Bentor

Bentor, sometimes also called Ventor, Bentore, Benytomo, or Bentorey (c. 1463–February 1495) was the last mencey or king of Taoro from November 1494 until his suicide in February 1495. A native Guanche prince in the Canary Islands during the second half of the 15th century, Bentor was the eldest grandson (in some sources, son) of Bencomo, the penultimate mencey (or king) of Taoro. Taoro was one of nine menceyatos, or kingdoms, on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands before the Spanish conquest of the islands. Bentor's mother was probably named Hañagua, although this is unclear. He succeeded his father as mencey upon his father's death in November of 1495, and led the kingdom until his own death by suicide four months later in February 1495. Bentor had five siblings: one sister (Dácil) and four brothers (Ruiman, Rosalva, Chachiñama, and Tiñate).

Biography


Bentor was born around 1463 in Tenerife to Adjona. Bentor, then the Crown Prince, participated in many battles against the invading Spanish in 1495 alongside his father Bencomo, mencey of Taoro. Bencomo was killed during the Battle of Aguere in November 1495 and Bentor, being the eldest son, was chosen as his successor. His uncles Tinguaro and Adjona may also have participated in the battle, however Adjona did not perish like Tinguaro and lived on until 1507. Shortly after the Battle of Aguere, Alonso Fernandez de Lugo sent Fernando Guanarteme to negotiate with Bentor, but he refused to hand over the territory.

Death and legacy
Following the disastrous Second Battle of Acentejo which occurred in December of 1494 the Guanche forces were severely decimated. The forces took refuge on the slope of the Tigaiga mountain after the battle, where Bentor committed suicide in February of 1495 by jumping off of the hill and tumbling down the mountainside (it was seen as a way to keep one's honor instead of surrendering). As a consequence, the Guanche resistance completely collapsed and the remaining menceys surrendered in the Peace of Los Realejos. The Canary Islands are now a Spanish autonomous community.

The Hotel Rural Bentor on the island of Tenerife is named after him.