Os Lusíadas facts for kids
| by Camões | |
Front of the first edition of Os Lusíadas
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| Translator | Richard Fanshawe (1655); William Julius Mickle (1776); Richard Francis Burton (1880); William C. Atkinson (1952); Landeg White (1997) |
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| Country | Portugal |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Genre(s) | Epic poetry |
| Media type | |
Os Lusíadas (pronounced "Ooz Loo-zee-AH-dash"), often called The Lusiads, is a famous Portuguese epic poem. It was written by Luís Vaz de Camões (around 1524/5 – 1580). The poem was first published in 1572.
Many people think it is the most important work in Portuguese. It is often compared to famous ancient poems like Virgil's Aeneid. Os Lusíadas celebrates the amazing journey of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (1469–1524). He was the first European to find a sea route to India.
The poem has ten main parts, called cantos. It has 1,102 stanzas in total. Camões wrote it in a style called ottava rima. This means each stanza has eight lines that follow a special rhyme pattern. The poem tells a fantastic story about the Portuguese voyages of discovery. These happened in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Os Lusíadas is seen as Portugal's national epic. It is like the Aeneid for the Romans or the Iliad and Odyssey for the Greeks. Camões wrote much of it while he was living in Macau. It was printed in 1572, after he came back from the Indies.
Contents
How the Poem is Built
The poem has ten cantos, which are like chapters. Each canto has a different number of stanzas. There are 1,102 stanzas in total, making 8,816 lines. The poem is written in a style called ottava rima. This means each stanza has eight lines. The lines rhyme in a pattern like ABABABCC.
The poem has four main parts:
- Introduction: This part introduces the main topic and the heroes of the poem.
- Invocation: This is a prayer to the Tágides. These are the nymphs (nature spirits) of the Tagus River in Portugal.
- Dedication: The poem is dedicated to King Sebastian of Portugal.
- Narration: This is the main story of the epic. It starts in the middle of the action, with the background story told later.
The main story ends with an epilogue in the last canto. The most important part of the poem, the arrival in India, is placed near the middle of the poem, at the start of Canto VII.
Main Ideas and Characters
The Portuguese Heroes
The heroes of Os Lusíadas are called the Lusiads (Lusíadas). This name means "the sons of Lusus". Lusus is a legendary ancestor of the Portuguese people. So, the heroes are the Portuguese themselves.
In the poem, the god Jupiter speaks about the Portuguese. He says they are a special people chosen by Fate to do great things. He mentions their victories against the Moors and Castilians. He also says this small nation will discover new worlds. They will also make their mark among other nations.
At the end of the poem, on the Island of Love, Camões says that the god Bacchus's fear came true. Bacchus worried that the Portuguese would become like gods. The amazing Portuguese discoveries and their new kingdom in the East were very important. Camões finished his great poem because of these deeds. He dedicated his masterpiece to King Sebastian of Portugal.
Who Tells the Story
Most of the story in Os Lusíadas is told through long speeches. The main narrator tells some parts. Other parts are told by Vasco da Gama, who is called an "eloquent captain". His brother, Paulo da Gama, also speaks. The goddess Thetis and a Siren also tell parts of the future.
The poet asks the Tágides (river nymphs) for a "high and sublime sound". He wants a "grandiloquent and flowing style" for his poem. This is different from the "humble verse" of lyric poetry.
The poem also has many descriptive parts. For example, it describes the palaces of Neptune. It also describes the Samorim of Calicut. There is also a beautiful place called the Island of Love. Sometimes these descriptions are like a slideshow. Someone shows each thing being described.
There are also exciting action scenes. These include the "battle" of the Island of Mozambique and the battles of Ourique and Aljubarrota. The storm at sea is another exciting part. Camões is very good at these descriptions. He uses action words and sounds to make them vivid.
The poem also has many lyrical moments. These are often sad or emotional. Examples include the story of Sad Inês and the meeting on the Island of Love. The poet sometimes sounds sad or complains. This happens at the end of Canto I and in the speech of the Old Man of the Restelo. Vasco da Gama also gives strong speeches during difficult times.
Story of Each Canto
Canto I: The Journey Begins
The epic starts with a dedication to Virgil and Homer. The first line is like the start of the Aeneid. It also honors the young King Sebastião. The story then shows the gods of Greece watching over Vasco da Gama's voyage. Just like in ancient epics, the gods have different sides. Venus helps the Portuguese. But Bacchus is against them. He is linked to the East and doesn't want them to enter his lands.
