Che Guevara remains one of the most recognizable faces in history. He transformed from a medical student into a revolutionary icon who changed the course of Latin American politics. Furthermore, his image continues to symbolize rebellion across the globe decades after his death. Consequently, his life story contains many surprising details that go far beyond the battlefield. Explore these fascinating details about the man behind the beret.
Che Guevara
His real name was not Che. Actually, his birth name was Ernesto Guevara. However, he earned the nickname “Che” for a simple reason. Constantly, he used this Argentine filler word. Roughly, it translates to “buddy” or “pal.”
He was actually Irish by blood. Specifically, his ancestor Patrick Lynch emigrated from Galway to Argentina. Consequently, his father claimed Irish rebel blood flowed in his son’s veins.
Friends nicknamed him “Chancho,” which means “Pig.” Unfortunately, he received this unflattering name as a young man. Because he rarely bathed, he smelled. Proudly, he wore the same “weekly shirt” for days.
He completed a medical degree before becoming a fighter. In fact, he graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in 1953. Originally, he planned to dedicate his life to curing leprosy.
Che Guevara played rugby in Argentina. Although he suffered from severe asthma his entire life, he loved the aggressive sport. Additionally, he even published a magazine about it called Tackle.
He worked as a street photographer in Mexico City. Notably, this happened before the revolution. There, he took pictures of tourists in parks. Then, he developed the photos to sell to them later.
The most famous photo of him was a lucky accident. Suddenly, photographer Alberto Korda snapped the iconic image at a funeral. Uniquely, he never asked for royalties for its global use.
He signed Cuban money simply as “Che.” At the time, he served as President of the National Bank. Because he disdained money, he mocked the system. Therefore, he signed bills with his nickname instead of his title.
He traveled across South America on a leaky motorcycle. Specifically, he rode a Norton 500 named “The Mighty One” with a friend. Eventually, it broke down. Consequently, they had to finish the journey on foot.
Che Guevara had five children with two wives. First, he married Hilda Gadea and had one daughter. Later, he married Aleida March. Together, they had four more children.
He loved poetry and memorized massive amounts of it. Remarkably, he could recite long works by Rudyard Kipling. Often, he used these poems to entertain his soldiers around the campfire.
The CIA tried to remove his beard. Interestingly, they considered a plan to contaminate his shoes with thallium salts. Hopefully, this would make his hair fall out and embarrass him.
He personally met with philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Actually, the French writer visited Cuba in 1960. Subsequently, he praised Guevara as the “most complete human being of our age.”
His hands were cut off after his execution. Horrifically, Bolivian officials amputated them to preserve his fingerprints. Later, friends smuggled the hands to Cuba for a proper burial.
Finally, he often played chess against his superiors. Initially, he learned the game from his father. Then, he used strategy on the board to sharpen his military tactics.
