The Fascinating Tale of Magellan's Voyage Around the World

One of the most captivating and historic journeys in the annals of human exploration is undoubtedly the voyage of Ferdinand Magellan around the world. Setting sail in 1519, this ambitious expedition aimed to discover new lands, establish profitable trade routes, and expand the bounds of our collective knowledge about the Earth.

Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, embarked on this daring journey with a fleet of five ships and a crew of around 270 men. The voyage was a testament to human resilience and determination, as it faced numerous challenges, overcame ruthless storms, and witnessed incredible discoveries.

The expedition's primary objective was to find a western route to the highly lucrative Spice Islands, which were then controlled by the Portuguese. This quest for spices, driven by their high value and demand, captivated the minds of European explorers during that era. Magellan believed that by sailing westward, he could reach these islands much faster than the long and arduous eastern route which required navigating around Africa.

Magellan’s Voyage Around the World: Three Contemporary Accounts

by Suresh Menon(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	323 pages
Paperback	:	189 pages
Item Weight	:	6.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.43 x 8 inches

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Leaving from Seville, Spain, on August 10, 1519, the fleet sailed southward along the coast of Africa before crossing the treacherous Atlantic Ocean. They made their first stop in Brazil, where they encountered indigenous tribes and engaging in sporadic conflicts.

Continuing southward, the expedition entered the imposing waters of the Rio de la Plata and eventually reached what is now known as Patagonia in southern Argentina. Here, they encountered a harsh climate and the towering presence of the Patagonian giants, as the indigenous Tehuelche people appeared to be of exceptionally large stature compared to the average European of the time.

Undeterred, Magellan pressed on, navigating through the labyrinthine channels of Tierra del Fuego before entering the treacherous Strait of Magellan. Today, this passage represents a significant landmark in maritime history, having been the only navigable route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for centuries.

The tumultuous waters of the Pacific Ocean awaited the expedition on the other side of the strait. Battling violent storms, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of scurvy, Magellan and his crew demonstrated their unwavering determination to press forward. They eventually reached Guam in the Mariana Islands, where they found much-needed provisions, allowing them to recover and replenish their supplies.

After crossing the Pacific Ocean, the expedition reached the Philippines, marking a significant turning point in the journey. Here, Magellan not only encountered new cultures and peoples but also became embroiled in local politics and rivalries.

Attempting to convert the locals to Christianity, Magellan formed an alliance with the local ruler Rajah Humabon of Cebu. However, his efforts to suppress local resistance led to a battle against Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain of Mactan island. Tragically, during the conflict, Magellan lost his life, becoming one of the expedition's casualties.

Despite this devastating loss, the remaining crew, under the leadership of Juan Sebastián Elcano, continued the voyage. They would be the first to complete the circumnavigation of the globe, albeit with only one ship, the Victoria, out of the original five. The other ships were either lost at sea or abandoned during the arduous journey.

Finally returning to Spain on September 6, 1522, the Victoria and its crew accomplished what was deemed impossible at the time. Their voyage became a testament to perseverance, human determination, and the indomitable spirit of exploration.

The Magellan-Elcano expedition shattered long-held geographical misconceptions of the world. It proved that the Earth was indeed round, opening up new perspectives on global trade, navigation, and exploration. The knowledge gained during this journey directly influenced future explorations, paving the way for centuries of maritime adventures.

Magellan's legacy remains etched in the annals of history. His name is synonymous with bravery, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. The achievements and hardships endured during the expedition serve as an inspiration for generations to come, reminding us of the unlimited possibilities that await those who dare to push the boundaries of our known world.

This extraordinary voyage captivated the imagination of people from all walks of life, continuing to mesmerize us with its tales of adventure, discovery, and the remarkable courage displayed by Magellan and his crew.

Magellan’s Voyage Around the World: Three Contemporary Accounts

by Suresh Menon(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3687 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	323 pages
Paperback	:	189 pages
Item Weight	:	6.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.43 x 8 inches

FREE

“…a fundamental work for anyone who desires both the English version of the story of this path-breaking voyage and an up-to-date evaluation of the scholarly production about the voyage that has appeared during the last four and a half centuries.”—Lewis Hanke, Columbia University

Today when men orbit the globe in a few minutes, it is difficult to imagine the awe that accompanied the news of the three years’ voyage completing man’s first circumnavigation of the earth. Wonder and amazement marked the contemporary accounts of Magellan’s hazardous adventure; and now the three best accounts have been gathered into one volume and provided with an and commentary based on the most accurate historical information available by an eminent scholar of Hispanic studies.

Included are translations of the accounts by Antonio Pigafetta, one of the eighteen actual survivors of the 241 who undertook the voyage; by the secretary of Emperor Charles V, Maximilian of Transylvania, who wrote a long report based on first-hand accounts to his father, the Cardinal of Salzburg; and by Gaspar Correa, a Portuguese historian, who twenty years later wrote of the voyage mixing fact with fanciful tales of the Far East.

Several of the maps prepared for this edition are in the style of the period and represent conceptions of the world as seen by cartographers and navigators at the beginning of the Age of Discovery.