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Naufragios y comentarios
El valor como documento histórico de estas memorias de Cabeza de Vaca es indiscutible. Especialmente, son los antropólogos y los historiadores los en apariencia más pueden sacar de estos escritos. Pero sólo en apariencia, porque el hecho de que hayan sido incluidos en esta colección juvenil ya es indicativo de algo: la fascinación que provoca el personaje. Por esto, no sólo es un documento que haya quedado en manos de estudiosos, sino que ha interesado a un público más amplio como lo prueba la versión cinematográfica protagonizada por Juan Diego. Pese a la dureza de la conquista y a los límites de una época, Alvar Núñez presenta una mentalidad abierta, en especial cuando se refiere al trato con los indios y a su convivencia con ellos, un punto de vista del que aún hoy tendríamos que aprender.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 1992
16 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
91 books31 followersSpanish colonial administrator Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca explored parts of present-day Florida, Texas, and Mexico and aroused interest in the region with his vivid stories of opportunities.
In the New World, he and three other persons survived the expedition of Pánfilo de Narváez of 1527. During eight years of traveling across the southwest, he traded and encountered and in faith healed various Native American tribes before he reconnected with forces in 1536. After returning in 1537, he wrote an account, first published in 1542 as La Relación ("The Relation", or in more modern terms "The Account"), retitled Naufragios ("Shipwrecks") in later editions. People ably consider and note Cabeza de Vaca as a proto-anthropologist for his detailed accounts of the many tribes of Native Americans.
[Wikipedia]
In the New World, he and three other persons survived the expedition of Pánfilo de Narváez of 1527. During eight years of traveling across the southwest, he traded and encountered and in faith healed various Native American tribes before he reconnected with forces in 1536. After returning in 1537, he wrote an account, first published in 1542 as La Relación ("The Relation", or in more modern terms "The Account"), retitled Naufragios ("Shipwrecks") in later editions. People ably consider and note Cabeza de Vaca as a proto-anthropologist for his detailed accounts of the many tribes of Native Americans.
[Wikipedia]
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 28, 2024
Verdaderamente nosotros éramos hijos del sol.
November 21, 2013
Deux excellents témoignages, rares, de Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca,un conquistador espagnol qui va se retrouver un première fois perdu en Floride et va errer pendant 10 ans parmi les natifs, de 1527 à 1536, tour a tour esclave, colporteur puis guérisseur miraculeux. Cet exemple montre très admirablement tout l'avantage qu'on peut trouver à abuser la crédulité des hommes pour sauver sa vie, sa liberté et convertir ses persécuteurs en serviteurs dévoués.
Le narrateur finit par retrouver des chrétiens au Mexique, et à regagner l'Espagne. Pas refroidit pour autant, il repart quelques années plus tard en Argentine en qualité de gouverneur, pour explorer le pays et administrer la colonie. Sa maniéré de traiter les natifs avec une relative douceur lui attire des inimitiés de la part de ses collègues, et il doit souffrir une rébellion de leur part. Il est alors exilé à Oran, en Afrique du nord, pendant quelques années, avant de pouvoir regagner sa patrie.
Le narrateur finit par retrouver des chrétiens au Mexique, et à regagner l'Espagne. Pas refroidit pour autant, il repart quelques années plus tard en Argentine en qualité de gouverneur, pour explorer le pays et administrer la colonie. Sa maniéré de traiter les natifs avec une relative douceur lui attire des inimitiés de la part de ses collègues, et il doit souffrir une rébellion de leur part. Il est alors exilé à Oran, en Afrique du nord, pendant quelques années, avant de pouvoir regagner sa patrie.
March 23, 2020
Esto da para película.
September 9, 2023
Este relato elaborado por Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca nos narra la historia de una expedición de 600 hombres y 5 barcos que parte de España en rumbo al Nuevo Mundo con la finalidad de conquistar territorios del norte de América. Sin embargo, lo que inicia como un viaje de conquista se convierte en un viaje de supervivencia, puesto que los españoles pierden todos sus navíos y muchos de ellos mueren a lo largo del viaje.
