Portugal’s Early Explorations
The Portuguese explorer was employed as a servant and shield bearer in the household of Prince Henry the Navigator. Nothing is known about his early life until 1433 when he made his first voyages under the auspices of Prince Henry. Up until that time the Prince had sent numerous expeditions out in an attempt to pass Cape Bojador on the coast of Africa. All failed. Eannes’ first recorded attempt to pass to Cape Bojador came in 1433. Sailing from Lagos he landed at Madeira and then proceeded to Grand Canary Island. Apparently, his fears got the better of him when he learned from experienced sailors of the perils that lay ahead.
Legend of Cape Bojador
It was believed in the 15th century that it was impossible to sail any further south than Cape Bojador. The winds and tidal currents off the cape made it extremely difficult for the ships of the age to sail through the area that many regarded as the end of the world. Superstition played a large part as well for the desert sands blown into the sea coloured the water red and it was believed sea serpents and other horrid creatures of the deep lay in wait for unwary seamen. The desolate appearance of the coastline fostered the belief that no one could live there anyway so why bother exploring. Prince Henry did not accept these superstitions and sent his seafarers, trained at his school in Sagres to challenge the cape.
Rounding Cape Bojador
When Gil Eannes set out in 1434, he followed in the wake of 14 failed expeditions. Inspired by Prince Henry’s promises of riches and fame Eannes sailed for the Canary Islands and then in a feat of bravery and luck, successfully rounded Cape Bojador in calm seas by taking a wide turn and a different approach. Seeing no sign of habitation he anchored and went ashore. To prove he had accomplished his mission he brought back some plants known as St. Mary’s Roses.
Prince Henry lost no time in sending Eannes out again. In 1435 he sailed with Henry’s cupbearer Afonso Baldaya via the Canary Islands and around the cape to Angra dos Ruivos where they went ashore. Again they saw no dwellings but found footprints of men and camels proving that the area was indeed inhabited. They name it Rio de Ouro before returning home.
Eannes now fades from history to make a brief appearance in 1445 when he commands one of the ships of Portuguese Admiral Lancorte Pessanha.
Bibliography
Prince Henry the Navigator - C. Raymond Beazley – BiblioBazaar - 2007
The Golden Age of Prince Henry the Navigator - J.P. Oliveira Martins – Simon Publications - 2001
Prince Henry the Navigator - Peter Russell – Yale University Press - 2000
 |
