The island of La Gomera is the ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers.
It is said that the natural jewel of this island, which is home to an extensive laurel forest, is located in the Garajonay National Park. This park is famous for its wide variety of flora and fauna, an extensive network of trails and spectacular viewpoints.
However, if you have never visited the island before, or if you barely know it well, you might find the name of the park a bit peculiar. But in this post we are going to tell you the legend for which it is named.
The jets of Epina
In the municipality of Vallehermosoon La Gomera, there are the Epine jets in the middle of nature and just a few hundred metres from the hamlet of Epina.
The ancient settlers of La Gomera, the GomerosThe water that emanated from these water bodies was believed to be jets had healing powers and that they could predicting the future of love.
As the celebration of the Beñesmén, in which the Aborigines celebrated the arrival of the new year and worshipped their gods, the younger girls of the village and who were of marriageable age, would go to the streams to find out their luck in love.
In order to know this prediction, the girl had to look at herself in the water under the jets. If by looking at the The water was calm and clear, that meant that he was soon to find the love and that it would bring him much happiness. Conversely, if the water was murkyThis meant misfortune and heartbreak.
Which plan to follow on your holidays?
Don't miss the Experience The pharmacy of the Laurisilva
Enjoy the secrets of the medicinal plants found in the Laurisilva forest of the Garajonay National Park
If you want to live a unique and environmentally friendly experience, and also get to know the Garajonay National Park from the hand of an official guide, book your place on a guided tour
As the celebration of the Beñesmén, in which the Aborigines celebrated the arrival of the new year and worshipped their gods, the younger girls of the village and who were of marriageable age, would go to the streams to find out their luck in love.
In order to know this prediction, the girl had to look at herself in the water under the jets. If by looking at the The water was calm and clear, that meant that he was soon to find the love and that it would bring him much happiness. Conversely, if the water was murkyThis meant misfortune and heartbreak.
Meeting between Gara and Jonay
The legend of the Garajonay Park is a tragic love story between a woman and a man. princess of La Gomera and a prince of Tenerife.
According to legend, days before the celebration of the Beñesmén, the princess of Agulo (meaning water princess), known as the GaraShe performed the ritual of the Epina jets like the rest of the young people of marriageable age. After peering into the waters, he could see how they began to become cloudy and was frightened, as this would have been the first time he had seen them. augured ill love.
He decided to consult with the local sageknown as Geiránwho answered him: "what will come to pass will come to pass. Gara flee from the fire or it will consume you."
Gara resigned herself and returned to her cave in silence, but what she didn't know was that in a very short time she would meet the love of her life.
The night before the Beñemen, a large number of people arrived on La Gomera guanchesThe name given to the aborigines who inhabited the island of Tenerife. They arrived several menceys (the name by which the kings or chiefs of a territory were recognised) among which was the Mencey of Adejewho was accompanied by his son Jonay or Ajonay.
When both young people they met each other's gaze, they fell madly in love and began their love story.
Water and fire are not compatible
When the young couple decided to go public with their love, between their two families, something stirred the inner fire of the Echeyde volcano (the name given to the present-day volcano of the Teide).
After this event, some of the Aborigines remembered what had happened to the young Gara the day she went to the Epina streams. So, they decided to accuse the couple of being in love, since for them a love between water and fire was impossible, because they considered them to be incompatible elements.
When separated the couple of lovers, what happened seemed to be the work of the gods, because it Echeyde stopped his fury.
Tragic reunion
When the volcano Echeyde had calmed down after the separation of Gara and Jonay, the Mencey of Adeje decided to return with his son and the others. Guanches to Tenerife.
But despite being separated on different islands, young Jonay I couldn't stop thinking about the beautiful Gara. One night he decided to go in search of her, so, he tied animal guts around his waist and swam to the coast of the island of La Gomera.
When he was reunited with his beloved, her face lit up with happiness at the sight of him, a happiness that was to be short-lived.
They were soon discovered, so they had to flee from a mob that wanted to separate them. They therefore decided to hide in the CedarThe highest area of the island and the one with the most vegetation.
However, just when they thought all the bad things were over, they heard the screams in the distance and realised that they were still being sought.
They didn't know what to do, until Jonay glimpsed on the floor a small sharp stick of cedar and he knew what he had to do.
They were not willing to live without each other, so Jonay took the cedar stick and sharpened it a little more at both ends. They placed the stick at the level of their chests, where their hearts met and one last embrace united these lovers forever. in the park we know today as Garajonay Park.
If you loved this Guanche legend, we recommend you to read the article about the prehistoric forest of La Gomera
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