A pesar de que, en el proemio de la obra, Cabeza de Vaca nos asegura de que todo lo relatado es veraz, a lo largo de la narración podemos encontrar elementos míticos y fantásticos que obedecen al imaginario del cronista, como el hecho de que Cabeza de vaca hubiese resucitado a un hombre, o de que las flechas de los indígenas atravesasen robles. Lo literario y lo documental en esta obra son inseparables.
A pesar de que, en el proemio de la obra, Cabeza de Vaca nos asegura de que todo lo relatado es veraz, a lo largo de la narración podemos encontrar elementos míticos y fantásticos que obedecen al imaginario del cronista, como el hecho de que Cabeza de vaca hubiese resucitado a un hombre, o de que las flechas de los indígenas atravesasen robles. Lo literario y lo documental en esta obra son inseparables.
November 24, 2017
[English]
[En español al final]
This one was different from the kind of books I usually read, so it was interesting in that sense, but I also have to admit that I have not really enjoyed this work overall.
This is obviously a report that the Spanish knight Cabeza de Vaca uses to justify himself in order for the King not to punish him for living with the indigenous people during 9 years. I guess this is why the book feels monotonous at times, seeming like a neverending list of those places Cabeza de Vaca visited, the soldiers and ships he lost and how he travelled to the next island just to repeat the whole process all over again. Do you think this might a be a way too simplistic analysis of the plot? Well, you may have a point there. I am sorry, but genuinely enjoying a book is something I really take into account when I rating it, so I do not mind how much of an important classic it is if the reading process is more of an effort than a relaxing activity. Yes, I said it.
Now getting back to the main point, what I do consider a positive aspect of this literary work is getting to know Cabeza de Vaca’s thoughts on indigenous and homosexual people. He is a perfect example of the average Spanish knight back in the Middle Ages, and this is what most of his portrayal is centered about: seeing the hero as a man (gender plays an important role in this) who leaves home to seek treasures and go on adventures and whose sense of honour is certainly on the top of his set of values. Furthermore, he needs to tell his story because that is the only way he will be remembered after his death, so he has to make sure the narration has a quite elevated tone to it.
A definitely great ethno-geographical study of Latin America with a main character that gets on one’s nerves a little too often and both a travel book and a heroic one that, in my opinion, is a bit slow to read despite its briefness. I would like to clarify that, by saying this, I am not implying that any book with a slower pace of action than the one the average Western reader is used to is a boring literary work. I was amazed at the lack of dynamism I found in some Eastern European and Asian books and I still thought they were incredible masterpieces. It is just that this one has unfortunately been too much of a hassle more often than not.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Diferente a lo que suelo a leer, así que eso ha sido interesante, pero no he disfrutado la obra en general.
Aunque hay que entender la lectura como un documento de justificación frente al rey por lo acontecido en los años en que Cabeza de Vaca y algunos de sus hombres se perdieron en Florida, lo cual explica el carácter algo monótono de la trama, muchas veces cuesta ver más allá del: “fui a X isla, allí perdí X hombres y nos hundieron X barcos, fin”. ¿Análisis simplista en ese sentido? No voy a negarlo. Lo siento, pero el factor “disfrute” es importante para mí, y sí, ya puede ser un gran clásico que, si se me hace cuesta arriba la lectura, no, no le pondré una puntuación tan alta como cualquier académico haría.
Volviendo al tema, los aspectos que sí considero curiosos son las opiniones de Cabeza de Vaca sobre los indígenas y homosexuales. Es la clara imagen del caballero español de la época, y en eso se basa gran parte de su caracterización como héroe de su tiempo: aquel hombre (importante eso) que abandona su hogar para ir en busca de aventuras y tesoros, cuyo sentido del honor es el más importante en la escala de valores y cuya memoria histórica solo quedará asegurada si narra sus hazañas de la forma más exaltada posible.
