# Canto VI explained — The Lusiads

> Chapter companion for The Lusiads by Luís de Camões.

## What happens

Vasco da Gama departs from Melinde with native pilots and fresh supplies. Bacchus, enraged by the Portuguese success, descends to Neptune's palace and incites the sea-gods to destroy the fleet. Meanwhile, Velloso entertains the crew with the tale of the Twelve of England. A terrible storm arises, but Venus and her nymphs calm it, and the fleet finally arrives at Calecut.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imperialism and Conquest

The Portuguese expedition is framed as a divinely favored mission to establish a Christian empire in the East.

### Fate and Divine Providence

The gods' intervention and the eventual success of the voyage suggest a providential destiny for the Portuguese.

### Heroism and Glory

The tale of the Twelve of England and the storm's endurance highlight the heroic virtues of the Portuguese.

## Character check-ins

### Vasco da Gama

Departs from Melinde, bids farewell to the pagan king, and continues the voyage.

### Bacchus

Descends to Neptune's palace and incites the sea-gods to destroy the Portuguese fleet.

### Venus

Calms the storm and directs the fleet to Calecut.

### Fernam Velloso

Tells the tale of the Twelve of England to entertain the crew.

### Neptune

Presides over the sea-gods in his palace; Bacchus appeals to him.

### Thetis

Speaks indignantly during the sea-gods' council.

### Aeolus

Releases the winds at the sea-gods' request, causing the storm.

## Key lines

> Illustrious Gama from Melindé saileth, (1–5) With native Pilots and fresh nutriment;

Gama leaves Melinde with local pilots and new supplies.

_The departure from Melinde marks the continuation of the voyage._

> Descends Lyaeus seaward; Neptune haileth (6–37) The Gods who rule the humid element:

Bacchus goes down to the sea and calls upon Neptune and the sea-gods.

_Bacchus seeks to rally the sea-gods against the Portuguese._

> Velloso, giving praise and honour, telleth (38–69) Of th' 'English Twelve' the Tale of Tournament:

Velloso tells the story of the Twelve of England to the crew.

_The tale is a chivalric interlude during the voyage._

> Succoureth Venus her long suff'ering Fleet (70–91) And thus the wisht-for strand of Inde they greet. (92–end)

Venus helps the fleet and they finally arrive at the shores of India.

_The arrival at Calecut is the culmination of the voyage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lusiads_se/chapters/canto-vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lusiads_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lusiads_se/chapters