Ferdinand Magellan Voyages of Discovery - Circumnavigation Part 4/4

Summary

The script narrates the tragic yet inspiring story of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, which aimed to circumnavigate the globe. Despite Magellan's death in the Philippines, his crew, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued the journey. They faced numerous challenges, including scurvy and storms, but ultimately reached the Spice Islands. The Victoria, with Elcano at the helm, became the first ship to complete a circumnavigation, proving the Earth's roundness and altering the world's geographical and political landscape.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Magellan's expedition was a tragic failure in terms of his personal ambition as he did not survive to complete the circumnavigation of the globe.
• 🗡️ Magellan was killed in the Philippines, and his death marked the end of his personal dream and the initial plans for the voyage.
• 🛶 Despite Magellan's death, the remaining crew, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued the expedition with the aim of reaching the Spice Islands.
• 🌿 The Spice Islands were finally reached, fulfilling Magellan's dream, where the crew found valuable spices like cloves.
• 💰 The spices were incredibly valuable at the time, with some being worth more than their weight in gold, driving the risk and sacrifice of the voyage.
• 🚢 The Victoria, under Elcano's command, became the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, proving the theory that the Earth is round.
• ⚓️ The return journey was perilous, with the crew facing storms, scurvy, and starvation, leading to many deaths among the crew.
• 🌊 Elcano's navigational skills were crucial in avoiding capture by the Portuguese and in navigating uncharted waters.
• 🏆 Elcano was recognized for his achievement, but the crew did not gain the fortunes they had hoped for from the voyage.
• ✍️ Antonio Pigafetta's chronicles provide a detailed record of the voyage, preserving its history for future generations.
• 🌐 The voyage had a profound impact on geography, trade, and global politics, changing the world's understanding of its size and shape.

Q & A

What was the tragic event that led to the end of Magellan's dream?

Magellan's dream ended in the Philippines when he was killed in a battle against the indigenous people, which was a complete tragedy that terminated everything he had planned and navigated through various oceans.

How did Magellan's legacy continue after his death?

Magellan's legacy lives on in the form of a dusty little shrine in the Philippines, where the cross he raised can still be seen, marking his arrival on the islands and his influence on the country as one of the most Catholic nations in the world.

Who took command of the expedition after Magellan's death?

After Magellan's death, Juan Sebastian Elcano took command of the expedition, leading the remaining crew in their quest to find the Spice Islands.

What was the significance of the Spice Islands to the expedition?

The Spice Islands were significant because they were the ultimate goal of the expedition, representing the potential for immense wealth and the realization of Magellan's dream.

How did the crew's health deteriorate during the return journey?

The crew's health deteriorated due to a lack of proper nutrition, leading to scurvy and starvation. Despite carrying a cargo of cloves, which contained the necessary vitamin C, they were unaware of its curative properties, and many died as a result.

What was the fate of the Trinidad, one of the remaining ships?

The Trinidad, which chose to head east across the Pacific, fell into Portuguese hands. Its precious cargo was seized, the ship was burned, and the crew was imprisoned.

How did Elcano navigate the Victoria through uncharted waters to avoid Portuguese capture?

Elcano navigated vast tracts of uncharted waters, steering clear of the Portuguese sphere of influence, to bring the Victoria back to Spain, despite facing storms and other navigational challenges.

Why was the Victoria's return to Spain considered a historical achievement?

The Victoria's return marked the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, turning the theory that the Earth was round into an indisputable fact and demonstrating the shape and size of the Earth's oceans.

What was the ultimate outcome for the crew of the Victoria after their return to Spain?

Although they completed the historic journey, the crew did not make their fortunes. The cargo of spices was sold, and the proceeds were seized by the King of Spain. The chronicler Pigafetta was ignored by the Spanish Court, but his diaries remain the definitive record of the voyage.

Who is recognized as the first person to circumnavigate the globe, and why?

Juan Sebastian Elcano is recognized as the first person to circumnavigate the globe because he completed the journey that Magellan had started, despite Magellan's death before the expedition's end.

What was the impact of the expedition on the geographical, spiritual, and political landscape?