Un gran estudio etno-geográfico de la América de la época, maravilloso en ese aspecto, pero insoportable en cuanto a lo mucho que el personaje principal puede sacar de quicio al lector. Una mezcla interesante entre heroísmo y novela de viajes pero, para mí personalmente, algo difícil de tragar a veces a pesar de su brevedad. Y sí, he leído otros libros con un dinamismo menor al de costumbre (la literatura asiática o de Europa del Este, por norma general; que suelen tener un ritmo más pausado que la occidental), con lo cual no quiero decir que cualquier libro que no sea pura acción es un aburrimiento, pero este en concreto ha sido insufrible a ratos, para qué mentir.
[En español al final]
This one was different from the kind of books I usually read, so it was interesting in that sense, but I also have to admit that I have not really enjoyed this work overall.
This is obviously a report that the Spanish knight Cabeza de Vaca uses to justify himself in order for the King not to punish him for living with the indigenous people during 9 years. I guess this is why the book feels monotonous at times, seeming like a neverending list of those places Cabeza de Vaca visited, the soldiers and ships he lost and how he travelled to the next island just to repeat the whole process all over again. Do you think this might a be a way too simplistic analysis of the plot? Well, you may have a point there. I am sorry, but genuinely enjoying a book is something I really take into account when I rating it, so I do not mind how much of an important classic it is if the reading process is more of an effort than a relaxing activity. Yes, I said it.
Now getting back to the main point, what I do consider a positive aspect of this literary work is getting to know Cabeza de Vaca’s thoughts on indigenous and homosexual people. He is a perfect example of the average Spanish knight back in the Middle Ages, and this is what most of his portrayal is centered about: seeing the hero as a man (gender plays an important role in this) who leaves home to seek treasures and go on adventures and whose sense of honour is certainly on the top of his set of values. Furthermore, he needs to tell his story because that is the only way he will be remembered after his death, so he has to make sure the narration has a quite elevated tone to it.
A definitely great ethno-geographical study of Latin America with a main character that gets on one’s nerves a little too often and both a travel book and a heroic one that, in my opinion, is a bit slow to read despite its briefness. I would like to clarify that, by saying this, I am not implying that any book with a slower pace of action than the one the average Western reader is used to is a boring literary work. I was amazed at the lack of dynamism I found in some Eastern European and Asian books and I still thought they were incredible masterpieces. It is just that this one has unfortunately been too much of a hassle more often than not.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Diferente a lo que suelo a leer, así que eso ha sido interesante, pero no he disfrutado la obra en general.
Aunque hay que entender la lectura como un documento de justificación frente al rey por lo acontecido en los años en que Cabeza de Vaca y algunos de sus hombres se perdieron en Florida, lo cual explica el carácter algo monótono de la trama, muchas veces cuesta ver más allá del: “fui a X isla, allí perdí X hombres y nos hundieron X barcos, fin”. ¿Análisis simplista en ese sentido? No voy a negarlo. Lo siento, pero el factor “disfrute” es importante para mí, y sí, ya puede ser un gran clásico que, si se me hace cuesta arriba la lectura, no, no le pondré una puntuación tan alta como cualquier académico haría.
Volviendo al tema, los aspectos que sí considero curiosos son las opiniones de Cabeza de Vaca sobre los indígenas y homosexuales. Es la clara imagen del caballero español de la época, y en eso se basa gran parte de su caracterización como héroe de su tiempo: aquel hombre (importante eso) que abandona su hogar para ir en busca de aventuras y tesoros, cuyo sentido del honor es el más importante en la escala de valores y cuya memoria histórica solo quedará asegurada si narra sus hazañas de la forma más exaltada posible.
