Jerónimo Orión Llaguno Márquez (also known as J. Orión Llaguno and J. O. Llaguno) (Puebloviejo, September 30, 1869 – Guayaquil, May 16, 1965) was an Ecuadorian poet, journalist, and civic leader. He was a founding member of the Circle of Journalists of Guayas in 1936 and also wrote the hymn for El Universo, one of Ecuador’s oldest newspapers. Llaguno’s poetry, rooted in Romanticism, is best known through works such as Frondas poéticas (1909) and Resonancias de mis selvas (1953). Over his career, he contributed significantly to Ecuadorian literature and journalism, receiving numerous accolades, including being named Redactor Vitalicio (Lifetime Editor) of El Universo.
Early Life and Education
Jerónimo Orión Llaguno Márquez, known as J. Orión Llaguno or J. O. Llaguno, was born on September 30, 1869, in Hacienda La Providencia, Puebloviejo, Los Ríos Province, Ecuador. He was the eldest of four children born to Darío Llaguno Burgos, a prosperous cacao plantation owner, and Amadea Márquez Menéndez, from Montecristi, Manabí. His father owned two important cacao haciendas, Pozo Hondo and El Guasmo, while his mother cared deeply for his education and well-being.
As a child, Llaguno survived a severe case of smallpox under the care of Dr. Carlos Cortés García. His mother, attentive to his recovery, would prepare jugs of coffee with milk, a habit that would stay with him for the rest of his life. At the age of 12, Llaguno was sent to Quito to continue his education. During the journey, he suffered a broken arm after falling from his horse but persisted in reaching the city. He began his studies at the Escuela del Cebollar, where his Christian teachers resisted calling him “Orión,” as it was not a saint’s name. He later pursued Classical Humanities at the Seminario Menor de San Luis, excelling in his studies and setting the foundation for his future intellectual pursuits.
Early Career and Journalism
Llaguno’s journalistic career began in 1895 when he contributed to El Diario de Avisos in Guayaquil. That same year, amidst a revolutionary period in Ecuador, he co-founded the liberal newspaper El Grito del Pueblo, which played a role in promoting revolutionary ideas. He was active in the Liberal Party, which had overthrown the conservative government, and remained a steadfast supporter of liberalism throughout his life.
In addition to his journalism, Llaguno held several important roles in the judiciary, including as a Juez Civil (Civil Judge) in Guayaquil. He later served as a Criminal Judge, further demonstrating his involvement in Ecuador’s political and legal spheres. Despite his political affiliations, Llaguno’s work in journalism was recognized for its integrity and intellectual merit.
Literary Career
J. O. Llaguno was primarily known for his contributions to Ecuadorian poetry. His poetic style was heavily influenced by Romanticism, though he remained somewhat detached from the Modernist movement, which had taken hold among his contemporaries, such as José Antonio Falconí Villagómez, Miguel Ángel Granado y Guarnizo, and Medardo Ángel Silva. His literary career was marked by the publication of several notable poetry collections, starting with Frondas poéticas in 1909, which became his best-known work.
Throughout his career, Llaguno wrote several other poetry books, including Resonancias de mis selvas (1953), Florilegio de los ríos (1957), and Rosas, mirtos y laureles (1959). His poetry often focused on themes of nature, patriotism, and personal reflection. Though he was not widely recognized for adopting new literary trends, his work remained deeply valued for its emotional resonance and adherence to traditional forms.
In addition to his poetry, Llaguno also contributed to the growing body of Ecuadorian prose. His 1926 piece El montuvio, included in the Antología de la Literatura Montubia (2013), which translates to Anthology of Montubio Literature, offers a vivid portrayal of rural Ecuadorian life, reflecting his broader civic engagement and interest in Ecuador’s cultural identity. (Read an English translation of El montuvio here.)
In 1958, he edited an anthology titled Colección de poesías de bardos españoles y americanos, a collection of works by 19th-century poets aimed at readers of refined taste.
