Similarities exist (i.e. encoded in ‘Symbolism’ in the Ancient Art of South America, Central America and Egypt), and these similarities do not appear to be a coincidence.
My Q. to Google AI – ‘In ancient art is there any similarity in the symbolism used to represent Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris?’
AI – ‘While there are some thematic similarities in the representations of Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris, their symbolism is not identical and is rooted in distinct cultural and geographical contexts. All three are associated with creation, but their specific attributes, appearances, and roles vary across cultures.
Similarities:
- Creation Deities:
All three are considered creator deities within their respective pantheons.
- Associated with Water/Rivers:
Viracocha is linked to the sea and water sources, while Quetzalcoatl is associated with rain and fertility, and Osiris is connected to the Nile River and resurrection.
- Elderly/Bearded Figures:
Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl are sometimes depicted as elderly and bearded figures. Osiris is often depicted as mummified and associated with the afterlife, but he also has associations with fertility and rebirth.
- Influence on Civilization:
All three deities are credited with bringing knowledge, agriculture, and other aspects of civilization to their respective cultures.
Differences:
- Appearance:
Viracocha is often depicted as a tall, white-skinned man, sometimes with a beard and a staff. Quetzalcoatl is known as the feathered serpent, a composite being of a bird and a snake. Osiris is typically represented as a mummified pharaoh, often with a crook and flail.
- Specific Symbolism:
Viracocha is associated with the sun, sky, and water. Quetzalcoatl is linked to Venus, the morning and evening star, and the cycles of nature. Osiris is primarily associated with the afterlife, resurrection, and the Nile.
- Cultural Context:
Viracocha is a major deity in Inca mythology, while Quetzalcoatl is central to Aztec and Mayan beliefs. Osiris is a key figure in ancient Egyptian religion.
Conclusion:
While some thematic overlaps exist in the symbolism surrounding Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris, their specific roles, appearances, and cultural contexts differ significantly. These deities represent unique aspects of their respective cultures’ creation myths, agricultural cycles, and belief systems.
‘In ancient what is the similarity in the symbolism used to represent Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris?’
AI – ‘n ancient mythologies, Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris share striking symbolic similarities as creators and bringers of civilization, often associated with death and rebirth, and depicted with attributes like beards and feathered serpents. They are all seen as powerful deities who played a crucial role in shaping their respective worlds and cultures.
Elaboration:
- Creators and Civilizers:
All three deities are credited with creating or shaping the world and introducing fundamental aspects of civilization to their respective peoples. Viracocha is a creator god in Inca mythology, Quetzalcoatl is a creator god in Aztec mythology, and Osiris is a creator and civilizer in Egyptian mythology.
- Death and Rebirth:
Each deity is also associated with death and rebirth, often depicted in narratives that involve journeys to the underworld and subsequent resurrection or transformation. Quetzalcoatl is associated with death and resurrection as the morning and evening star. Osiris’s death and resurrection are central to Egyptian mythology. Viracocha, while not explicitly described as dying and being resurrected in the same way as Osiris and Quetzalcoatl, is associated with cycles of creation and destruction, reflecting the cyclical nature of life, death, and renewal.
- Symbolism:
- Beards: All three deities are sometimes depicted with beards, which may have symbolized wisdom, authority, or a connection to a more ancient lineage.
- Feathered Serpent: Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec god, is famously depicted as a feathered serpent, combining the symbolism of a snake (wisdom, earth) with the feathers of a bird (sky, spirit). While Osiris and Viracocha aren’t directly linked to feathered serpents, their association with water and creation can be seen as symbolic parallels to the serpent’s connection to the earth and its life-giving properties.
- Cultural Impact:
These deities were not just mythological figures; they were central to the religious and cultural identities of their respective societies. Their stories and symbols were used to explain the origins of the world, the nature of humanity, and the proper way to live.