Un gran estudio etno-geográfico de la América de la época, maravilloso en ese aspecto, pero insoportable en cuanto a lo mucho que el personaje principal puede sacar de quicio al lector. Una mezcla interesante entre heroísmo y novela de viajes pero, para mí personalmente, algo difícil de tragar a veces a pesar de su brevedad. Y sí, he leído otros libros con un dinamismo menor al de costumbre (la literatura asiática o de Europa del Este, por norma general; que suelen tener un ritmo más pausado que la occidental), con lo cual no quiero decir que cualquier libro que no sea pura acción es un aburrimiento, pero este en concreto ha sido insufrible a ratos, para qué mentir.
March 11, 2024
Una vez que lees este libro, te preguntas por qué no se han hecho películas de esto. Seguramente sea porque no es una historia estadounidense, pero aún así, es un relato que es brutal. Es una historia real
Partimos de las andanzas del conquistador Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, que por azares del destino se pierda en las Nuevas Tierras, yendo desde Cuba, rodeando el golfo de México por el norte, atravesando ese país de este a oeste hasta acabar en golfo de california. De ahí, partirá rumbo sur hasta encontrar por fin a los suyos.
Es la historia de exploración por el nuevo mundo, por tierras desconocidas, animales exóticos y gente con una cultura completamente diferente. Paisajes inimaginables para cualquier europeo.
Quizás la forma en la que está escrito es algo tediosa, pero compensa con su gran argumento.
Partimos de las andanzas del conquistador Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, que por azares del destino se pierda en las Nuevas Tierras, yendo desde Cuba, rodeando el golfo de México por el norte, atravesando ese país de este a oeste hasta acabar en golfo de california. De ahí, partirá rumbo sur hasta encontrar por fin a los suyos.
Es la historia de exploración por el nuevo mundo, por tierras desconocidas, animales exóticos y gente con una cultura completamente diferente. Paisajes inimaginables para cualquier europeo.
Quizás la forma en la que está escrito es algo tediosa, pero compensa con su gran argumento.
October 9, 2021
ESP
En un giro inesperado y sorprendente, he leído este libro por motivo de varios retos literarios (52 week book club #28: un libro sobre un hecho histórico que apenas conozcas; #24retosdelectura2021 #15: que el protagonista vaya de viaje), lo que me ha servido para acercarme a un tema apasionante para mi: la historia. Había oído hablar de este personaje, algo sobre un viaje por el sur de los actuales Estados Unidos y ya he tenido la oportunidad de saber más de su epopeya. Llegó en misión de conquistar, pero un naufragio torció los planes originales, lo que dio pie a lo que aquí acontece. No fue un conquistador español más, durante su aventura se encontró con numerosas tribus y pueblos nativos a los que trató bien y plasmó en su crónica, que es la primera parte del libro (parte que se conoce como “Naufragios”). En la segunda parte, los "comentarios" los escribe un secretario suyo en su nombre, relatando su vuelta a América y lo que allí ocurrió. Es muy tentador incluir a todos los exploradores de aquel periodo en un mismo saco de hombres despiadados y codiciosos, pero quien se acerque a esta obra (yo encontré una edición que incluye las dos partes, pero también pueden encontrarse publicadas por separado) podrá ver que, al menos, hubo una excepción... Eso sí, para leer sobre todo la segunda parte habrá de armarse de paciencia porque el lenguaje escrito del siglo XVI no es como el de ahora y en ocasiones debe releerse un párrafo para entenderlo y aún así, no terminar de descifrarlo...
