ELCANO WAS A SPANIARD, THE

FIRST TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE EARTH

1. What does the headnote of this selection tend to prove? At what age and where did Rizal
write this poem?

- The headnote tends to prove the predilection or the habitual attraction of Rizal
towards the historical subjects and poetry which made him wrote this poem about the
circumnavigation of Elcano around the earth and his struggles and encounters during
the circumnavigation. His interest in history and poetry resulted into an inspirational
composition about an explorer who first to circumnavigate the earth. It was written on
the 5th of December 1875 by Jose Rizal at the Ateneo Municipal De Manila.

2. Who was he idolizing in this poetic composition? Why?

- He idolizes Don Sebastian Elcano, a Spaniard who he believes to be the first to

circumnavigate the earth. In his poem, he mentioned Elcano’s bravery in cruising the
vast ocean fighting the humongous waves and the unstoppable winds that caught by
Elcano’s sail to seek lands unknown. Based on his poem, Elcano was a confident
leader, a master explorer and a proud captain, who sailed his ship toward the
unknown, he was a resemblance of bravery and valor. Rizal idolizes him for his
dedication and determination in his journey, he faced all uncertainty to unravel the
secrets corners of the world by sailing his ship towards the circus of the unknown
ocean.

3. Why did Rizal consider Elcano a Heroic son of Spain?

- He considered him as Heroic son of Spain because of his Historic journey around the
globe to seek unknown lands. He is also a Spaniard to first circumnavigated the earth,
he is a man with dedication and his journey enchanted the whole world which he
made a mark on history bringing his country name the Spain. His journey was a major
expedition, it was a very dangerous and risky which made his journey faced a lot of
dangers but despite the dangers they faced during the journey, they continued it and
faced it all with determination. Elcano’s journey around the globe was recognized by
Rizal which made him consider him as a Heroic son of Spain.

4. How did Rizal describe the valorous adventure of Don Sebastian Elcano? What were the
difficulties and dangers that this adventurer bravely encountered in high seas?
 - He describes the valorous adventure of Don Sebastian Elcano as red-tailed eagle that
soars high in the wind, with an unequalled flight with a swift movement. The
difficulties that were encountered by Elcano during his expedition around the globe
are, the blowing storms that roars thunder and spits lightning, the rage of the ocean
such as gigantic waves, the dramatic wind speeds, temperature, hurricanes and also
the uncertainty of their journey. The journey was deadly and dangerous but with a
captain like Don Sebastian Elcano, there is no challenges that they can’t face.
Thus, he was idolized by Rizal and decorated him with a brilliant diadem and
thousands of laurel crowns.
5. Later, researcher came to prove that Rizal’s belief on the matter cited in his selection was
erroneous. Who appears now as the first man to circumnavigate the world? The laurels
and diadems that Rizal intended to Sebastian Elcano are recognize now by history to
belong more deservingly to whom?

- The first man who circumnavigated the world according to the researchers that made
the belief of Rizal in this matter to be erroneous is Ferdinand Magellan. The laurels
and diadem that was honored to Don Sebastian Elcano by Rizal in now belong to
Ferdinand Magellan, for he is recognized by the researcher to be the first person to
circumnavigate the world and he reached the Philippines in1521.