Audiolibro "Leyendas de mi tierra" "La Leyenda de la Papa" de Antonio Diaz Villamil

The Legend of the Zapallos

Origins and Prosperity of the Zapallos

• The Zapallos were considered the only lords of their territory, believed to have a divine connection to their land as per ancient traditions. They traced their origins back to the time of Wiracocha, the supreme creator according to Aymara beliefs.

• Their region was described as rich and prosperous, akin to a promised land, with majestic mountains, vast plains, and a pure sky contributing to its beauty. This environment fostered happiness among the Zapallos.

• The land rewarded agricultural efforts generously; sunlight matured grains while moonlight illuminated serene nights. Rivers brought gold sands from distant origins, enhancing their wealth and prosperity.

• The Zapallos were characterized by their goodness and hard work; they viewed other peoples as equally benevolent, leading them to abandon weapons and armies in favor of peaceful coexistence.

• Generations thrived in this idyllic setting until an unexpected tragedy disrupted their peaceful existence: an invasion from a neighboring people known for their own territorial claims.

The Tragic Invasion

• A catastrophic event unfolded when inhabitants from the north experienced terrifying natural phenomena linked to a mountain that had been seen as enchanted due to its ominous presence over centuries. This mountain was associated with past battles between good and evil deities.

• An eruption occurred that produced formidable sounds and fiery destruction, causing panic among those living nearby who were unprepared for such devastation. As fire engulfed fields and homes, survivors fled in terror amidst chaos.

• The narrative suggests that this mountain is likely the Misti volcano, known for its eruptions which have historically led to significant destruction in surrounding areas like Arequipa. Such volcanic activity serves as a reminder of nature's power over human settlements.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Following the disaster that left many without homes or lands, survivors sought new territories despite knowing it would come at the expense of others' peace—specifically targeting the fertile lands of the Zapallos due southward where they perceived easy conquest opportunities due to previous tranquility among its inhabitants.

The Struggles of the Zapata People

The Conquest and Its Aftermath

• The Zapata people were caught off guard by the invaders, leading to their immediate submission without resistance. They lacked weapons, leaders, and a warrior spirit, resulting in their domination by the Cádiz invaders.

• The Cádiz proclaimed their strength as a right to impose cruel slavery on the Zapatas, stripping them of their possessions including homes, livestock, and agricultural lands. This marked a significant decline in the quality of life for the Zapatas.

• The invaders refused to work in fields themselves and forced the Zapatas to sustain them through labor while they indulged in leisure activities. This exploitation continued year after year during harvest seasons.

• As the Zapatas worked tirelessly on their fields only to see their produce taken by the Cádiz, they experienced deep indignation and helplessness at being denied even scraps from their own labor.

Rise of Chop: A Symbol of Resistance

• Years passed under this oppressive rule until a young boy named Chop emerged as a beacon of hope among his people; he was just 15 years old and descended from noble lineage. Despite his youth, he resisted servitude with remarkable determination.

• The proud invaders sought to humiliate Chop further due to his noble heritage by assigning him menial tasks; however, he consistently defied these orders despite facing severe punishments for his rebellion against authority.

• Chop endured countless beatings without yielding to pressure from his oppressors or showing signs of submission; this resilience inspired both fear and admiration among those who witnessed it.

A Call for Rebellion

• One day after suffering brutal punishment, an elder approached Chop expressing sorrow over his suffering but suggested compliance with their masters as a means of survival; however, Chop rejected this notion vehemently. He believed that accepting such fate was beneath them as an illustrious race.

• In response to despairing sentiments expressed by others regarding divine abandonment due to servility, Chop passionately argued that true dignity lies in resisting oppression rather than succumbing quietly into slavery. He vowed not only to endure but also inspire others through his defiance against tyranny until death or liberation arrived.

Hope Amidst Despair

• Despite Chop's fervent declarations about maintaining hope for freedom and dignity within their hearts, many elders dismissed him as delusional due to years spent under subjugation which had eroded their sense of self-worth and agency over time. They returned silently resigned back into servitude after failing to rally behind him in rebellion against oppression.

• Ultimately reflecting on how gods abandon those who lose hope—Chop’s words resonated deeply yet failed initially ignite action among his people; nevertheless they hinted at potential awakening if courage could be found again amongst them amidst despairing circumstances faced daily under foreign dominion over lives once lived freely before conquest occurred.

The Journey of a Young Hero

The Spirit of Resistance

• A child embodies the enduring love for his defeated homeland, representing hope amidst oppression.

• The gods decide to assist the oppressed people in their quest for independence, symbolized by the majestic white condor descending from the heavens.

• The condor encounters the boy, who initially prepares to defend himself but is intrigued by the bird's human-like speech and presence.

Divine Guidance

• The condor reveals its divine mission: to protect the boy and his people against their oppressors, urging him not to lose hope.

• The boy expresses his willingness to sacrifice everything for freedom but worries about his people's resignation to their fate.

Seeds of Change

• Despite doubts about his companions' resolve, the boy commits to continuing his fight for liberation as advised by the condor.

• The condor instructs him to find a mysterious seed that will bring forth new life and hope when planted at harvest time.

Faith in Action

• As planting season arrives, despite skepticism, the people follow the boy’s orders and plant the unknown seeds instead of traditional crops.

• Throughout growth stages, anxiety among them rises; however, the boy reassures them that they will see divine support through their efforts.

Miraculous Harvest

• After months of waiting, beautiful plants bloom with fruits appearing unexpectedly on branches.

• The condor reappears before harvest time, advising patience until all plants have matured completely before harvesting.

Transformation Through Abundance

• When harvest time comes, excitement leads some villagers to hoard all produce for themselves rather than share with their oppressors.

• Following instructions from the condor, they discover nutritious tubers hidden beneath soil layers—an unexpected bounty that transforms their lives.

The Rise of the Zapallos: A Tale of Rebellion and Resilience

The Call to Arms

• The small chief, filled with enthusiasm, inspired his companions about the ideal of freedom, urging them to prepare their slings and arrows for an uprising.

• As the zapallos had forgotten how to use weapons, they needed to secretly practice combat skills in preparation for the revolt.

The Consequences of New Food Sources

• The situation for the dominators worsened as hundreds of caris died or fell ill due to consuming new green fruits that were not only nutritious but also somewhat poisonous.

• In a fit of rage against the slaves, the caris sought revenge; however, they were caught off guard when the zapallos launched their surprise attack.

The Uprising and Its Aftermath

• Shocked by the sudden resurgence of strength from the zapallos, the weakened caris could not defend themselves effectively during battle.

• Following their victory, the zapallos celebrated their small prince as a hero and symbolically crowned him with gold and emeralds.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

• This legend illustrates how a seemingly weak individual can reignite a sense of dignity among an oppressed people.

• The mysterious seed referenced in this tale is identified as potatoes, which originated in this region and later spread globally after Spanish conquest.