ENG
In an unexpected y surprising turn, I’ve this book because of several reading challenges (52 week book club #28: includes a historical event you know little about; #24retosdelectura2021 #15: the main character travels), something that allowed me to approach to a fascinating subject for me: History. I’ve heard about this person, something about a travel around the south of the current United States of America and I’ve already had the chance to know more about his epic story. He arrived having the conquest as his objective, but a shipwreck changed his plan, which lead to what here happens. He wasn’t just like the other Spaniard conquerors, during his adventure he found numerous native tribes and nations that he treated well and he captured all that in his chronicles, the first part of this book (known as “The Account”). On the second part, the “commentaries” are written by his secretary in behalf of him, telling his return to America as a governor and what happened there. Is very tempting to lump all the explorers of that period with some ruthless and greedy men, but whomever tries to approach to this work (the edition I’ve found includes two parts but you can find them published separately) could see that, at least, there was an exception… Mind you, to read specially the second part you must take it with patience because the XVIth century written language wasn’t like the current one and sometimes it should be read a paragraph twice to understand it and even so, not finishing to decipher it…
En un giro inesperado y sorprendente, he leído este libro por motivo de varios retos literarios (52 week book club #28: un libro sobre un hecho histórico que apenas conozcas; #24retosdelectura2021 #15: que el protagonista vaya de viaje), lo que me ha servido para acercarme a un tema apasionante para mi: la historia. Había oído hablar de este personaje, algo sobre un viaje por el sur de los actuales Estados Unidos y ya he tenido la oportunidad de saber más de su epopeya. Llegó en misión de conquistar, pero un naufragio torció los planes originales, lo que dio pie a lo que aquí acontece. No fue un conquistador español más, durante su aventura se encontró con numerosas tribus y pueblos nativos a los que trató bien y plasmó en su crónica, que es la primera parte del libro (parte que se conoce como “Naufragios”). En la segunda parte, los "comentarios" los escribe un secretario suyo en su nombre, relatando su vuelta a América y lo que allí ocurrió. Es muy tentador incluir a todos los exploradores de aquel periodo en un mismo saco de hombres despiadados y codiciosos, pero quien se acerque a esta obra (yo encontré una edición que incluye las dos partes, pero también pueden encontrarse publicadas por separado) podrá ver que, al menos, hubo una excepción... Eso sí, para leer sobre todo la segunda parte habrá de armarse de paciencia porque el lenguaje escrito del siglo XVI no es como el de ahora y en ocasiones debe releerse un párrafo para entenderlo y aún así, no terminar de descifrarlo...
ENG
In an unexpected y surprising turn, I’ve this book because of several reading challenges (52 week book club #28: includes a historical event you know little about; #24retosdelectura2021 #15: the main character travels), something that allowed me to approach to a fascinating subject for me: History. I’ve heard about this person, something about a travel around the south of the current United States of America and I’ve already had the chance to know more about his epic story. He arrived having the conquest as his objective, but a shipwreck changed his plan, which lead to what here happens. He wasn’t just like the other Spaniard conquerors, during his adventure he found numerous native tribes and nations that he treated well and he captured all that in his chronicles, the first part of this book (known as “The Account”). On the second part, the “commentaries” are written by his secretary in behalf of him, telling his return to America as a governor and what happened there. Is very tempting to lump all the explorers of that period with some ruthless and greedy men, but whomever tries to approach to this work (the edition I’ve found includes two parts but you can find them published separately) could see that, at least, there was an exception… Mind you, to read specially the second part you must take it with patience because the XVIth century written language wasn’t like the current one and sometimes it should be read a paragraph twice to understand it and even so, not finishing to decipher it…
August 24, 2019
I think that “The Untold Story of …. [insert title here]” has been used to numbness lately, especially with countless “based on the true events” Hollywood movies competing for an intriguing tagline, but here is an example where that statement truly applies. Guys, you may not have the ability to access this story, but if you can, do. It is truly remarkable if not inspiring!
I previously read Cabeza de Vaca’s account of his journey in North America and was surprised by how different it was from my expectations. Cabeza de Vaca in North America is not an untold story, but his story is misrepresented in textbooks or documentaries when they mention him in passing and label him an “explorer” or “conquistador” or “discoverer” of Southwest U.S./Northern Mexico.