The expedition defined the shape and size of the Earth and its oceans, and it changed the geographical, spiritual, and political landscape by introducing new trade routes and cultural exchanges, as well as altering the balance of power among European nations.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Magellan's Tragic End and Legacy

The paragraph recounts the tragic demise of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines, where he was killed in battle despite his brave fight. It highlights the end of his dream to circumnavigate the globe and reach the Spice Islands. The narrative speculates on how the expedition might have unfolded if Magellan had survived, suggesting he might have returned via the Pacific, potentially losing his fleet. The paragraph also discusses the legacy of Magellan, including the shrine and cross he left in the Philippines, which became a holy relic in a predominantly Catholic country. It transitions to how the remaining crew, under Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued the quest for the Spice Islands after Magellan's death.

05:03

🚢 The Struggle and Triumph of Elcano's Voyage

This paragraph details the arduous journey of the remaining crew under Elcano's leadership to reach the Spice Islands. It describes the decision to split the remaining ships, with one taking the eastern route and the other, under Elcano, heading west into Portuguese-controlled waters. The paragraph vividly depicts the challenges faced, including storms, scurvy, and starvation, which claimed many lives. Elcano's use of quince jelly, unknowingly rich in vitamin C, saved him from scurvy. The narrative culminates in the Victoria's return to Spain, completing the first circumnavigation of the globe, despite the crew's hardships and the loss of most of their number.

10:03

🏆 Elcano's Posthumous Recognition and the Voyage's Aftermath

The final paragraph discusses the posthumous recognition of Elcano as the first man to sail around the world, despite the crew's unfulfilled hopes of fortune. It contrasts the historical significance of the voyage with the crew's personal disappointments, such as the seizure of the spice profits by the Spanish king and the neglect of chronicler Pigafetta. The paragraph also touches on Elcano's attempted second circumnavigation and his ultimate death from scurvy. It concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of Magellan and Elcano's voyage, which not only defined the Earth's geography but also had profound spiritual and political consequences.

Keywords

💡Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who is known for organizing the first expedition to attempt to circumnavigate the Earth. In the video, Magellan's tragic death in the Philippines marks the end of his personal journey, but his legacy is carried on by the remaining crew members who continue the expedition. His name is synonymous with the historic voyage that changed the world's understanding of geography.

💡Circumnavigate

To circumnavigate means to travel all the way around something, typically a continent or an island. In the context of the video, it refers to Magellan's goal of sailing around the globe, which was a monumental and unprecedented feat at the time. The term is central to the video's theme, illustrating the ambition and the ultimate achievement of the expedition, despite Magellan's own failure to complete the journey.

💡Spice Islands

The Spice Islands, now known as the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, were highly sought after in the 16th century for their valuable spices like cloves. In the video, the Spice Islands represent the ultimate destination and goal of Magellan's expedition, symbolizing the economic and exploratory motivations behind the journey. The crew's eventual arrival at these islands signifies the partial realization of Magellan's dream.

💡Elcano

Juan Sebastián Elcano was a Basque explorer who took command of the expedition after Magellan's death. In the video, Elcano is portrayed as a determined leader who completes the circumnavigation, despite numerous challenges. His name is associated with perseverance and the ultimate success of the voyage, even though he is not as well-known as Magellan.

💡Victoria

The Victoria was one of the ships in Magellan's fleet and the only one to complete the first circumnavigation of the Earth. In the video, the Victoria is a symbol of survival and success, as it returns to Spain with a cargo of spices and a tale of an epic journey. The ship's name is used to represent the enduring spirit of exploration and the tangible evidence of the expedition's historic achievement.

💡Cloves

Cloves are a type of spice that were highly prized during the time of the expedition for their culinary and medicinal uses. In the video, cloves are depicted as the coveted treasure that the crew risked their lives to obtain. They represent the economic incentive behind the voyage and the high value placed on these commodities, which were worth more than their weight in gold.

💡Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which can lead to symptoms like swollen gums and eventual death. In the video, scurvy is a significant threat to the crew's survival, highlighting the harsh conditions and the physical toll of the long sea voyage. The mention of scurvy in the script emphasizes the historical context of seafaring and the medical knowledge of the time.

💡Quince Jelly

Quince jelly is a preserve made from quinces, which contains a significant amount of vitamin C. In the video, Elcano's consumption of quince jelly unknowingly saves him from scurvy, illustrating the role of luck and the importance of vitamin C in preventing the disease. This detail from the script adds a layer of human interest and survival strategy to the narrative.