- Allegorical Journeys:
The narratives surrounding Osiris and Quetzalcoatl can be interpreted as allegories for a universal journey to illumination, a path to spiritual enlightenment that transcends individual cultures. These stories, and the symbolism they employ, can be seen as variations on a theme, reflecting a shared human understanding of life’s fundamental cycles and transformations’
‘What in legend and is myth is the ancient story of Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris?’
AI – ‘Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris are all prominent figures in their respective mythologies, each associated with creation, civilization, and often a departure from the world they helped shape. While not directly linked in a single narrative, they share thematic similarities in their stories, particularly concerning creation, flood narratives, and the introduction of civilization.
Viracocha (Inca Mythology):
- Viracocha is the creator god in Inca mythology, emerging from Lake Titicaca to shape the world, including the sun, moon, stars, and humanity.
- He created giants initially, but they displeased him, leading to a flood that destroyed them.
- He then created a more suitable human race from pebbles, teaching them agriculture, construction, and rituals.
- He eventually departs, walking on water and promising to return.
Quetzalcoatl (Mesoamerican Mythology):
- Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, is a prominent figure in Mesoamerican mythologies, particularly among the Aztecs and Mayans.
- He is associated with creation, knowledge, and civilization, often credited with bringing agriculture and other arts to humanity.
- His story includes a departure from the world, often westward over the sea, and a promise to return.
- Some traditions link him with a ruler of the mythical city of Tollan, and later interpretations connected him with historical figures or even figures like Hernán Cortés.
Osiris (Egyptian Mythology):
- Osiris is a god of the underworld and resurrection in Egyptian mythology.
- He is murdered by his brother Set, dismembered, and then resurrected by his wife Isis.
- Osiris’s story is linked to the Nile’s flooding and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
- Osiris is also associated with the introduction of civilization to Egypt, teaching agriculture and other arts.
- His myth includes a journey to the underworld and a symbolic connection with the sun’s daily cycle.
Shared Themes:
- Creation:
All three figures are associated with the creation of the world and humanity.
- Flood Narratives:
Viracocha and Osiris are linked to flood myths that cleanse the world.
- Introduction of Civilization:
All three are credited with bringing knowledge, agriculture, and other arts to their respective cultures.
- Departure and Return:
Each figure departs from the world they helped create, with a promise or expectation of return.
- Resurrection/Rebirth:
Osiris’s resurrection is a central theme, while Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl’s departures can be seen as symbolic of death and rebirth.
‘Where and how are Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris venerated today?’
AI – ‘While the specific practices of venerating Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris as they were in ancient times are not widely continued today, some elements of their legends and associated symbols persist. Modern-day veneration is often found in cultural and artistic expressions, academic studies, and New Age interpretations rather than formal religious practices.
Viracocha:
- Cultural Significance:
Viracocha, the Inca creator god, is still recognized in the Andes region of South America. The Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, particularly the natural rock formation on Cerro Pinkuylluna, are pointed out as a representation of Viracocha, according to a YouTube video from 2021.
- Modern Interpretations:
Some scholars, such as those at Fandom suggest, draw connections between Viracocha and other solar deities like the Polynesian Maui. Theosophical societies and New Age movements also draw parallels between Viracocha and other creation figures from various cultures.
- Lack of Formal Worship:
Direct, widespread worship of Viracocha in the Inca tradition is not widely practiced today. The focus is more on the cultural and historical significance of the deity and the legends surrounding him.
Quetzalcoatl:
- Persistence in Cultural Expressions:
Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god of Mesoamerica, continues to be a significant figure in Mexican art, literature, and popular culture.
- Modern Interpretations and Adaptations:
Some historians and religious scholars, like those at Mexicolore, draw parallels between Quetzalcoatl and the figure of Jesus Christ, particularly within Mormonism.
- Artistic Representation:
Quetzalcoatl’s image, often as a feathered serpent or a bearded man, is commonly seen in contemporary art, sculptures, and murals.
Osiris:
- Influence on Modern Spirituality:
Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, has had a lasting impact on Western esoteric traditions and New Age thought.
