Nangoniel facts for kids

Nangoniel was a brave Mapuche leader known as a Toqui in 1585. He was the son of another Toqui named Cayancaru. Nangoniel made history by being the first Mapuche Toqui to use horse riders, called cavalry, in his army.

After his father, Cayancaru, failed to capture the Spanish fort at Arauco, he stepped down. Nangoniel then took command of the Mapuche army.

Nangoniel's Rise: Leading the Mapuche Army

Nangoniel gathered his soldiers, including foot soldiers and about 150 horse riders. From this time on, horses became an important part of the Mapuche fighting force.

Recapturing Arauco Fort

Nangoniel led his army back to the Arauco fort. With his new cavalry, he surrounded the fort so tightly that the Spanish soldiers inside could not get any supplies. Because of this, the Spanish were forced to leave the fort. This was a big victory for Nangoniel and the Mapuche.

Battle at Santísima Trinidad

After his success at Arauco, Nangoniel moved his army to attack the fort of Santísima Trinidad. This fort was important because it protected the Spanish supply routes along the Bio-bio River.

However, Nangoniel's forces met a group of Spanish soldiers led by Francisco Hernández. In the battle, Nangoniel was badly wounded, losing an arm. He also suffered other serious injuries.

Nangoniel's Final Stand

Nangoniel retreated to a nearby mountain to recover. Sadly, a Spanish force ambushed him there. Nangoniel and about 50 of his soldiers were killed in this surprise attack. On the very same day Nangoniel died, another leader named Cadeguala was chosen as the new Toqui by the Mapuche army.

See also

In Spanish: Nongoniel para niños