Sebastianism

Sebastianism is part of the Portuguese mythology and culture. It means waiting for a hero that will save Portugal and lead it to the Fifth Empire, and known as Eu nacional (national Me). There are possible mentions of this hero in the Armageddon of Nostradamus. Fernando Pessoa also wrote about this hero-to-come in his epic A mensagem (The Message) supporting his ideas on predictions and myths.

Late Sebastianism

Even as late as the 19th century, Sebastianist peasants in the Brazilian sertão believed that the king would return to help them against the "godless" Brazilian Republic, especially in the Canudos rebellion. Earlier, in 1565, the city of Rio de Janeiro was founded during his reign and in his honour, as City of Saint Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro (Cidade de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro), a living saint.

Related Topics:
19th century - Brazilian - Sertão - Canudos - 1565 - Rio de Janeiro

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In that same century, in Portugal, people still strongly believed that the king would return and his legend is still told by some mothers to their children today.

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In the present day, Sebastianism is used by some intellectuals and politicians in Portugal to criticize the Portuguese society in general and in particular fields such as the economy, saying it is Sebastianist. As if the whole country is waiting for King Sebastian to return and solve the problems that they're facing.

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