Millalelmo facts for kids

Millalelmo (also spelled Millarelmo) was an important Mapuche military leader. He lived in the 1500s and died around 1570. He played a big role in the second major Mapuche rebellion, which started in 1561 during the Arauco War. This was a long conflict between the Mapuche people and the Spanish invaders in what is now Chile.

Millalelmo was likely a toqui, which was a Mapuche war chief or leader, for the Arauco region. He led the Mapuche army from that area during a big fight called the Siege of Arauco. This siege happened from May 20 to June 30, 1562, where his forces surrounded a Spanish fort.

Millalelmo's Leadership in Battle

Millalelmo was a skilled leader who guided his people in many important battles.

Early Victories

In 1563, Millalelmo led his army to a victory against Captain Juan Perez de Zurita near the Andalién River. This win was very important because it stopped Spanish reinforcements from reaching the city of Concepcion. This action helped lead to the 1564 Siege of Concepcion, where Millalelmo's forces worked with other Mapuche groups from north of the Bio Bio River, led by another chief named Loble.

Continued Resistance

Millalelmo continued to fight against the Spanish. In 1566, he led an attack on the town of Cañete, which had recently been rebuilt by the Spanish. His leadership showed the Mapuche's strong will to resist. Later, in 1569, he was one of the key leaders under Llanganabal in the Battle of Catirai, another significant clash in the war.

Millalelmo's Legacy

Millalelmo is remembered as a brave and determined leader. He died in 1570. It is said that he asked for his body to be burned. This was so he could rise into the clouds and continue fighting against the Spanish, even in the afterlife. His actions and beliefs show the strong spirit of the Mapuche people during the Arauco War.

See also

In Spanish: Millalelmo para niños