This article analyses the persistence of the Araucan myth in 19th-century Chile, noting how despite the utilisation of the image of the Mapuches, the heroic features giving rise to the myth survived and were consistently used. Initially, during the independence struggles, the epic virtues of the ancient Mapuches in their fight against the Spanish conquistadores were considered worthy of emulation by patriots, thus prompting a new reading of the Araucan myth. Once independence was achieved, the presence of an indigenous people standing apart from the nation proved inimical to the progressive ideas of the ruling elite, who went on to construct a negative discourse around the Mapuches. By adopting this paradigm they were able to justify the armed conquest of Araucania, but it was insufficient to destroy the myth as the Chilean population clung to their legendary qualities.