💡Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a notable headland in South Africa that was a significant waypoint for sailors rounding the southern tip of Africa. In the video, the Victoria's passage past the Cape of Good Hope is part of the ship's return journey to Spain, marking a geographical milestone in the circumnavigation and symbolizing the progress of the expedition.

💡Cape Verde Islands

The Cape Verde Islands are an archipelago located in the central Atlantic Ocean. In the video, the Victoria's return journey includes passing the Cape Verde Islands, which serves as a geographical reference point and a sign of the ship's progress towards home. The mention of these islands in the script situates the audience within the broader context of the voyage's route.

💡Pigafetta

Antonio Pigafetta was an Italian scholar who accompanied Magellan's expedition and kept a detailed diary of the voyage. In the video, Pigafetta's writings are highlighted as the primary source of information about the journey, emphasizing the importance of documentation in preserving the historical record. His name represents the legacy of the expedition and the contribution of chroniclers to our understanding of history.

Highlights

Magellan's expedition faced a tragic end in the Philippines, where he was killed in battle.

The initial goal of circumnavigating the globe was not achieved by Magellan himself.

Despite Magellan's death, the remaining crew, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued the expedition.

The crew's determination led them to the Spice Islands, fulfilling part of Magellan's dream.

The value of cloves was so high that they were worth more than their weight in gold.

The journey back to Spain was fraught with challenges, including storms and scurvy.

Elcano's navigational skills were crucial in avoiding capture by the Portuguese.

The Victoria, under Elcano's command, became the first ship to circumnavigate the globe.

The expedition's success proved that the Earth was round, a theory that was previously just a hypothesis.

The crew faced extreme hardships, with many dying from scurvy or starvation.

Antonio Pigafetta's diaries provide a detailed account of the voyage, preserving its history.

The cargo of spices did not make the crew's fortunes as expected, due to the king of Spain's seizure of the profits.

Elcano's attempt at a second circumnavigation ended in his death from scurvy.

The legacy of Magellan and Elcano's voyages shaped the understanding of the Earth's geography.

The expedition's impact extended to the spiritual, geographical, and political realms.

The story of Magellan and Elcano is one of the greatest voyages of discovery in history.