- Modern Interpretations:
YouTube videos, for example, one from April 2021, highlight the enduring influence of Osiris on concepts of death, resurrection, and the afterlife. Some New Age and pagan groups also draw inspiration from Osiris’s mythology.
- Lack of Formal Cult:
While Osiris is not widely worshipped in formal religious settings today, his myth and symbolism continue to be explored and reinterpreted in various spiritual and artistic contexts.
In summary, while the formal, organized worship of Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris in their original forms is largely a thing of the past, their legends and associated symbols continue to resonate in modern culture, inspiring art, scholarship, and spiritual exploration’
‘Which deities in Central and South America and Egypt are attributed with the transmission of knowledge about astronomy sacred geometry and universal laws of mathematics?’
AI – ‘In both Central and South America and Ancient Egypt, specific deities are associated with the transmission of knowledge related to astronomy, sacred geometry, and universal laws of mathematics. In Egypt, Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, is a prominent figure linked to these areas. In Central and South America, deities like Quetzalcoatl (Mesoamerica), and figures in Andean cosmology, are also credited with bringing such knowledge to humanity.
Ancient Egypt:
- Thoth:
Often depicted with the head of an ibis, Thoth was the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, including mathematics. He was also associated with the moon and scribes, and credited with inventing hieroglyphs.
The goddess of writing and knowledge, Seshat was considered a scribe and record keeper, further linking her to the transmission of knowledge.
While primarily a god of the afterlife, Osiris, along with his family (Isis and Horus), was part of a triad that played a significant role in Egyptian cosmology and the understanding of the universe, according to Wikipedia.
This triad from Memphis was also associated with creation and order in the universe, according to Wikipedia.
Central and South America:
- Quetzalcoatl (Mesoamerica):
The feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl, is associated with wisdom, learning, and knowledge. He is also linked to the calendar, astronomy, and mathematics.
- Andean Cosmology:
In the Andes, deities and figures like Viracocha, are associated with the creation of the world and the establishment of order, which often included astronomical knowledge and the understanding of geometric principles in their cosmology, according to Number Analytics.
These deities, across different cultures, share the common thread of being associated with the transmission of fundamental knowledge about the cosmos and the underlying principles that govern it.’
‘In ancient art is the similarity in the symbolism used to represent Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris a coincidence?’
AI – ‘The similarities in symbolism representing Viracocha, Quetzalcoatl, and Osiris are likely not coincidental, but rather reflect shared human archetypes and potentially cultural exchange across ancient civilizations. While the deities originate from distinct cultures (Inca, Aztec/Maya, and Egyptian respectively), they share key symbolic elements like association with creation, death and resurrection, and a connection to water.
Elaboration:
- Creation and Renewal:
All three deities are associated with creation or are seen as significant figures in the creation myths of their respective cultures. Viracocha is considered the creator god in Inca mythology, while Quetzalcoatl is a creator god and patron of various aspects of life in Mesoamerican cultures, and Osiris is a central figure in Egyptian mythology, also linked to the afterlife and resurrection.
- Death and Resurrection:
Osiris is a prominent figure associated with death and resurrection, ruling over the afterlife and possessing the power to grant life. Similarly, Quetzalcoatl’s role as the morning and evening star connects him with death and resurrection, and he is depicted going to the underworld to gather bones of the dead. Viracocha, while not as directly associated with death and resurrection as the other two, is still connected to the concept of renewal and cyclical creation, which is inherently linked to death and rebirth.
- Water and the Sea:
Viracocha is intimately associated with the sea in Inca mythology, and his emergence from the sea plays a role in his creation narrative. Similarly, Quetzalcoatl is often depicted as a feathered serpent, and serpents in many cultures are linked to primordial life force and water. Osiris, while not directly linked to water in the same way, is associated with the fertile Nile River, which is crucial for Egyptian agriculture and life.
