Christopher Columbus

Adrift

Columbus sets sail as the chief sailor on a cargo vessel en route from Genoa to Lisbon transporting precious loads of contents. Having passed the Straits of Gibraltar, the fleet then encounters pirates off the coast of Saint Vincent's Cape. The Genoese crew tries to escape from the pirates, but to no avail; they are soundly defeated, and their ship is sunk. Shipwrecked, Columbus finds himself at the mercy of the waves.

Resolution in Portugal, Kingdom of Voyages

Having survived the shipwreck, Columbus arrives at the village of Lagos where he takes shelter in a monastery. Having been rejuvenated, he sets sail once more until reaching the port of Sagres. Rather than return home, Columbus decides to go to Lisbon in order to learn everything possible about marine sciences, and to more fully dedicate himself to exploring the seven seas.

Columbus learns of Marco Polo and Toscanelli

In Lisbon, Columbus meets his brother Bartholomew who works as a cartographer. At first, Columbus helps his brother compile the maps, however, his biggest wish is to enter the School of Navigation at the capital city, a feat not easily achieved by a foreigner. But thanks to an acquaintance with Father Martins, Columbus will live to see his wish come true.

His First Exploration Voyage

It is at the School of Navigation where those participating in future sea expeditions are chosen. The first time Columbus is up for selection, he is not chosen as a ship mate because he his foreign. Nevertheless, he continues his ardent studies at the library. It is there he meets Felipa, the daughter of the Governor, notable for having written a collection of books about uncharted lands. Columbus finds himself attracted to Felipa, however, to his dismay, he learns she already has a boyfriend serving as a sea captain. Meanwhile, Columbus is finally offered the position of first officer aboard a cargo ship.

Columbus Meets Felipa

The Ship of Columbus transports herrings and salmon to Greenland. It is here Columbus first ponders what could exist beyond the Ocean waters, when he hears of a Viking legend… Gelik, the great grandson of an infamous Viking chief, recites to Columbus the story of his great-grandfather's voyage to an unknown foreign land, wrought with peril and difficulty. Enthralled by the legend, Columbus decides he will undertake the same voyage. Having chosen a day with favorable weather, Columbus embarks on a journey to uncover the veracity of the Viking legend alongside Gelik, and two of his best sailors.

Marriage

During the trip to Iceland, Christopher Columbus becomes more and more convinced that undiscovered lands surely await him to the West; his conviction lends him the fortitude to continue sailing. After returning to Lisbon, Columbus is finally able to court the beautiful Felipa, however, their relationship is at first hindered by the girl's family. Fortunately, Columbus receives assistance from Father Martins.

Columbus Resolves to Make a Westward Voyage

Here, Columbus meets a Jewish man by the name of Torres. Torres is fascinated by Columbus's ambition to sail to the Indies by way of a Western route. Torres promises him that he will acquire financing for the voyage by soliciting funds from his friends, many of whom happen to be the most significant and influential Genoese merchants. Unfortunately, Torres does not succeed in his task, and Columbus, feeling deceived by his hometown, decides never to return.

The First Setback

After Columbus and Felipa are happily wed, they move to the isle of Porto Santo. Here, Columbus is able to gather useful information for his western voyage. He then partakes in an expedition to Guinea, while Felipa, in the meantime, gives birth to a son they decide to name Diego. In 1484 Columbus then decides to travel to Lisbon with the purpose of convincing the King of his project's merit.

A Helping Hand

Columbus finally earns himself an interview with the King of Lisbon for the purpose of better explaining the value of reaching the Indies by sailing west. The King at first seems interested by Columbus's proposed-project, and so assembles a group of experts to assess its worth. However, the group of examiners reject the project, when Columbus then suddenly learns of the unfortunate death of Felipa back in Porto Santo. Columbus leaves Portugal at once with his son Diego and goes to Castile.