In truth, Cabeza de Vaca was a marooned sailor/soldier, and then slave, then merchant, then healer for ten years in the North American desert regions amongst a native people completely unfamiliar with Europeans. If that makes him any of those former titles, then I guess I’ve got the wrong idea of what those are!
What I got out of it was a fascination for an historical aberration: a European in the Western Hemisphere who was a humble man, christian (in all the right senses of the word), and an open advocate for the Native Americans (even though they held him as a slave for a good portion of his marooning). So, this led me to research a bit more about him and I was amazed to discover that North America was only part of the story. After his experience of survival, he got tabbed to be the governor of Spanish colonies in South America--not only that but he wrote about that experience too and published it with his previous record. I needed to read more about this engaging profile in history.
The problem was that while the first account of Cabeza de Vaca’s journey is misrepresented, it is at least readily available to learn more about because it is still in print with new translations by scholarly editors and their introductions and commentary. The second account? As far as the English language is concerned, it really is the untold story. I could not and still cannot find an English translated version of Cabeza de Vaca’s journey to South America.
Fortunately for me (warning: high level boasting will follow), I happen to speak fluent Spanish and even specialize in reading older historical Spanish documents. That meant that--while there was not an English translation available--with enough searching, I was able to find (though, again, it was not obvious nor easy) a digitized version the original Spanish account of Cabeza de Vaca’s two journeys.
As part of the experience, I reread the first part about Cabeza de Vaca’s experience in North America, just as a refresher and to ease myself into the old time Spanish (which, by the way, took an effort to get used to!). Once again, I was amazed by this survivor tale. I mean, the guy was literally naked, on the point of starvation, and a slave for at least half a decade. It does not get much worse than that! His journey back to civilization and amongst the natives is inspiring and humbling.
Then, the narrative of “Relación” ends and the next one, “Comentarios,” begins. Sadly, this one is not written by Cabeza de Vaca, unlike the first part. It is written by one of the men who was with him from start to finish, so everything is effectively covered, but it is a shame to miss out on Cabeza de Vaca’s quiet but matter-of-fact voice.
Right from the start, Cabeza de Vaca demonstrates that he is a magnet for adversity as he has trouble with the boats and food supplies getting over to South America (ask me about how a measly little cricket saved the whole crew at some point … it’s pretty remarkable).
Then Cabeza de Vaca sends a rescue mission to the failed colony called “Buenos Aires” (I’m guessing you’ve heard of it, though probably not about the guy who saved it!), while he eschews the set path (up the Paraguay River) for another colony in desperate need of relief: Asunción. Instead of up the river, he takes off on land in a straight shot across a huge swath of what will someday be Brazil.
As he meets up with village after village of Indians, you see how his ten years as a subordinate or equal with Native Americans keeps him respectful. He treats them fairly and honorably and they return the favor. They feed him while he makes sure to inform his men that all Indians are to be meticulously paid for any sustenance the men receive.
The journey goes through moments of feast and famine, something Cabeza de Vaca is no stranger to, but eventually they make their way to the point where they have acquired some boats and worked down the Iguazu River until forced to portage their boats for several leagues due to a large waterfall. Yes, Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to see the famous Iguazu Falls. Just another no-big-deal on his increasingly fascinating yet forgotten resume.
Eventually, he makes it to Asunción. He establishes alliances and trade with the local Indians in a respectful way unparalleled with his conquistador brothers (he does have to hunt down a rival tribe that seeks to kill his allies and his men, but even that is done with proper reserve and is immediately called off once a peace agreement is reached).
Exploration is done at this point as he sends men and then goes up river himself to meet new people and probe routes into and through the deep recesses of South America. As they push the fringes of survivable travel from one people to the next, they touch on legends of Amazon-type women and previously arrived christians and other white people, and--of course--cities of gold and such. But eventually the terrain gets impassable even by most natives, resources run dry, the Indian tribes get more hostile, and his men become weak and ill. He has to pull back, albeit very reluctantly.