Transcripts

egg whereby he fell downward on this

they all at once rushed on him with

Lance's of high ohm and the bamboo

mckellen fought a brave fight he hung on

for a long time eventually completely

outnumbered he was just slaughtered they

slew I never highlight our comfort and

our great guide Magellan never

circumnavigated the globe

he didn't even reach the Spice Islands

his dreams ended here in the Philippines

this was a complete tragedy which

terminates everything his entire dream

his planning his voyage all the drama's

of the navigation through the various

oceans end here and end here totally so

what do you think if Magellan had won

this battle how would the expedition

have turned out in the end

had he not died and had he found the

Spice Islands which were getting near my

guess is that he would have come back

the same way he went through the Pacific

which had been never been done before

and it is most likely knowing the ocean

that he might have lost the entire fleet

and himself and with that nothing would

have remained of this epic voyage

McKellen's dreams may have died in the

Philippines but his legacy lives on in

this dusty little shrine you can still

see the cross he raised so hopefully

when he first arrived on these islands

it's one of the holiest relics in one of

the most Catholic countries in the world

it might have been the only relic of

Magellan's voyage if another man hadn't

seized the chance of fame and fortune

McKellen's death could have spelled the

end for the expedition but the remaining

men knew the Spice Islands were so close

they could almost smell the spices

reduced to two ships the survivors set

off to find the islands taking command

of the Victoria was a popular new leader

Juan Sebastian Elcano cenotes a las

maruka history was to deny him his

rightful role in this epic story

el canto brought good fortune for at

last they sighted the Spice Islands the

28,000 kilometers early had cost the

lives of over 100 men including the

captain general but the surviving crew

finally reached the Spice Islands and

realised Magellan's dream

this is what it's all about spices

these are cloves right there cloves

there are the flowers of the clove

phlegm I don't look very familiar though

I dare duh

we more uh see the rest like this I'm

surprised once yeah yes

smell just like my mom's apple pie yes

they're very romantic

but you know I can't help but Phineas or

Guster is that holding these in my hand

seems hard to believe that the men went

to such risk and pain and suffering for

something that seems to be honest

completely ordinary and how much wood

would they have been worth I mean

pound for pound or a pound for pound

that would be come at a high price

imagine that globe tree could produce

only seven pounds per tree and that he

still had to dry them and therefore the

dried ones would be very expensive an

emulation to gold how about yes so

there'll be more than wait for them gold

itself the pound-for-pound Agra found

it's worth more than gold and a bag like

that excuse me that is set a man up for

life right yes we'll put like that I

guess it don't seem quite so ordinary

Elkanah and his men understood the value

of the ton of spices loaded onto each

ship and they knew that to make their

fortunes they had to get them back to

Spain the remaining two ships had to

make a choice between returning the way

they'd come or continuing west taking

their chances in enemy waters what's got

I'm gonna level it up one chose to go

east and the other west

the Trinidad headed eastwards across the

Pacific

and it didn't get far before it fell

into Portuguese hands the precious cargo

was seized the ship burned and the crew

thrown into jail

Elcano sailed west on the Victoria Spain

was about 20 thousand kilometres away

and the entire route lay in the

Portuguese sphere of influence

I got them Elena to avoid capture he

navigated vast tracts of uncharted

waters

two months and almost 5000 kilometers

later they encountered terrible storms

understorms I'm when went through what's

so powerful but actually broke this mass

and like everything that broke on the

ship had to be repaired with what they

had at sea and not only that elk are

known as men began to run dangerously

low on rations again I can't imagine

what it would be like to work a ship

like this which needs a lot of manual

labor and be that low on energy

the starving men began to develop scurvy

above all our other misfortunes the

worst was that the gums of the upper and

lower teeth of our men swelled so much

that they could not eat 25 or 30 men

fell sick of whom 19 died

scurvy is caused by lack of vitamin C

and here was the terrible irony the crew

was sitting on a cargo of clothes and

what they didn't know was that it

contained of its Mincey and this would

have saved them as a ship headed back to

Spain more than half of them would die

of scurvy or starvation

Elkanah escape the scurvy because he ate

spoonfuls of quince jelly unknown to him

this contained enough vitamin C to

protect him from the disease

it's probably what enabled Pigafetta to

keep writing his diary and without this

we would never have known of ELQ our

nose great feat of navigation he led the

Victoria across vast oceans past the

Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Verde

Islands back to Spain but the 241 men

who began the journey only a handful

returned with him

they live to tell the remarkable tale of

the Spanish sailor finished the journey

Magellan had started three years before

so easy

on Monday the 8th of September 1522 we

cast Ankeny the mole of severe and we

were only 18 men for the most part sick

of the 60 who had left Malacca

the Victoria became the first ship to

circumnavigate the globe it had talent

but until then was just pure theory that

the earth was round into an indisputable

fact

Elcano was honored with a special coat

of arms declaring him to be the first

man to sail round the world five

centuries later sailing around the globe

is still a remarkable achievement

as the modern Victoria returns to

Seville at the end of its 40,000

kilometer journey its crew greeted as

heroes after more than 500 days at sea

on a journey they will never forget I

still can and believe that we seek or

navigate the whole world I kind of

imagined right now but I'm sure it has

changed completely

a realization of my dreams to the past

you

the voyage of the original Victoria may

have made history but it didn't fulfil

the hopes of the crew they never made

their fortunes the cargo of spices were

sold and the proceeds seized by the king

of Spain to cover the loss of the rest

of the fleet

the chronicler Pigafetta was snubbed by

the Spanish Court and returned to his

native Italy his diaries remain the

definitive record of the great voyage

Elcano attempted a second

circumnavigation to claim the Spice

Islands for Spain four years later but

he didn't make it crossing the Pacific

he died of scurvy

as for ferdinand magellan himself

although he never completed the voyage

the popular perception is that it was

the first person to circumnavigate the

world unless there is you go to Spain no

tell you the first person who sailed

around the world was one Sebastian

Elcano but does it really matter after

all they're both great men Magellan have

what it took to dream up such a daring

voyage and make it happen

and Elcano had the strength and tenacity

to finish it they and the men who sailed

with them share one of the greatest

voyages of discovery the voice that

would define the shape and size of our

earth and its oceans and change the

geographical spiritual and political

landscape forever

duh