuka kushe were the god and goddess of abundance. |
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Kushe
means witch. This goddess was both the wife and mother of Chau (Nguenechèn)
the creator god. She was also known as Moon, Blue Queen and Queen
Maga. |
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Nahuel
was a god in the shape of a tiger. |
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Pillan
was the god of thunder as well as a fire spirit. He protected the
elements and humans and was the creator of thunder and lightning.
He was loved and dreaded because he created earthquakes and volcano
eruptions when he was hungry. When chiefs and warriors died in battle
they were absorbed by Pillan who made them into clouds and volcanoes. |
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Tren-Tren
was the good snake spirit who lived in a far away mountain. Tren-Tren
was created out of clay by Chau to combat the evil Kai-Kai Filu
and protect the Mapuches. |
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¥ancu
was a god in the shape of an eaglet. |
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| "The
Big Myth" © Distant Train 2009 |