Founding Member of the Circle of Journalists of Guayas (Cipeg)
Jerónimo Orión Llaguno Márquez was a key contributor to the creation of the Circle of Journalists of Guayas (Círculo de Periodistas del Guayas, Cipeg), officially formed on May 4, 1936, largely due to the enthusiasm of Ismael Pérez Pazmiño, a notable poet, journalist, and founder of the newspaper El Universo. Llaguno, along with other prominent figures such as José Antonio Campos, Modesto Chávez Franco, Pedro Pablo Jijón, Manuel de J. Aguilar, and Carlos Alberto Flores, helped establish this institution dedicated to fostering integration and advancement among its members. The Circle, which included 21 founding members, saw José Antonio Campos serve as its first president, with Modesto Chávez Franco as vice president and Ismael Pérez Pazmiño as treasurer.
Hymn for El Universo and Civic Engagement
One of Llaguno’s notable contributions was writing the hymn for El Universo, one of Ecuador’s oldest and most respected newspapers, founded by Ismael Pérez Pazmiño. The hymn, titled Himno del diario El Universo, reflected Llaguno’s belief in the power of the written word and its capacity to challenge tyranny, celebrate freedom, and promote societal change.
In 1936, Llaguno was recognized as a founding member of the Press Circle of Guayas, a prestigious organization that brought together some of Ecuador’s most respected journalists. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to journalism, civic duty, and political advocacy, particularly within the Liberal Party.
Personal Life
J. O. Llaguno married María Herrera Aguilar in 1894 in Puebloviejo. Together, they had five children, and his life revolved around providing for his family while balancing his literary and journalistic pursuits.
Death and Legacy
By 1959, Llaguno retired due to health issues. He had become nearly blind, deaf, and suffered from severe arthritis that left him wheelchair-bound for the last six years of his life. His daughters cared for him, reading him newspapers so he could stay updated on current events. Despite his declining health, Llaguno remained mentally sharp and continued to engage in intellectual discussions with his family and friends.
On May 16, 1965, after a night of coughing fits that may have been related to heart failure, J. O. Llaguno passed away at the age of 95. His passing marked the end of a long and prolific career in both poetry and journalism. His legacy continues through his works and contributions to Ecuador’s cultural and intellectual landscape. The Escuela Geronimo Orion Llaguno in Guayaquil stands as a testament to his enduring impact on Ecuadorian education and culture.
Awards and Recognitions
- Actively involved in the founding of the Centro de Investigaciones Históricas in 1930, where he contributed to the preservation and promotion of Ecuadorian history.
- Founding member of the Press Circle of Guayas (1936).
- Declared Redactor Vitalicio (Lifetime Editor) of El Universo in 1954.
- Honored as “Mejor Ciudadano de Los Ríos” (Best Citizen of Los Ríos) by the Asociación Hijos de Los Ríos in 1952.
Poems
Himno del diario El Universo
Coro
Es la péñola, más poderosa
que la espada, el puñal y el cañón:
y más que el rayo, fulmina espantosa
al tirano, al verdugo, al traidor.
¡Cuántos siglos pasaron los hombres
en horrendas tinieblas sumidos;
pobres, solos, sin pan, desvalidos,
como nautas juguetes del mar!
Más un sabio paciente, estudioso,
un prodigio de máquina inventa:
esa cumbre del arte es la Imprenta!
¡Gloria al genio, al germano inmortal!
De la Prensa al influjo bendito
se rompieron las vallas del mundo,
fue el trabajo más noble y fecundo,
y cambió de la tierra la faz.
Los monarcas cayeron del trono
con sus vidas de escándalos llenas;
el esclavo arrojó sus cadenas,
y nació la feliz libertad!
Justo, noble, sereno, valiente
de aquel arte a la fúlgida lumbre,
va este Diario marchando la cumbre
del progreso con paso triunfal.
Patriotismo, firmeza, cultura,
honradez, pundonor y denuedo,
De UNIVERSO componen el credo
que ha jurado cumplir con lealtad.
