The legend of D. Sebastião 

   One of the most interesting legends of all times - in Portugal - is the legend of “D. Sebastião”. He was called “O desejado”-“The desired one” ! 

 

   Once upon a time there was a man, born on the 20th of January 1554, called Sebastião. His life and his decisions would change his country for decades to come. 

   His father died 18 days before he was born, so after his grandfather died he became king of Portugal . 

   Initially the country was administered by his grandmother “Catarina of Austria” and then by his uncle “Henrique of Portugal”. 

   When he was 14 years old, he took control of the country. The year was 1568. 

   He was deeply influenced by military and religious issues. So, he planned a massive christian attack crusade into Morocco. 

   In the battle of “Alcácer-Quibir”, also called the battle of the three kings, D. Sebastião was helping Mulei Mohammed (former sultan of Morocco). They were teaming up against the sultan Mulei Moluco. 

   The battle resulted in a bath of blood and death. The two sultans died. D. Sebastião disappeared in the combat. Absolutely no one has, ever again, found him. No body, not as a prisoner, nothing. 

   They lost the war. The best knights, fighters and royal army of Portugal, were also dead or were took into prisons and that led to Portugal losing its independence for 60 years.   From that moment on, the legend and the myth was born. For years, the Portuguese people hoped that D. Sebastião returned to the country on a foggy morning to release the country from his darkest moments. To bring the independence again. To return Portugal to its former glory. But… never happened. 

 

5º A Escola Sophia de Mello Breyner