Guacolda | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Guacolda in as portrayed byFray Diego de Ocaña in a travel log, 1605. | |
| Born | |
| Died | 1557 (1558) |
| Spouse | Lautaro |
Guacolda (fromMapudungún,Wa-kelü, meaning "corn-colored", in reference to her possiblyblonde hair, died 1557), baptized asTeresa, was the wife of MapuchelonkoLautaro. Her existence, similarly toCaupolicán's alleged wife,Fresia, is a matter of debate, as some consider her to be a mythological legend and others consider her to be a real historical figure.[1]
She was allegedly raised in the household ofPedro de Villagra, where she was given the Christian name of Teresa. WhenLautaro's army conquered the city ofConcepción, she deeply fell in love with him and decided to run away,[1] accompanying him on all of the future battles which he led against the Spanish.[2]
BothAlonso de Ercilla andPedro Mariño de Lobera described her in their travel logs as a "very beautiful woman". According to both, Guacolda warned Lautaro of incoming Spanish troops fromPeteroa (known as Chilipirco to the Natives), who eventually found and killed Lautaro.[2] After this,Francisco de Villagra took Guacolda with him, after which she apparently "died of sadness".[1]