By the time he makes it back to Asunción, he is sick and weak himself and the men on the expedition—who were ordered not to take Indians as slaves and to release unfairly treated Indian servants—have plotted to depose the Governor.
A coup takes place and the Governor is put into deplorable conditions. There is unrest as people are divided over naked ambition and defending a noble and virtuous leader. Eventually, though reluctantly considering their illegal mutiny, the rebels decide to ship Cabeza de Vaca out to Spain on trumped up charges just because they cannot control the attempts to free the Governor and the continued turmoil his presence--even behind bars--asserts over the colony.
Once again, there is no trip over the ocean for Cabeza de Vaca without a life-threatening experience, and a storm that rages for four days finally ends when the captain chooses to release Cabeza de Vaca from chains since he sees the storm as God’s punishment for their unjust dealings with an innocent man.
That ends the narrative, where we learn that once in Spain it takes Cabeza de Vaca eight years to eventually be acquitted, though he is not given back his title because, politics.
If you were amazed by that, trust me, reading it is only more amazing. If you weren’t, trust me, I cannot do it proper justice!
If you were wondering why I gave away so many spoilers? Well, because you’re probably not going to read it unless you read Spanish and I show you where to find it. And, spoilers or not, it is about time that this untold story got told!
I previously read Cabeza de Vaca’s account of his journey in North America and was surprised by how different it was from my expectations. Cabeza de Vaca in North America is not an untold story, but his story is misrepresented in textbooks or documentaries when they mention him in passing and label him an “explorer” or “conquistador” or “discoverer” of Southwest U.S./Northern Mexico.
In truth, Cabeza de Vaca was a marooned sailor/soldier, and then slave, then merchant, then healer for ten years in the North American desert regions amongst a native people completely unfamiliar with Europeans. If that makes him any of those former titles, then I guess I’ve got the wrong idea of what those are!
What I got out of it was a fascination for an historical aberration: a European in the Western Hemisphere who was a humble man, christian (in all the right senses of the word), and an open advocate for the Native Americans (even though they held him as a slave for a good portion of his marooning). So, this led me to research a bit more about him and I was amazed to discover that North America was only part of the story. After his experience of survival, he got tabbed to be the governor of Spanish colonies in South America--not only that but he wrote about that experience too and published it with his previous record. I needed to read more about this engaging profile in history.
The problem was that while the first account of Cabeza de Vaca’s journey is misrepresented, it is at least readily available to learn more about because it is still in print with new translations by scholarly editors and their introductions and commentary. The second account? As far as the English language is concerned, it really is the untold story. I could not and still cannot find an English translated version of Cabeza de Vaca’s journey to South America.
Fortunately for me (warning: high level boasting will follow), I happen to speak fluent Spanish and even specialize in reading older historical Spanish documents. That meant that--while there was not an English translation available--with enough searching, I was able to find (though, again, it was not obvious nor easy) a digitized version the original Spanish account of Cabeza de Vaca’s two journeys.
As part of the experience, I reread the first part about Cabeza de Vaca’s experience in North America, just as a refresher and to ease myself into the old time Spanish (which, by the way, took an effort to get used to!). Once again, I was amazed by this survivor tale. I mean, the guy was literally naked, on the point of starvation, and a slave for at least half a decade. It does not get much worse than that! His journey back to civilization and amongst the natives is inspiring and humbling.
Then, the narrative of “Relación” ends and the next one, “Comentarios,” begins. Sadly, this one is not written by Cabeza de Vaca, unlike the first part. It is written by one of the men who was with him from start to finish, so everything is effectively covered, but it is a shame to miss out on Cabeza de Vaca’s quiet but matter-of-fact voice.
Right from the start, Cabeza de Vaca demonstrates that he is a magnet for adversity as he has trouble with the boats and food supplies getting over to South America (ask me about how a measly little cricket saved the whole crew at some point … it’s pretty remarkable).
