Pelinor was one of the nine menceys (Guanche kings or chieftains) who governed the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands prior to the Castilian conquest at the end of the 15th century. He was the mencey of the menceyato (kingdom or territory) of Adeje.
Historical Context
The Guanches were the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands. By the time of the European conquest, Tenerife was divided into nine distinct menceyatos, each ruled by a mencey. These divisions were established after a period of conflict and consolidation following the death of Tinerfe the Great, the last unified ruler of the island, and the subsequent partition of his kingdom among his nine sons.
The nine menceyatos of Tenerife were: Anaga, Tegueste, Tacoronte, Taoro, Icod, Daute, Abona, Güímar, and Adeje. These territories were broadly categorized based on their stance towards the encroaching Castilian presence:
- "Guanche kingdoms of peace" (Añaterve's alliance): Adeje, Abona, Güímar, and Anaga, which initially favored peace treaties and alliances with the Castilians.
- "Guanche kingdoms of war": Tegueste, Tacoronte, Taoro, Icod, and Daute, which maintained a strong resistance against the invaders.
Reign of Pelinor
Pelinor ruled the menceyato of Adeje, which was located in the southwestern part of Tenerife. His territory encompassed the modern-day municipalities of Adeje, Arona, and Guía de Isora. Along with the menceys of Abona, Güímar, and Anaga, Pelinor pursued a policy of non-aggression and, at times, cooperation with the Castilian forces led by Alonso Fernández de Lugo.
Adeje's position as a "menceyato of peace" meant that Pelinor sought diplomatic solutions rather than direct military confrontation during the initial stages of the conquest. This strategic alignment, while aiming to preserve his people and territory, ultimately did not prevent the eventual subjugation of the entire island. After the decisive Castilian victory at the Second Battle of Acentejo in 1495 and the subsequent pacification campaigns, the Guanche sovereignty came to an end.
Legacy
Pelinor, like the other menceys, lost his authority after the completion of the Castilian conquest of Tenerife in 1496. The indigenous political and social structures were dismantled, and the island was incorporated into the Crown of Castile. While some menceys were assimilated into the new society, often through baptism and adoption of Castilian names, their historical role remains a significant part of Canarian indigenous heritage. Pelinor is remembered as one of the key figures in the final era of independent Guanche rule on Tenerife.