Lecture Notes: Content and Contextual Analysis of Antonio Pigafetta's Account of Magellan's Voyage

Background of Antonio Pigafetta

• Born in late 15th century, Italy
• Parents: Giovanni Pigafetta and Angela Soga
• Sibling: Eldest of two
• Native of Vicenza, near Venice, Italy
• Studied astronomy, geography, and cartography
• Served on ships of the Knights of Rhodes

The First Voyage Around the World

• Accompanied Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano (1519-1522)
• Expedition led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan
• Written during the voyage, aboard one of five ships
• Ended after Magellan's death, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano
• Important primary source for pre-colonial Philippines

Significance of Pigafetta's Account

• Referenced by William Shakespeare, Michel de Montaigne, and Guillaumin Batista Vico
• Insight into European perspectives on unfamiliar terrains, environments, and cultures
• Subjective account from Pigafetta's perspective and context

Journey Highlights

• Ladrones Islands (now Marianas Islands):
  • Described as islands of thieves, people use sticks with fishbone, poor but ingenious
• Humunhon Island (Watering Place of Good Signs):
  • Found first sign of gold
  • Nearby islands named as Archipelago of Saint Lazarus
• Meeting with Local Leaders:
  • Met kings: Raja Suyago, Raja Kalambu of Zuluwan and Kalagan
  • Conducted first mass in the Philippines, attended by two kings
  • Magellan's Cross planted after mass

Battle of Mactan

• Magellan agreed to fight chief Si Lapu-Lapu at the request of Zula
• 49 of Magellan's men fought against 1500 of Lapu-Lapu's
• Magellan killed in battle, Pigafetta documents his final moments

Historical Impact

• Chronicles are a primary source for historians studying pre-colonial Philippines
• Earliest detailed documentation of Philippine society
• Must consider 16th-century European perspective in accounts

Conclusion

• The account provides valuable insights, but must be contextualized within its European perspective and the era it was written in.