Learn about the realms of Coya!

In the film, Coya journeys through three primary realms, concluding in a fourth, with one realm not explicitly mentioned in the film! The main realms, in order of appearance, are Ama Sua, Ama Lulla, and Ama Quella. Hanan Pacha, akin to the idea of Heaven, is referenced in dialogue throughout the movie and is briefly shown at the end when Coya gains entry. The fifth realm that's not mentioned during the film is Uku Pacha, while this realm is not shown in the film it is still a part of the story over all! Supay the god of death who resides over Uku Pacha is in a weekended state due to souls not entering his realm. Due to this he sabotages Coya throughout the realms in hopes to take her soul to Uka Pacha and drink her royal blood, thus strengthen himself.

The 'realms' seen in the film technically are not realms they but were instead core moral laws in Incan culture. These moral laws were set in place by the Sapa Inca or his representatives, any crime during this time was seen as going against the Divinities themselves and was thus harshly punished.

Ama Sua - Do not steal

In Incan culture, private ownership was minimal, with most resources shared collectively. Due to this, theft was considered a grave offense, the main punishment for this crime was to be beaten with stones. Another punishment would have been to have the perpetrators hands or feet cut off, if caught a second time it could be punishable by death.

Original 'Ama Sua Color Concept' art by, Amelie Eder & Cristiano Santos

Ama Lulla - Do not lie

This law worked particular well during conquests and wars for the Incans as way to keep soldiers in line and loyal. The enforcement of this law also helped drive the labor force and shared imperial goals, directly coinciding with the other two laws. The punishment for this law varied, from whipping, blinding, stoning, as well as limb cutting. In the film Ama Lulla is represented by Urcaguary's

treasure room where Coya must sacrifice the heart of her guide dog tika.

Original 'Ama Lula Interior Concept' art by, Jiawen Mai

Ama Quella - Do not be lazy

Because the Incan agricultural system was rugged and steep, many Incans labored under harsh conditions to manage water and prevent erosion while constructing complex irrigation and drainage systems. To keep people motivated to work, the Sapa Inca and his representatives established this law with severe punishments, such as being thrown from cliffs, stoning, or clubbing.

Original 'Ama Quella Environment Concept' art by, Alonzo Menil Rutherford

Hanan Pacha

Also known as the 'Upper World' it is the embodiment of eternal paradise and tranquility. This realm is reserved for those who lived honestly and virtuously. Shamans and spiritual practitioners used meditation to visit Hanan Pacha to seek guidance and knowledge. This realm is represented by the Condor which bridges and delivers messages from Hanan Pacha (heaven) and Kay Pacha (earth).

Original 'Condor' concept art by, Ashton Courts

Uku Pacha

Also known as the 'Inner World'. This realm is reserved for those who did bad deeds and broke the sacred moral laws. While Uku Pacha is a place where those who have done wrong go, it is also a place that nourishes Kay Pacha (earth). It is a place that represents, fertility, rebirth, and a life source to the realm above. Rituals often took place to appease Uku Pacha spirits to ensure a good harvest and protection from natural disasters. This realm is represented by the Snake, representing wisdom and 'the infinite'.

original 'Coya Storyboard ' art by, Ashton Courts

Citations:

‌“Farming like the Incas.” Smithsonian, Smithsonian Institution, 7 Sept. 2011,www.smithsonianmag.com/history/farming-like-the-incas-70263217/.

“Hanan Pacha.” YatrikaOne, 2017, yatrikaone.com/tag/hanan-pacha/.

“Inca Empire Religion: Gods, Mythology, and Rituals Explained.” Ultimate Trekking, 2025,ultimatetrekking.com/travel-blog/inca-empire-religion#hanan-pacha. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

“Inca Encyclopedia Block C [Licensed for Non-Commercial Use Only] / Inca Laws.” Inca Encyclopedia,incaencyclopediac.pbworks.com/w/page/21051670/Inca%20Laws.

“Inca Law.” Discover Peru, 2019, www.discover-peru.org/inca-law/.

Mariana. “Exploring Hanaq Pacha: The Upper World in Andean Cosmovision.” Inca Medicine School,15 Mar. 2025, incamedicineschool.com/blog/hanaq-pacha-the-upper-world-in-andean-cosmovision/.Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

ScribdTranslations. “LAWS of the INCA EMPIRE.docx.” Scribd, 2025,www.scribd.com/document/922143591/LAWS-OF-THE-INCA-EMPIRE-docx. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

“The Inca Trilogy: The Condor, the Puma and the Snake.” Ticket Machu Picchu,12 Apr. 2019, www.ticketmachupicchu.com/inca-trilogy-condor-puma-snake/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

“Uku Pacha.” Fiveable, 2025,fiveable.me/key-terms/world-literature-i/uku-pacha. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

“Urcaguary – Inca Symbol.” Symbolikon: Visual Library of Worldwide Ancient Symbols,26 June 2025, symbolikon.com/downloads/urcaguary-inca/. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

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