Pacanchique facts for kids
 View on Tunja from "Gallow Hill"
where Pacanchique's father and fiancé were hanged |
|
| Parents | Baganique |
|---|---|
| Mythology | Muisca mythology |
| Country | Muisca Confederation |
| Region | Altiplano Cundiboyacense Colombia |
| Habitat | Ramiriquí |
Pacanchique was an important person in the old stories, or mythology, of the Muisca people. The Muisca lived in what is now Colombia. Pacanchique was said to be the son of the local leader, called a cacique, from a town named Ramiriquí. At that time, Ramiriquí was part of a larger kingdom ruled by a zaque named Quemuenchatocha. This kingdom was in the northern part of the Muisca Confederation.
Pacanchique had a fiancé named Azay. The story says that Quemuenchatocha kidnapped Azay. Pacanchique tried everything to get her back. His efforts eventually led the Spanish explorers, known as conquistadores, to the city of Hunza. There, they defeated Quemuenchatocha.
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Life in the Muisca Lands
Many centuries ago, before the Spanish arrived, the central highlands of what is now Colombia were home to the Muisca people. Their lands were divided into different areas. The northern parts were ruled by leaders called zaques. The southern areas were ruled by zipas. Other smaller regions had their own local leaders, or caciques. One of these caciques was the ruler of Ramiriquí.
The Story of Pacanchique
Pacanchique lived during the time of zaque Quemuenchatocha. Pacanchique had a very beautiful fiancé named Azay. Quemuenchatocha often organized special trips, called pilgrimages, to the Temple of the Sun. This temple was built by a leader named Goranchacha.
At the temple, special ceremonies were held to honor Sué, the Muisca god of the Sun. During these events, young boys were sometimes offered as a special gift to the Sun. These rituals took place at the Cojines del Zaque, which means "Cushions of the Zaque." These were two large, round stones. The ceremonies included music and dances. People played flutes, ocarinas, and drums.
Azay's Kidnapping
One day, a group from Ramiriquí came to the temple. This group included the cacique Baganique, his son Pacanchique, and Azay. Other leaders from the area around Ramiriquí also came. They traveled from Soracá to the temple to worship the Sun. The celebrations began at sunrise, as Sué appeared in the east. Zaque Quemuenchatocha knelt on the Cojines to start the ritual.
During the ceremony, Quemuenchatocha saw the beautiful Azay. He ordered his servants to bring her to his palace that very night. In Muisca traditions, being chosen by the zaque was sometimes seen as a great honor, believed to be arranged by the gods. So, Azay was taken to the palace that same night.
Pacanchique's Clever Plan
Pacanchique was heartbroken and desperate after losing Azay. He needed a clever plan to get her back. After talking with his father, he went to the swamps near Soracá. The Muisca people grew many medicinal and special plants there. He gathered two different types of plants.
Then, Pacanchique went to Quemuenchatocha's palace. He found Azay crying for help. He gave her one of the plants, and she immediately fell into a deep sleep. When Quemuenchatocha entered and found Azay seemingly lifeless, he and his wise shamans tried to save her. But their efforts did not work.
With a sad procession, Quemuenchatocha brought Azay's body back to Baganique in Ramiriquí. There, Pacanchique gave her the second plant he had picked from the swamps. To everyone's surprise, Azay woke up and came back to life!
Seeking Help and Revenge
When Quemuenchatocha found out that Azay was not dead, he was furious. He sent his guecha warriors to Ramiriquí to find her and punish those who had tricked him. Pacanchique managed to escape the village. However, Azay and Baganique were captured by the soldiers and taken to Hunza.
Baganique and his people protested, but it was no use. The zaque ordered Azay and Baganique to be put to death on "Gallow Hill." Soon after, the Spanish explorers, led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, arrived in the Muisca lands. They found the bodies of Azay and Baganique.
Pacanchique wanted revenge for the deaths of his father and fiancé. He guided De Quesada's small army to Quemuenchatocha's lands. They found the zaque sitting on his throne, surrounded by gold, emeralds, and expensive clothes. Pacanchique also showed the Spanish troops the way to the Temple of the Sun in the sacred city of Sugamuxi. Sadly, Pacanchique himself died near a place called Bonza, killed by one of the Spanish soldiers.
