Galvarino facts for kids
Galvarino was a brave Mapuche warrior who lived in the 1500s. He was famous for fighting during the early part of the Arauco War. This was a long conflict between the Mapuche people and the Spanish who came to their land.
Galvarino was captured in a battle called the Battle of Lagunillas. About 150 other Mapuche warriors were also taken prisoner. As a result of his resistance to the Spanish, he faced the grim punishment of losing both hands.
After this terrible punishment, Galvarino and the others were set free. The Spanish governor, García Hurtado de Mendoza, did this to scare the Mapuche. He hoped it would make them stop fighting. Mendoza even sent Galvarino to tell the Mapuche leader, Caupolicán, how many Spanish soldiers had arrived. He wanted to make Caupolicán afraid and make him surrender.
A Brave Warrior
Even without his hands, Galvarino remained incredibly brave. The Mapuche council recognized his courage and made him a leader of a group of warriors.
He would inspire his men by showing them his arms. He told them to fight hard so they wouldn't end up like him, unable to work or eat easily. He encouraged them to fight for their homeland and to die defending it rather than run away. He even said he would fight with his teeth if he had to.
Another account says he urged his brothers not to stop fighting the Spanish. He reminded them of the harm the Spanish had caused since they arrived. He warned that the Spanish would cut off their hands too if they didn't fight back strongly to protect their families and children.
His Final Fight
Galvarino continued to fight fiercely. However, in a later battle, Governor Mendoza's forces were too strong. After more than an hour of fighting, Galvarino's group was defeated. About three thousand Mapuche warriors were killed, and over eight hundred were captured, including Galvarino himself.
Mendoza ordered Galvarino to be executed. One historical account says he was thrown to dogs. However, in the famous poem La Araucana by Alonso de Ercilla, it is written that Galvarino was executed by hanging.
Galvarino is remembered as a symbol of Mapuche resistance and bravery against great odds.
See also
In Spanish: Galvarino para niños
