Galvarino was a famous Mapuche warrior who fought against the Spanish invaders in the Arauco War in the 16th century. He is known for his bravery and resilience, as he continued to fight even after the Spanish cut off both of his hands and his nose as a punishment for his rebellion. He attached knives to his stumps and led a squadron of warriors in a fierce battle against the Spanish army.
The Battle of Millarapue
Galvarino’s final battle was the Battle of Millarapue, which took place on November 30, 1557. The Mapuche planned to ambush the Spanish camp, but their attack was foiled by the Spanish crossbows, armor, and patrols. The battle lasted for more than an hour, and the Spanish forces prevailed, killing or capturing most of the Mapuche warriors.
The Execution of Galvarino
Galvarino was among the captives, and he was brought before the Spanish governor, Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza. Mendoza ordered him to be executed by being thrown to the dogs, a cruel and humiliating death. However, some sources claim that Galvarino was actually hanged, which was a more honorable way of dying for a warrior. According to Wikipedia, the book La Araucana, written by Alonso de Ercilla, states that the real death of Galvarino was by hanging. However, other sources, such as All That’s Interesting and Mental Floss, state that Mendoza threw Galvarino to the dogs. The exact cause of Galvarino’s death remains a mystery, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and resistance for the Mapuche people.
