The Real Hunger Games? | National Geographic | Summary and Q&A

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December 5, 2008
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National Geographic
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The Real Hunger Games? | National Geographic

TL;DR

In a remote village in Bolivia, descendants of the Inca participate in the dangerous tradition of Tinu, a bloody battle that serves as a sacrifice to ensure a bountiful potato harvest.

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Key Insights

  • 🩸 Incan descendants in the Andes of Bolivia continue to practice ancient rituals and beliefs, such as the necessity of blood sacrifice for successful harvests.
  • 🥹 The village of Aaga holds the festival of U, where the brutal battle of Tinu is fought to entertain and appease the spirits of the Earth and the mountain.
  • 👶 Participants in Tinu, including children as young as 10, engage in the battle to demonstrate the strength of their spirit rather than to harm others.
  • 🥔 The village believes that the success of their potato harvest relies on the performance of the spirits, and Tinu serves as their sacrificial offering.
  • 😒 The use of cowhide helmets during Tinu demonstrates the influence of Spanish conquistadors on the village's traditions.
  • 🤞 Despite the risks involved, the villagers find hope in Tinu, as it is an opportunity to deliver the promised sacrifice and rely on the spirits to fulfill their request.
  • 🥹 The battle of Tinu is not only physically demanding but also holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the villagers in Aaga.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why do the Incan descendants in Aaga believe that human blood is necessary for a successful potato harvest?

According to the villagers' belief, the potato crops need the nourishment of human blood to ensure a bountiful harvest. They see it as a way to appease and nourish the spirits of the Earth and the mountain.

Q: How do the villagers prepare for the battle of Tinu?

Villagers like Sabino Char wear cowhide helmets for protection during the battle, inspired by the helmets worn by the Conquistadors 500 years ago. They also psychologically prepare themselves to potentially be wounded during the fight, as injuries are expected.

Q: What is the significance of Tinu in the village of Aaga?

Tinu is a traditional festival and ritual believed to demonstrate the strength of the village's spirit. The winning village is seen as having the strongest spirit and is expected to have the best harvest for the year.

Q: Do participants in Tinu hold personal grudges during the battle?

No, participants in Tinu do not fight out of personal grudges. The aim of the battle is to impress the spirits and entertain them, rather than to harm or defeat fellow participants. Many duels even end with embraces rather than hostility.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • In the Andes of Bolivia, Incan descendants in a village called Aaga believe that their potato crops require the nourishment of human blood for a successful harvest.

  • The villagers stage a festival called U, where participants engage in a free-for-all battle known as Tinu to entertain the spirits of the Earth and the mountain.

  • The battles are brutal and often result in injuries, with some participants even losing their lives, but the aim is to impress the spirits and secure a prosperous harvest.

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