The Myth of the Origin of the Sun and the Moon (Arhuacos)

An ancient Arhuaco legend, tells that the origin of the Sun and the Moon occurred when the world was still young and completely engulfed in darkness. It was then that a beautiful indigenous Arhuaco woman gave birth to twins. She had a boy and a girl, whom she named Yui and Tima, respectively.

As the young mother watched her children, she noticed a strong light radiating from their skin. She feared that if others saw them, they would try to steal her babies. Therefore, she hid them inside a cave, fashioning a makeshift door out of branches and leaves. However, the light glowing from the twins was so intense that it pierced through the cracks of the improvised barrier. This bright glow caught the attention of the other Arhuacos. They approached the cave carrying drums, conch shells, and flutes, and began to play a beautiful melody that captivated the little ones.

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Yui was the first to come out to see where the beautiful music was coming from. Upon seeing him, the indigenous people immediately tried to catch him. However, Yui flew up into the sky, taking his place as the Sun, while those who attempted to capture him were instantly turned to stone. Noticing that light was still pouring out of the cave, the crowd kept playing their instruments to lure Tima out. She also emerged to find the source of the melody. As she did, the indigenous people threw ashes in her face to blind her and catch her. Nevertheless, Tima managed to fly away, escaping their grasp and taking her place in the sky near her brother.

Since that moment, Yui rises every day as the Sun, illuminating the day with immense power. At night, Tima appears as the Moon, shining with less intensity because her face was covered in ashes. Even so, she watches over and lights up the paths, meadows, and fields of the Arhuaco people.

(Read also: Myth or Legend of The Mother of the Forest (La Madremonte))

This ancient myth of the origin of the Sun and the Moon stems from the culture of the indigenous Arhuacos, also known as the Ika, Iku, Bintukua, or Mamos of Colombia. They often tell this story to their younger generations as an essential part of their people’s oral tradition.