- Beards and Fair Skin:
Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl are both described as having beards and being fair-skinned, which led to some early interpretations of these deities by colonizers as possibly being linked to European figures. This highlights how shared symbolism can be interpreted and manipulated within different cultural contexts.
Possible Explanations for Similarities:
- Shared Archetypes:
The similarities might stem from universal human experiences and psychological patterns that are reflected in the myths and symbols of different cultures. This is supported by the fact that many mythologies feature deities with similar roles and attributes related to creation, destruction, and renewal.
- Cultural Exchange:
While the distances between the cultures are vast, it’s plausible that there were some forms of cultural exchange or contact that facilitated the transmission of ideas and symbols. This could have happened through trade routes, migration, or even shared oral traditions that traveled across continents.
- Independent Development:
It is also possible that these similarities emerged independently due to the similar challenges and questions that humans face across different cultures, such as the origin of life, the nature of death, and the cycles of nature.
Ultimately, the question of whether the similarities are coincidental or indicative of deeper connections is complex and likely a combination of factors. However, the shared symbolism suggests that there is a possibility of deeper, transcultural connections between these deities and the mythologies they represent.’
‘According to legend and myth when did Viracocha Quetzalcoatl and Osiris appear in South America Central America and Egypt?’
AI – ‘According to legend and myth, Viracocha in South America, Quetzalcoatl in Central America, and Osiris in Egypt are all associated with a time of creation, teaching, and cultural development, but their appearances are described within the context of their respective cultures and time periods. Viracocha is associated with the creation of humanity and teaching in the Andes region, while Quetzalcoatl is a feathered serpent deity linked to creation, knowledge, and the calendar in Mesoamerica. Osiris, a central figure in Egyptian mythology, is associated with death, resurrection, and the afterlife.
Viracocha (South America):
- Time Period:
Viracocha is a central figure in Inca creation myths and is said to have appeared after a great flood.
- Nature:
Often depicted as a white, bearded man, Viracocha is credited with creating the sun, moon, and stars, and forming humans from stones, according to some myths.
- Role:
He is associated with teaching civilization, agriculture, and social order before departing across the sea.
Quetzalcoatl (Central America):
- Time Period:
The feathered serpent deity Quetzalcoatl’s veneration spread throughout Mesoamerica by the Late Classic period (600-900 AD), according to Wikipedia.
- Nature:
He is depicted as a feathered serpent, often associated with wind, Venus, and the calendar.
- Role:
Quetzalcoatl is linked to creation, knowledge, and various arts and crafts, including the calendar and writing.
Osiris (Egypt):
- Time Period: The Osiris myth reached its basic form in or before the 24th century BCE.
- Nature: Osiris is a god associated with the afterlife, resurrection, and the underworld.
- Role: He is a central figure in Egyptian mythology, with his story involving death, dismemberment, and rebirth.
While some interpretations link these figures across cultures, particularly through the concept of “white gods” and their association with teaching and civilization, these interpretations are largely based on post-conquest Spanish accounts and are not supported by independent native traditions.’
‘In what band of latitude are Cuzco, Mexico City and Cairo located?’
AI – ‘Cuzco (or Cusco) in Peru is located at
approximately 13°31′S latitude.
Mexico City is located at approximately 19°26′N latitude.
Cairo is located at approximately 30°2′N latitude.
Cuzco is in the Southern Hemisphere, while
Mexico City
and
Cairo
are in the Northern Hemisphere.
Based on these approximate latitudes, the cities lie within the following bands of latitude:
- Cuzco
: South of the Equator, within the band of latitude 0° to 23.5° South (the Tropic of Capricorn lies at 23.5° S).
- Mexico City
: North of the Equator, within the band of latitude 0° to 23.5° North (the Tropic of Cancer lies at 23.5° N).
- Cairo
: North of the Equator, between 23.5° N (Tropic of Cancer) and 40° N, within the Northern Temperate Zone.’
See also my previous blog at www.artandcivilization.tv – ‘All four of the earliest civilizations arose within the same narrow range of latitude.’