Tú, moderno, feliz Prometeo,
de los dioses burlando el cuidado,
te apropiaste del fuego sagrado.
y ese fuego en la Prensa, aquí está.
Y al ingenio, al artista y al sabio,
y al virtuoso, coronas de gloria
y en tu diaria labor, a la Historia,
fiel le muestras también la verdad.
Ciudadano, que llevas como arma
esa pluma templada en el fuego
del amor a tu Patria: a su ruego
cuántas veces la hiciste vibrar!
o se canse tu brazo en las lides;
haz que triunfe impoluta la idea,
haz que esparza su luz tea
del ignívomo inmenso volcán.
Digitized by Jorge Luis Pérez Armijos on Compilación de Poemas de Ecuatorianos.
A Quito
Ciudad graciosa
Con tus colinas
Donde reclinas
Tu pura sien;
Do te adormeces
Soñando amores
Entre las flores
De tu vergel;
Deja un instante
Que en dulce calma
Recuerde mi alma
Tu esplendidez,
Y que á mi mente
Vuelvan las horas
Encantadoras
Que allí pasé.
Pues ¿quién no sueña
Dulces placeres,
Si tus mujeres
Ha visto yá?
Y ¿quién no pierde
La calma luego
Al puro fuego
De su mirar?
La Primavera
Con sus primores,
Regando flores
Reposa allí,
Y el Sol con pura
Luz encendida,
Derrama vida
Desde el cenit.
Por todas partes
La Agricultura
Con su verdura
Se ve brillar;
Y alegre el indio
Tras su ganado,
Por el collado
Trepando va.
Libres revuelan
Los jilguerillos
En los tomillos
Y el capulí;
Y el dulce mirlo
Con voz sonora
Canta á la Aurora,
Siempre feliz.
Y del Machángara,
Que no murmura,
La linfa pura
Besa tu pie.
Y el Gran Pichincha
Con esmeraldas
Forma en sus faldas
Tu alto dosel.
Tú la primera,
Noble y altiva,
Dijiste: ¡Viva
La Libertad!
Y el sol de España,
Resplandeciente,
Tu augusta frente
No besó más.
Por eso justa
Cuenta la Historia
Tu inmensa gloria,
Tu gran virtud;
Y, alegre, dice
Con voz homérica,
Que de la América,
Tú eres la luz.
Del libro “Frondas poéticas” (1909)
Selected Works
Poetry
- Frondas poéticas (1909)
- Resonancias de mis selvas (1953)
- Florilegio de los ríos (1957)
- Rosas, mirtos y laureles (1959)
He edited the following anthology of 19th century poets
- Colección de poesías de bardos españoles y americanos, para solaz de personas de buen gusto (1958)
History
- Misceláneas (1955)
- Mis pequeñas biografías (1955)
Articles
- Poliantea Hispanoamericana (1960), a collection of newspaper articles.
- Antologia de la Literatura Montubia (2013) by various authors – a 1926 article by him entitled “El montuvio” appears on pages 144-145, read it for free here.
Variations of his name as used in works by him or about him
- Jerónimo Orión Llaguno Márquez
- J. Orión Llaguno
- J. O. Llaguno
References:
- Rodolfo Pérez Pimentel, Llaguno Márquez, Orión. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Koha, Search results for Jerónimo Orión Llaguno. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- El Universo, Círculo de Periodistas recuerda su fundación. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Instagram, Dr. Mauricio Llaguno – Jerónimo Orión Llaguno. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- WorldCat, Frondas poéticas by Jerónimo Orión Llaguno. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Geneanet, Jerónimo Orión Llaguno – Family Tree. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Issuu, Antología de la Literatura Montubia. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
Note: There is a discrepancy regarding the date of Jerónimo Orión Llaguno’s death. The website by Rodolfo Pérez Pimentel lists his death as occurring on May 15, 1965, while both Dr. Mauricio Llaguno’s Instagram post and the Geneanet website list the date as May 16, 1965.
This post was updated on: October 24, 2024.