Explorers - 4 - Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521)

Ferdinand Magellan Portuguese explorer, and the leader of the first expedition to circumnavigate or go around the globe, was born in 1484 in Savroza, northern Portugal. As his parents had a noble ancestry he was able to join the king’s service at a young age.

When he was recruited as an officer of a ship commanded by the famous sea captain Francisco De Almeida, he was only 25 years old. As Magellan did his best to establish Portuguese authority in the East Indies, the king of Portugal admired him.

Under the patronage of the king of Portugal he left Lisbon with a fleet of ships for Africa, to set up Portuguese colonies there. In Morocco he fought bravely with the natives and was able to establish Portuguese authority in the newly explored land. In capturing the land of Morocco, he was seriously wounded and for few days his life was at stake. However he recovered and returned to Portugal expecting a grand welcome by the king.

But the tide had turned against him. While he was battling in Morocco his enemies in Portugal who were jealous of his success had poisoned the mind of the king against him. The king has been convinced by them that Magellan had kept a large portion of the wealth he acquired in north western Africa for himself, without handing it over to the king the benefactor and patron.

When he perceived that even his life in Portugal was uncertain, Magellan left for Spain and presented King Charles V there with spices, ivory and diamonds he had collected from Africa. King Charles, who had heard of Magellan earlier, was very happy and he provided him with ships, crews and money for an expedition to explore lands where the precious spices grew.

Magellan left Spain and reached South America, sailed by Tenerife Islands and arrived at the port St Julian there.

Next he sailed down the eastern coast of South America, navigated a mile or two up the river St Cruz, and continued his journey. He reached the strait at the southernmost end of the continent. This strait is known as the Strait of Magellan up to day. He entered the Pacific Ocean from there.

After sailing for hundred days they reached a few islands and they were able to get fresh water, fruits, and vegetable from there. He named the beautiful islands as the ‘Isles of Saint Lazarus’. (Presently these isles are called the Philippines.) The ruler of the islands welcomed Magellan and treated him and his sailors as desirable and honourable guests.

On his return journey he landed at a lovely island with the hope of gathering some exotic plants and animals to be presented to the king of Spain. It is reported that some of his sailors were very much interested in capturing native women rather than the exotic items. On the 27th April 1521 the angry natives surrounded the navigators and in the fierce fight that ensued, Magellan was killed.

Sebastian Delcano, the second in command hastily set sail with the survivors leaving Magellan’s body behind. On their way they came across few unknown lands but dared not to stop. It is reported that he landed only on two islands to get fresh water. (Those islands are known as Borneo and Malacca presently.)

Delcano crossed the Indian Ocean, rounded Cape of Good Hope and arrived at Spain. King Charles V was deeply moved when he heard the fate that befell Magellan.

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