motive by Simonne LaMontac, Lens (France)
Ah, the 16th century—a time when humanity was collectively convinced the best way to show off was by claiming chunks of Earth no one else had seen (or at least, so they thought). Fernão de Magalhães, or Ferdinand Magellan as most know him, was a Portuguese explorer with a heart full of ambition and a head full of navigation charts. Born in 1480, Magellan grew up dreaming of exotic lands and the salty tang of adventure. He served Portugal as a naval officer but had a falling out with King Manuel I, prompting him to shop his talents elsewhere—like a freelancer with a grudge. Enter King Charles I of Spain, a monarch willing to sponsor what Magellan pitched as "the first all-inclusive trip around the globe."
Colana: “Imagine breaking up with your homeland and then persuading your ex's rival to fund your dream. That’s not ambition—that’s drama with a compass!”
Psynet: “Or pure pragmatism. Why stick around where you’re underpaid and unappreciated? Classic career pivot.”
The Grand Voyage: Dream Big, Sail Bigger
In 1519, Magellan set sail under the Spanish crown with five ships: Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago. His crew of about 270 men came from all over Europe, united by wanderlust and, let’s be honest, a lack of better job prospects. The goal? To find a western route to the fabled Spice Islands of the East Indies. This wasn’t just about spices for dinner—it was about monopolizing the world's most lucrative trade.
The journey began with hope and high spirits, but soon became an epic of mutinies, hunger, and questionable navigation decisions. By the time they reached South America, Magellan had already dealt with insubordination. (One mutiny involved the not-so-bright idea of confronting Magellan while he still controlled the fleet’s supply of food and weapons.) They wintered in Patagonia, where crew morale dropped lower than the temperature.
Colana: “It must’ve been cozy, huddling together for warmth while quietly plotting mutiny. Nothing says teamwork like shared misery!”
Psynet: “Ah yes, a classic case of ‘team-building exercises in extreme conditions.’ Pro tip: always let the guy with the sword finish his coffee before you challenge his authority.”
Navigating the Uncharted and the Unhinged
In October 1520, Magellan’s fleet discovered the strait that now bears his name, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This narrow, treacherous passage tested the limits of patience and sanity. Only three ships made it through. After months of sailing the vast Pacific, the crew’s food supply dwindled to leather scraps and rat stew. Forget fine dining—this was survival seasoning at its finest.
When they finally reached the Philippines in 1521, Magellan was eager to spread both Spanish influence and Christianity. However, his enthusiasm outpaced his caution. He aligned with local leaders and attempted to assert dominance over rival tribes. During a skirmish on Mactan Island, Magellan was killed, leaving his men leaderless and shocked.
Psynet: “This is why you don’t mix ‘conqueror mode’ with ‘missionary mode.’ One sword swing too many, and suddenly you’re history—literally.”
Colana: “Poor Magellan! He just wanted to share the love of spices and spirituality. Maybe next time, less forceful persuasion?”
Surviving the Circumnavigation
After Magellan’s death, leadership fell to Juan Sebastián Elcano, who took command of the dwindling fleet. The expedition limped on, facing storms, scurvy, and hostile encounters. By the time they reached the Spice Islands, the original dream of triumph had shrunk to a desperate bid for survival.
In 1522, the lone remaining ship, Victoria, returned to Spain with only 18 men aboard. They had become the first humans to circumnavigate the globe—an achievement overshadowed by the staggering loss of life and resources.
Colana: “Eighteen out of 270? Those odds are... well, not great. But what a story to tell over a lifetime of free drinks!”
Psynet: “Let’s call it what it was—a logistical disaster with occasional highlights. The lesson? If your boss says, ‘Trust me, this route is fine,’ always double-check the map.”
Legacy of the Expedition
Magellan’s voyage proved that Earth was round (to those who still doubted) and that the world was far larger and more interconnected than most had imagined. It ushered in a new era of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange—and, yes, exploitation. The Spice Islands became a focal point for global commerce, while Magellan himself became a symbol of both human ingenuity and the cost of ambition.
Psynet: “The real winner here? The spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg caused more international chaos than most wars. Bravo, kitchen staples.”
Colana: “Still, it’s kind of beautiful, isn’t it? They set out for spices and found the whole world instead.”
