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The Death of Magellan in the Hands of Lapu-Lapu's Men:

A Reflective Essay

The Battle of Mactan was fought on April 27, 1521, between the Spanish
forces led by Ferdinand Magellan and the native warriors of Lapu-Lapu. It resulted in
the death of Magellan and showcased the resistance of the native people against
foreign colonization. Along with its great impact on Philippine history, there is a
controversy regarding the death of Magellan, as some historians believe he was killed
by Lapu-Lapu himself while others argue that he was slain by his men. The mystery
of Magellan's death continues to capture the interest of many. Some believe that the
true circumstances may never be known.

While searching the internet for articles that would shed light on the mystery
and expand our knowledge of the controversy, we discovered that Pigafetta's journal
of the voyage is, without a doubt, the most trustworthy source available. Pigafetta's
detailed account provides valuable insights into the events leading up to Magellan's
death, offering a clearer picture of what may have transpired on that fateful day. By
examining his journal, historians can piece together the puzzle and come closer to
uncovering the truth behind Magellan's demise. Although it's uncertain if Magellan
was killed by a poisoned arrow or a spear from the native warriors, as some articles
claimed, one thing is for sure: the furious warriors of Mactan ended the life of the
Portuguese explorer, leading the rest of his men to escape back on their ship and
return to Spain. The journal entries also provide insight into the tense relationship
between Magellan and the local tribes, highlighting the cultural misunderstandings
and conflicts that ultimately led to his tragic end.

To sum it up, Magellan's death serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of


exploration and the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures
when venturing into unknown territories. It also sheds light on the complexities of
early European encounters with indigenous peoples in the Age of Exploration.
Nonetheless, it is now reasonable to conclude that Magellan's unfortunate end was
caused by Lapu-Lapu's troops rather than himself.
References:

https://steemit.com/education/@truthsfinder/who-really-killed-magellan-as-well-as-
lapu-lapu

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/magellan.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mactan#:~:text=With%20this%20advantage
%2C%20Lapulapu's%20troops,immediately%20killed%20by%20the%20warriors.

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