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.

The birth of a hero and a myth

Almost immediately upon coming of age, Sebastian began plans for a great crusade against the Moroccans of Fez. The Portuguese crusaders crossed into Morocco in 1578 and, against the advice of his commanders, Sebastian marched deep inland. At Alcazarquivir (Field of the Three Kings) the Portuguese were routed by Ahmed Mohammed of Fez, and Sebastian was almost certainly killed in battle or subsequently executed. But for the Portuguese people, he had just disappeared and would return home one day, to such an extent that, in 1640, King John IV of Portugal had to swear to yield his throne to Sebastian, in case Sebastian (who would then be 86 years old) returned.

Related Topics:
Fez - 1578 - Alcazarquivir - Ahmed Mohammed of Fez - 1640 - John IV of Portugal

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After his death (or disappearance), Portugal saw its independence gone (1580. In the time of Spanish occupation (1580-1640), impostors claimed to be King Sebastian in 1584, 1585, 1595 and 1598. Because of these events, Sebastian passed into legend as a great Portuguese patriot and hero - the "sleeping King" who would return to help Portugal in her darkest hour, on a misty day.

Related Topics:
1580 - 1640 - Impostor - Sleeping King

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