In this article, we will analyze the practice of euthanasia based on a brief passage from the story «Fray Juan Sin Miedo», by Ricardo Palma, which mentions a character known as the «despenador», who was considered an executor of Andean euthanasia during colonial times. We are interested in studying the characteristics of this character, his ideology, and his representation in Peruvian society at that time. We will also examine the issue of euthanasia from a bioethical approach in current medical practice, taking as an example the first case of decriminalization of mercy killing in Peru.