The island of La Gomera is a land of legends, more specifically the municipality of Vallehermoso, in which there has been the mysterious presence of witches. One of the best-known legends is “Los Chorros de Epina”, located on the borders of the Garajonay National Park. Seven pipes represent love and misery. You got to decide which one you want to drink from.
The legend says that in the old days its waters were like a mirror to look at. If the reflection was clear, luck and fortune in love were guaranteed for you, but if the reflection were cloudy, the lack of love and misery would follow you forever.
And that was what happened to Gara, the princess of Agulo, who during the festivities of Beñesmer peeked into the waters of the fountain, without knowing anything about it. At first, she saw her reflection clear, but after a short time, it began to cloud.
Scared by what happened, Gara ran to ask Gerián, the wise man of the place, who gave her a mysterious message that made her worry even more: “whatever can happen will happen. Run away from the fire, Gara, otherwise the fire will consume you”.
That same day, Jonay arrived on the island, a handsome young man who came from Tenerife with his father. Gara and Jonay looked at each other, in the midst of all the people who attended Beñesmer's parties. They fell madly in love instantly and decided to tell their parents. They also announced to everyone their engagement.
But suddenly something terrible happened. The sea was filled with flashes. The great volcano of the island of Tenerife, Echeyde (Teide), began pouring lava and fire mercilessly.
And it was at that moment when they remembered the words of Gerián, the wise man. Gara was the princess of Agulo, the place of water, and Jonay came from the land of fire, from the island of the volcano. Gara and Jonay, water and fire. Undoubtedly, it was an impossible love. Their parents forbade them to meet again, and that calmed the fury of the volcano.
However, when Jonay returned to Tenerife, he could not get Gara out of his head, who constantly occupied his thoughts, so one night he threw himself into the sea ready to swim, until he met his beloved again, and when he did, they both fled towards El Cedro, on the highest part of the island of La Gomera while they were being chased by those who discovered them.
When they reached the highest peak and felt cornered, without thinking, they took a sharp stick at both ends and, leaning on their breasts, embraced and died traversed. For that reason, the mountain is called Garajonay, in memory of two lovers who chose to die together because they could not live apart.
The fountain of Los Chorros de Epina predicted the tragic end of this love story, which gave its name to what is now known as the Garajonay National Park. There are more legends and traditions around the fountain of Los Chorros de Epina, like the one that says that its first two pipes correspond to health, the two following to love and the correlatives to fortune. The last, the seventh, corresponds to the witches.
There is also a tradition which says that men should drink from left to right in an odd-numbered pipe, while women should drink in even numbers. Only then, they will have the happiness of assured love. But if you are mistaken, the misfortune of the magic of its waters will pursue you forever.
If you want to be part of these legends and immerse yourself in magic, La Gomera is the perfect place. A thousand and one adventures await you on your visit to the island.