Primay source: Pigafetta's Testimony on the route of Magellan's Expedition

Summary

Janet Jamasiana from B PET 2C presents a discussion on Pigafetta's testimony regarding the route of Magellan's expedition in March 1521. She details the expedition’s arrival at various islands, including Zamal and Homonhon, and recounts encounters with native islanders who provided food supplies. Magellan named the archipelago St. Lazarus and one island 'Watering Place of God.' The crew's journey continued through different islands, including Mazawa and Cebu, where they were guided by the King of Mazawa. The presentation highlights key moments and interactions from the expedition, reflecting Pigafetta’s detailed accounts.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Magellan expedition first sighted Zamal Island on March 16, 1521, a Saturday.
• ⛺ On March 17, 1521, they landed on an uninhabited island near Zamal, where they set up tents for sick crew members.
• 🏝️ Magellan named the entire archipelago the Islands of Saint Lazarus on March 17, 1521.
• 🚤 On March 18, 1521, a boat with nine men approached, and after exchanging gifts, they promised to bring food in four days.
• 💧 Magellan named the island ‘The Watering Place of God’ due to the presence of two springs of water.
• 🍚 The natives returned on March 22, 1521, bringing food supplies to the expedition.
• ⚓ The expedition stayed on the island of Homonhon from March 17 to March 25, 1521.
• 🙏 Pigafetta, a crew member, fell into the water on March 25, but was saved and attributed his survival to the Virgin Mary.
• ⛵ After leaving Homonhon, the expedition sailed westward, passing between several islands before reaching Mazawa on March 28, 1521.
• 🛶 On April 7, 1521, the expedition reached Cebu after a three-day journey, guided by the king of Mazawa.

Q & A

What was the name of the highland sighted by Magellan's expedition on March 16, 1521?

The highland sighted by Magellan's expedition on March 16, 1521, was named Zamal.

What did Magellan name the entire archipelago after sighting Zamal Island?

Magellan named the entire archipelago 'The Island of Saint Lazarus' on March 17, 1521.

What significant event happened on March 18, 1521, during the expedition?

On March 18, 1521, the expedition saw a boat with nine men approaching them. An exchange of gifts took place, and Magellan asked for food supplies.

How long did Magellan's expedition stay at the island of Homonhon?

The expedition stayed at the island of Homonhon for eight days, from Sunday, March 17 to Monday, March 25.

What name did Magellan give to the island of Homonhon after finding springs of water there?

Magellan named the island 'The Watering Place of Good Omen' or 'Aguada de Buona Senal' after discovering springs of water there.

What happened to Pigafetta on March 25, 1521, and how did he interpret this incident?

On March 25, 1521, Pigafetta fell into the water but was rescued. He attributed his narrow escape from death to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary on her feast day.

What islands did the expedition pass after leaving Homonhon?

After leaving Homonhon, the expedition passed four islands: Sinaloa, Yonanghan, Ibuzon, and Albaren.

What route did the expedition take to reach Mazawa Island on March 28, 1521?

The expedition sailed westward towards Leyte, then turned southward, passing between the islands of Hivoson and Hindangan before arriving at Mazawa Island on March 28, 1521.

What role did the King of Mazawa play in the expedition’s journey to Cebu?

The King of Mazawa guided the expedition from Mazawa to Cebu, sailing in his own boat alongside Magellan's ships.

What was Pigafetta’s role in documenting the expedition, and why is his testimony significant?

Pigafetta was a chronicler of the expedition, providing detailed accounts of events and interactions with the natives. His testimony is significant because it corroborates other sources and provides rich insights into the expedition’s journey.