The Lusiads: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Lusiads: Analysis of Major Characters" offers an examination of significant figures in the epic poem "The Lusiads," which chronicles the journey of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Vasco da Gama is portrayed as a determined leader chosen to navigate the perilous waters around Africa's Cape of Good Hope to establish a sea route to Asia. The narrative also features deities such as Jove, the chief god, who proclaims the destined success of the Portuguese expedition, and Venus, a supportive goddess who aids the sailors, providing protection and visions of Portugal's future glory.
Conversely, Bacchus, the god associated with Asia, opposes the Portuguese efforts, enlisting Neptune, the god of the sea, to conjure storms against them. Other notable characters include Veloso, a crew member who ventures into Africa; the Spirit of the Cape of Good Hope, who embodies a Titan transformed into a mountain range; and monarchs like the King of Mombassa and the Emperor of Malabar, who represent the cultures encountered along the journey. Through these characters, the epic explores themes of exploration, divine intervention, and the clash of civilizations, offering readers a multifaceted perspective on this historic voyage.
The Lusiads: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Luís de Camões
First published: Os Lusíades, 1572 (English translation, 1655)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Europe, Africa, and Asia
Plot: Epic
Time: Fifteenth century
Vasco da Gama (VAHS-koh dah GAH-mah), a Portuguese sailor and explorer. He is chosen to head the expedition that first rounds Africa's Cape of Good Hope to find a sea route to Asia.
Jove (johv), the chief of the gods. He announces that the Fates have decreed that the Portuguese expedition shall succeed in its mission.
Venus, a goddess friendly to the Portuguese. She takes their side against Bacchus and helps them in their adventures. She saves them from storms and ambushes and provides them with a resting place on their way home. She gives da Gama a vision of Portugal's future greatness.
Mars, a god who sides with Venus on the side of the Portuguese.
Bacchus (BAK-uhs), the patron god of Asia. He tries to prevent the Portuguese from success in their expedition. He enlists the aid of Neptune in his efforts against them.
Veloso (veh-LOH-soh), one of da Gama's men. He explores part of Africa before rejoining the expedition.
The Spirit of the Cape of Good Hope, who appears to da Gama. The spirit says he was once a Titan named Adamastor. He has been made into a range of mountains forming the Cape of Good Hope for his pursuit of a nymph.
The king of Mombassa, an African monarch to whom da Gama relates his adventures and the history of Portugal up to that time.
The emperor of Malabar, an Asiatic monarch who welcomes the Portuguese to Asia and arranges for them to trade their goods for spices and other Oriental products.
Mercury, a god who guides the Portuguese to Mombassa.
Neptune, the god of the sea who, at the request of Bacchus, sends storms to destroy the ships of the Portuguese. Venus saves the ships.