We join Vasco da Gama's journey in the middle of the action. They have already sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. Bacchus, disguised as a Moor, makes local Muslims plan to attack the explorers.
Canto II: A Friendly Welcome
Two scouts from Vasco da Gama are tricked by Bacchus. He makes them think there are Christians among the Muslims. The explorers are led into a trap. But they survive with help from Venus. Venus asks her father Jove for help. Jove predicts great things for the Portuguese in the East. The fleet lands in Melinde. A friendly Sultan welcomes them there.
Canto III: Portugal's History
After the poet asks for help from Calliope, the Greek muse of epic poetry, Vasco da Gama starts telling the history of Portugal. He talks about Portugal's place in Europe. He also tells the legend of Lusus and Viriathus. Then he talks about what it means to be Portuguese. He lists the brave deeds of the first kings of Portugal. These include Dom Afonso Henriques to Dom Fernando.
Important stories include Egas Moniz and the Battle of Ourique. There is also the story of "beautiful Maria" in the Battle of Salado. And the sad story of Inês de Castro during Dom Afonso IV's rule.
Canto IV: Sailing to India
Vasco da Gama continues telling Portugal's history. He talks about the House of Aviz kings. This covers the 1383–85 Crisis up to the time of Dom Manuel I. This is when Vasco da Gama's fleet sails to India. The story of the 1383–85 Crisis focuses on Nuno Álvares Pereira and the Battle of Aljubarrota. Then it covers the rule of Dom João II. This includes Portugal's expansion into Africa.
The poem then describes the sea journey to India. Dom João II did not achieve this goal in his lifetime. But it came true with Dom Manuel. The rivers Indus and Ganges appeared in his dreams. They foretold the future glories in the East. This canto ends with the fleet sailing. The sailors are surprised by an old man on the beach. He speaks sadly about their journey. This is the episode of the Old Man of the Restelo.
Canto V: Dangers at Sea
The story moves to the King of Melinde. It describes the fleet's journey from Lisbon to Melinde. During the trip, the sailors see the Southern Cross constellation. They also see St. Elmo's Fire, a strange light on the masts. They face many dangers. These include unfriendly natives and a giant monster called Adamastor. They also suffer from disease and death caused by scurvy. Canto V ends with the poet criticizing people who don't value poetry.
Canto VI: The Storm and Arrival
After Vasco da Gama's story, the fleet sails from Melinde. A pilot guides them to Calicut. Bacchus sees that the Portuguese are almost in India. He asks Neptune for help. Neptune calls a meeting of the Sea Gods. They decide to help Bacchus. They unleash strong winds to sink the fleet.
While the sailors listen to Fernão Veloso tell the story of Os Doze de Inglaterra, a storm hits. Vasco da Gama prays to God. But it is Venus who helps the Portuguese. She sends Nymphs to calm the winds. After the storm, the fleet sees Calicut. Vasco da Gama thanks God. The canto ends with the poet thinking about the value of fame and glory from great deeds.
Canto VII: Meeting the King
The poet criticizes some European nations. He feels they don't live up to Christian ideals. Then he tells how the Portuguese fleet reaches the Indian city of Calicut. A Muslim man named Monçaide greets the fleet. He tells the explorers about the lands they have reached. The king, Samorin, hears about the newcomers and calls for them. A governor, the Catual, leads the Portuguese to the king. The king welcomes them well. The Catual talks with Monçaide to learn more about the new arrivals. The Catual then visits the Portuguese ships himself. He wants to confirm what Monçaide told him and is treated well.
Canto VIII: Trouble in Calicut
The Catual sees paintings that show important people and events from Portuguese history. The author describes all of them in detail. Bacchus appears in a dream to a Muslim priest in Samorin's court. He convinces the priest that the explorers are a danger. The priest spreads these warnings among the Catuals and the court. This makes Samorin confront da Gama about his plans. Da Gama says the Portuguese are traders, not pirates. The king then demands proof from da Gama's ships. But when da Gama tries to return to his fleet, the Catual stops him. The Catual has been bribed by the Muslim leaders. He refuses to give da Gama a boat and holds him prisoner. Da Gama gets free only after agreeing to bring all the goods from his ships to shore to be sold.
Canto IX: The Isle of Love
The Muslims plan to hold the Portuguese until the yearly trading fleet from Mecca arrives to attack them. But Monçaide tells da Gama about the plan. The ships escape from Calicut. To reward the explorers, Venus prepares an island for them to rest. She asks her son Cupid to make the Nereids (sea nymphs) desire the sailors. When the sailors arrive on the Isle of Love, the ocean nymphs pretend to run away. But they quickly give in.
