Pilgrimage, the autobiographical memoir published in 1614, serves as the primary record for the extensive travels of Fernão Mendes Pinto. His career as a Portuguese explorer and writer spanned the mid-sixteenth century, taking him from the coastal outposts of Africa and the Persian Gulf to the maritime trade routes of the Far East and Japan.
Early Trajectory and Departure
Born in 1509 in Montemor-o-Velho, Pinto moved to Lisbon in 1521 to enter domestic service. Following a period as a ship's boy and employment under the knight Francisco de Faria and Jorge de Lencastre, he sought advancement abroad. In 1537, he departed for the Portuguese India Armadas, beginning a life of maritime travel and political service.
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Upon reaching India, Pinto joined a reconnaissance mission to Ethiopia intended to contact Emperor Dawit II. Following a naval defeat by Turkish galleys, he was enslaved in Mocha. After being sold multiple times, he was ransomed by the Portuguese crown in Hormuz, where he served as a magistrate and captain of the fortress.
Trade and Exploration in the Far East
Starting in 1539, Pinto operated out of Malacca under Pedro de Faria, conducting diplomatic missions in Sumatra and trade operations across the South China Sea. His travels extended to China, where he faced imprisonment, and eventually to Japan. He claimed to have introduced the arquebus to the Japanese islands in 1543, facilitating trade and local military adoption.
Religious Association and Final Years
In 1549, Pinto facilitated the return of the missionary Saint Francis Xavier to Japan. By 1554, he had joined the Society of Jesus, donating significant wealth to the mission before leaving the order in 1557. He served as an ambassador to the daimyō of Bungo before eventually returning to Europe, where he died in 1583 at Freguesia do Pragal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1509, Montemor-o-Velho
- Died: 1583, Freguesia do Pragal
- Nationality: Kingdom of Portugal
- Primary Work: Pilgrimage (1614)
- Religion: Catholicism
- Notable Role: Ambassador to the daimyō of Bungo
Questions readers ask
Why is the accuracy of his memoirs questioned?
Readers and historians noted the inclusion of events that appear exaggerated or far-fetched, leading to the pun 'Fernão Mentes Minto', which suggests the author is lying.
Did Pinto introduce firearms to Japan?
He claimed to be the first European to land in Japan in 1543 and to have introduced the arquebus, though historical evidence suggests other Portuguese traders visited the region earlier.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer and writer
