The Lusiads · Chapter
Canto V explained
Vasco da Gama continues his narration to the King of Melinde, describing the fleet's departure from Lisbon, the various lands and peoples encountered along the African coast, the perilous adventure of Fernam Velloso, and the terrifying enco
What happens
Vasco da Gama continues his narration to the King of Melinde, describing the fleet's departure from Lisbon, the various lands and peoples encountered along the African coast, the perilous adventure of Fernam Velloso, and the terrifying encounter with the giant Adamastor, who prophesies doom for future Portuguese voyages. The canto concludes with the fleet's safe arrival at Melinde and the establishment of peace and friendship with its king.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Discovery
The canto details the fleet's journey into unknown waters, encountering new lands and peoples, and the dangers of venturing beyond known boundaries.
Imperialism and Conquest
Adamastor's prophecy speaks of Portuguese conquest and the subjugation of foreign lands, reflecting the imperial ambitions of the era.
Fate and Divine Providence
The encounter with Adamastor and his prophetic warnings suggest a predetermined destiny for the Portuguese, guided by divine or supernatural forces.
Characters to notice
- Vasco da Gama
The narrator of the voyage, recounting the fleet's journey and the encounter with Adamastor.
- Fernam Velloso
The adventurous crew member who explores a hill and narrowly escapes an ambush by the natives.
- Adamastor
The giant spirit of the Cape of Storms, who confronts the fleet and prophesies doom for future Portuguese expeditions.
- Thetis
The sea nymph whose rejection of Adamastor's love led to his transformation into a rocky cape.
- The Captain
The leader of the fleet, who cries out in fear and questions the giant Adamastor.
Key passages
“The famèd Gama tells the forceful King (1–30) His long-drawn voyage, and uncertain road; What couthless nations in hot Africk spring, And, eke, Fernam Velloso’s hardihood: (31–36) How Adamastor, Giant menacing (37–60) They saw, who claimed to be of Terra’s brood; And other things that happened till was found (61–end) Haven of rest, with comfort safe and sound.”
Gama recounts to the King of Melinde the full story of his voyage, including the strange peoples they encountered, Velloso's bravery, the terrifying giant Adamastor, and their eventual safe arrival at Melinde.
This opening stanza summarizes the content of the canto.
““I am that hidden mighty Head of Land, the Cape of Tempests fitly named by you, which Ptol'emy, Mela, Strabo never fand, nor Pliny dreamt of, nor old Sages knew: Here in South Ocean end I Africk strand, where my unviewèd Point ye come to view, which to the far Antarctick Pole extendeth; such he your daring rashness dire offendeth.”
Adamastor reveals himself as the Cape of Storms, a land unknown to ancient geographers, and warns that the Portuguese have dared to trespass where no one has gone before.
Adamastor's speech establishes his identity and the significance of the cape as a boundary.
““O rasher, bolder Race:” —'twas thus it spoke— “than all whose daring deeds have tempted Fate; thou, whom no labours tame nor war's fell stroke, nor rest wilt grant on human toils to 'wait: Since these forbidden bounds by thee are broke who durst my Virgin Seas to violate, which long I guardèd, where I ne'er allow plowing to foreign or to native prow:”
Adamastor condemns the Portuguese as the most audacious people ever, accusing them of violating his protected seas and daring to challenge fate itself.
This passage highlights the theme of human daring versus divine or natural boundaries.