Canto X: Future Prophecies
During a grand feast on the Isle of Love, Tethys (who is now da Gama's lover) tells the future of Portuguese exploration and conquests. She speaks of Duarte Pacheco Pereira's defense of Cochin (Battle of Cochin). She also tells of the Battle of Diu. This battle was fought by Francisco de Almeida and his son Lourenço de Almeida against combined fleets. She also mentions the deeds of other brave explorers.
Tethys then guides da Gama to a high point. She shows him a vision of how the universe works. This is based on the old idea that the Earth is the center (the Ptolemaic model). The tour continues with views of lands in Africa and Asia. The story of the apostle St. Thomas's death in India is told here. Finally, Tethys talks about the voyage of Magellan. The epic ends with more advice for the young King Sebastião.
Famous Parts of the Poem
The Council of the Gods
This part happens early in the story. It describes the gods of the world meeting. They talk about "the future matters of the East." They decide if the Portuguese will reach India and what will happen next.
The gods are described as shining and living in a bright, starry place. They walk on a "beautiful crystalline sky." Jupiter is called the "Father." He holds lightning bolts and sits on a "crystalline seat of stars." All the gods sit on "shiny seats, enamelled / of gold and pearls."
During the meeting, the gods don't always act well. It starts with "Reason and Order," but ends in arguments. The god Mars has to stop them. Jupiter's speech starts the meeting. He explains the topic and reminds them of past events. He asks the gods to be kind to the Portuguese.
The Sad Story of Inês de Castro
The episode of Inês de Castro is one of the most famous parts of Os Lusíadas. It is found in Canto III. This part is known for being very emotional and sad. It is different from the usual war stories. The story talks about destiny and leads to a tragic end.
The poem emphasizes how noble the characters are. This makes the reader feel sympathy for Inês when she suffers. She fears her children becoming orphans more than losing her own life. She begs to be sent away to a far-off land instead of being killed. She wants to raise her children. The poem compares her to "the young beautiful Policena". The last stanzas of this part are written to make the reader feel pity.
The Giant Adamastor
The Adamastor episode has three parts. The first part describes the giant appearing. It makes the reader feel pure fear. The evil giant appears with a black cloud above the sailors' heads. Vasco da Gama says, "Oh divine power... what divine threat or what secret / this clime and this sea presents to us / that seems a bigger thing than a storm?"
The giant is called a "strange Colossus" and a "Rude son of the Earth." He has a "huge stature," a "squalid beard," and "earthy colour." His mouth is "black" and his teeth are "yellow." This scary description is meant to contrast with the calm sea before. The last part of the episode is like a sad love poem. It talks about falling in love, being forced apart, and a dream that doesn't come true.
The Island of Love
The locus amoenus, or "pleasant place," is described in Canto IX. This is where the sailors and the Nymphs meet and fall in love. The poet describes the animals and the fruits that grow there instantly. It is shown as a paradise.
The poem uses an allegory in this part. An allegory is a story with a hidden meaning. Camões describes the meeting between the sailors and the Nymphs. Venus prepared this meeting. The poem says:
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Que as Ninfas do Oceano, tão fermosas, |
The Nymphs of the Ocean, so beautiful, |
| —strophe 89 |
This means the beautiful Nymphs and the Island of Love are symbols. They represent the great honors and rewards that come from brave deeds. The canto ends with the poet telling the reader:
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Impossibilidades não façais, |
Don't say things are impossible, |
The Machine of the World
In Canto X, before the sailors go home, the Siren invites Gama to see the "Machine of the World" (Máquina do Mundo). She says:
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Faz-te mercê, barão, a sapiência |
Your lordship's wish is now fulfilled to share the supreme |
The Machine of the World is a unique, divine sight. It is seen with "corporeal eyes," meaning physical eyes. It is described as one of Camões' greatest achievements. The spheres of the universe are clear and bright. They all move at the same time. This part is considered a high point in world literature.
English Versions
Many people have translated Os Lusíadas into English over the years. Some of the well-known translations include:
- The Lusiad, translated by Richard Fanshawe (1655)
- The Lusiads, translated by William Julius Mickle (1776)
- The Lusiads, translated by Richard Francis Burton (1880)
- The Lusiads, translated by William C. Atkinson (1952)
- The Lusiads, translated by Landeg White (1997)
