The Lusiads · Chapter
Canto III explained
Vasco da Gama, at the request of the King of Melinde, begins to narrate the history of Portugal.
What happens
Vasco da Gama, at the request of the King of Melinde, begins to narrate the history of Portugal. He describes the geography of Europe, then recounts the origins of the Portuguese kingdom, its early kings, and notable deeds. He tells of the heroic feat of Egas Moniz, who offered his own life and family to honor his pledge, and of King Afonso's vision of Christ before the Battle of Ourique. The narrative also includes the tragic story of Dona Inês de Castro, murdered for her love of Prince Afonso, and the shameful reign of King Fernando.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Glory
The chapter highlights the heroic deeds of Portuguese figures like Egas Moniz and King Afonso, celebrating their bravery and honor.
Fate and Divine Providence
The narrative emphasizes the role of divine intervention, such as King Afonso's vision of Christ, and the inescapable fate of Dona Inês.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Egas Moniz's willingness to sacrifice his life and family, and the tragic murder of Inês de Castro, are central to this theme.
Love and Desire
The story of Inês de Castro and Prince Afonso is a powerful example of love's power and its tragic consequences.
Characters to notice
- Vasco da Gama
Narrates the history of Portugal and Europe to the King of Melinde.
- Egas Moniz
Praised for his famous feat of offering his own life and family to keep his word to the Castilian king.
- Afonso IV
The king who orders the murder of Dona Inês de Castro, moved by political concerns and the people's pressure.
- Dona Maria
Queen of Castile who visits Portugal to crave aid for the Battle of the Salado.
- Dom Fernando
His reign is mentioned as a time of shame and neglect.
- Luís de Camões
The poet invokes Calliope to inspire his song about the Lusians.
Key passages
“Thou biddest me, O King! to say my say anent our grand genealogy of old: Thou bidd'st me not relate an alien story; thou bidd'st me laud my brother Lusians' glory.”
Gama tells the King that he is being asked to praise his own people, the Lusians, rather than tell a foreign tale.
Gama begins his historical narration, framing it as a duty to honor his own nation.
“Oh the great Portingall-fidelity of Vassal self-devote to doom so dread!”
The poet exclaims at the great Portuguese loyalty of a vassal who devoted himself to a terrible fate.
This line praises the extraordinary loyalty of Egas Moniz.
“The coolth serene, and early morning's pride, now paled the sparkling stars about the Pole, when Mary's Son appearing crucified in vision, strengthened King Afonso's soul.”
In the cool, early morning, as the stars faded, King Afonso saw a vision of the crucified Christ, which gave him strength.
This describes the divine vision that inspired King Afonso before the Battle of Ourique.
“Inclin'ed to pardon her the King benign, moved by this sad lament to melting mood; but the rude People and Fate's dure design (that willed it thus) refused the pardon sued.”
The king was moved to pardon her, but the cruel people and fate's unyielding plan refused the plea for mercy.
This explains why King Afonso IV ultimately allowed the murder of Inês de Castro.
