Galvarino

Galvarino was a famous Mapuche warrior. In 1557, he fought in the Battle of Lagunillas against the an army of Spanish conquistadors. The battle took place in Chile near the Bio Bio River. He was taken prisoner along with one hundred and fifty other Mapuche. Some prisoners were condemned to amputation of their right hand and nose. Others like Galvarino had both hands cut off.Jerónimo de Vivar, Crónica, Capítulo CXXXII He was released and told to tell the Mapuche chief Caupolicán to surrender to stop more bloodshed. He did just the opposite. He urged the Mapuche to continue fighting against the Spanish invaders. Less than a month later, on November 30, 1557, with knives fastened to both of his wrists he fought at the Battle of Millarupe. It was supposed to be a surprise attack but the Mapuche sprang the trap too early. In the battle, over 3,000 Mapuche warriors were killed. Galvarino was one of several hundred who were captured. He was sentenced to be hung. Some say he was executed by being thrown to the dogs.Vivar, Crónica, Capítulo CXXXIII  Others claim he was hanged. Still others say he killed himself before he could be executed.

Related pages
History of Chile
Pedro de Valdivia
Lautaro

References

Other website 
 Doctor File: "Galvarino rechazó la vida" (in Spanish), YouTube

Galvarino
Galvarino
Category:1557 deaths