1. The Sacred City Long Ago, in the days of darkness, the all-powerful god Viracocha ordered the sun to bring light into the world. He rose up from Lake Titicaca.

2. The Sacred City The Sun called to his children, a brother and a sister, and sent them on a journey. He held up a golden staff. He said “ Wherever my staff decides to land in the earth, from that spot you will bring light, warmth to the world, bountiful harvests, and many animals. Here you will build a beautiful golden city.

3. The Sacred City The Children traveled across rocky ravines, and high plateaus. Wherever they passed through, the soil became rich and fertile, the rivers filled with fish and fresh water. They tried to throw down the staff many times, but it just bounced back up to them.

4. The Sacred City The boy and girl arrived at Mt Wanakawri. This place was by far, the most barren they had seen. The land was covered in nothing else but, a few rocks, and shrubs. The people who lived there lived in holes, and had no idea how to plant crops, and herd animals, or to make clothes, and baskets.

5. The Sacred City The children knew that this had to be the spot, and they threw down the staff. The staff was swallowed by the earth, and suddenly, a rainbow appeared in the sky. The earth was fertile.

6. The Sacred City The boy said “Let us call forth the people!” He placed two pieces of polished silver on himself. One on his back and one on his chest. He also put on a silver headdress The sun shone on him so brightly, that people thought him to be a god. This spot of light is called Coricancha.

7. The Sacred City Then, everyone started to follow the boy and girl. They taught the people how to farm, fish,make beautiful clothes, herd their animals, and to make pottery..

8. The Sacred City Finally, the children of the sun led the people to a great gold city in the shape of a cat. The golden city became Cuzcu the Sacred City of the Sun.

9. The Sacred City THE END

10. The Sacred City- Alternative Ending When the children reached a barren wasteland, with no plants, rivers, or animals. The people there lived in holes in the ground. The children's staff began to shake, and glow. Suddenly it shot in to the ground. A warm glow began to pulse from the spot. It started to get bigger and bigger.

11. The Sacred City- Alternative ending As it spread out, the earth became fertile. Tall trees were green and leafy, and filled with fresh fruit. Grass grew everywhere, the sky was blue, with not a cloud in sight. Birds were singing, and the people suddenly, by instinct, knew how to plant crops, and herd animals and to weave. The people passed this knowledge on to their children generation through generation.

12. The Sacred City This story has been provided by Ancient and Living Culture Series. Thank You for Watching. Amila Semic