Type Mountain
Usage Spanish
Other Forms FormsGaragona, Garagonache, Garagonay, Garagonoche, Jarajona
Meaning & History
The name of a mountain peak which is the highest point on the Canarian island of La Gomera, located at the center of the island and regarded as a spiritual center of power by the ancient inhabitants. Earlier Garagonohe, it is derived from Guanche *garagônaše, composed of *gar-g-Wunẓiẓ and meaning "Eiunche is at the highest height" or "Eiunche possesses superiority". The personal name Eiunche (or Unche) belonged to a Guanche seer who was one of four cantonal chiefs who administered to the island around 1450; it means "clairvoyant" from Guanche *eyunẓiẓ.According to a local legend of uncertain authenticity (first recorded in 1924), Gara and Jonay were a pair of young Guanche lovers who died together in a joint suicide at Garajonay peak (Spanish Alto de Garajonay).