From Sir Walter Raleigh to Edgar Allen Poe, many have found themselves captivated by the intrigue and riches of El Dorado.
The legend of El Dorado has its origins in the Muisca civilisation, which inhabited the Andes region of present-day Colombia. The term originally referred to a ritual belonging to a native tribe: the chief would cover himself in gold dust during ceremonies, then wash it off in Lake Guatavita. This story arrived in Europe in the early 16th century via Spanish explorers, who heard about this ceremony when they were in South America. The Spaniards referred to this chief as ‘El Dorado’, which translates to ‘the golden one.’
Thanks no doubt to its promise of prosperity, the idea of El Dorado reverberated among European explorers. This accounts for its subsequent evolution in meaning: rather than referring to an individual leader, El Dorado was understood as a lost city of gold and abundance, whose location was waiting to be discovered by courageous explorers. Indeed, the mystery and allure surrounding El Dorado only fuelled its popular appeal.
For some individuals, El Dorado became their raison d’être, as they embarked on obsessive quests to discover the location of the lost city. For example, in 1541 the Spanish conquistador Gonzales Pizarro’s expedition involved trekking through the rainforest for months on end, and he brought with him an expedition force of horses, llamas and over 2,000 hogs. Other noteworthy expeditions to find the gold include those of Sir Walter Raleigh, which resulted in the death of his own son.
On one hand, the frenzied search for El Dorado embodies an insatiable desire for wealth that has transcended both geographical and temporal boundaries. The supposed wealth of the region was a driving force for much exploitation of South America and indigenous peoples. For example, Pizarro took 4,000 native servants with him, who were kept in chains. He also tortured natives who were unable to provide him with answers about El Dorado. The legend became a driving force behind the colonisation and exploitation of South America.
Nevertheless, El Dorado also reveals a rich history of native tribes and their particular values. This is demonstrated through their perception of gold, which is strikingly different compared to Europe. Although gold was nothing more than a material pursuit in Europe, it was valued by the Muisca for its spiritual power. By providing a connection to the deities, gold was an offering rather than a road to prosperity.
More recently, El Dorado has adopted a new significance. As well as a mythical city, the term is also used to describe a place of abundant wealth and opportunities. For example, this name has been given to 45 places across the world, including a county in California, as well as towns in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
In summary, El Dorado’s prominent place in popular culture is reflective of its immense influence throughout history. Though largely mythical, it has proved crucial for understanding ancient cultures, as well as the imperial motives of some European countries in the 16th and 17th centuries.