Then Cabeza de Vaca sends a rescue mission to the failed colony called “Buenos Aires” (I’m guessing you’ve heard of it, though probably not about the guy who saved it!), while he eschews the set path (up the Paraguay River) for another colony in desperate need of relief: Asunción. Instead of up the river, he takes off on land in a straight shot across a huge swath of what will someday be Brazil.
As he meets up with village after village of Indians, you see how his ten years as a subordinate or equal with Native Americans keeps him respectful. He treats them fairly and honorably and they return the favor. They feed him while he makes sure to inform his men that all Indians are to be meticulously paid for any sustenance the men receive.
The journey goes through moments of feast and famine, something Cabeza de Vaca is no stranger to, but eventually they make their way to the point where they have acquired some boats and worked down the Iguazu River until forced to portage their boats for several leagues due to a large waterfall. Yes, Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to see the famous Iguazu Falls. Just another no-big-deal on his increasingly fascinating yet forgotten resume.
Eventually, he makes it to Asunción. He establishes alliances and trade with the local Indians in a respectful way unparalleled with his conquistador brothers (he does have to hunt down a rival tribe that seeks to kill his allies and his men, but even that is done with proper reserve and is immediately called off once a peace agreement is reached).
Exploration is done at this point as he sends men and then goes up river himself to meet new people and probe routes into and through the deep recesses of South America. As they push the fringes of survivable travel from one people to the next, they touch on legends of Amazon-type women and previously arrived christians and other white people, and--of course--cities of gold and such. But eventually the terrain gets impassable even by most natives, resources run dry, the Indian tribes get more hostile, and his men become weak and ill. He has to pull back, albeit very reluctantly.
By the time he makes it back to Asunción, he is sick and weak himself and the men on the expedition—who were ordered not to take Indians as slaves and to release unfairly treated Indian servants—have plotted to depose the Governor.
A coup takes place and the Governor is put into deplorable conditions. There is unrest as people are divided over naked ambition and defending a noble and virtuous leader. Eventually, though reluctantly considering their illegal mutiny, the rebels decide to ship Cabeza de Vaca out to Spain on trumped up charges just because they cannot control the attempts to free the Governor and the continued turmoil his presence--even behind bars--asserts over the colony.
Once again, there is no trip over the ocean for Cabeza de Vaca without a life-threatening experience, and a storm that rages for four days finally ends when the captain chooses to release Cabeza de Vaca from chains since he sees the storm as God’s punishment for their unjust dealings with an innocent man.
That ends the narrative, where we learn that once in Spain it takes Cabeza de Vaca eight years to eventually be acquitted, though he is not given back his title because, politics.
If you were amazed by that, trust me, reading it is only more amazing. If you weren’t, trust me, I cannot do it proper justice!
If you were wondering why I gave away so many spoilers? Well, because you’re probably not going to read it unless you read Spanish and I show you where to find it. And, spoilers or not, it is about time that this untold story got told!
December 19, 2024
„Estando en este río Piqueri una noche mordió un perro en una pierna a un Francisco Orejón, vecino de Ávila, y allí también le adolescieron catorce españoles, fatigados del largo camino; los cuales se quedaron con el Orejón que estaba mordido del perro”
September 11, 2023
quick historical account of his travels, interesting to see how he explains himself and what parts he considers important and so on. it's always fun to read these first hand accounts
January 22, 2024
Amena y muy interesante crónica del tiempo que pasó Cabeza de Vaca alrededor de la costa del Golfo de México
September 19, 2024
con varios problemas de identidad pero siempre drama king ✨️✨️
February 5, 2025
Previous review lacked seriousness…will not write a review ever again due to my history of being a clown and not taking anything seriously (this is an act of self punishment)
February 16, 2019
Para mí lo más interesante de Naufragios son las descripciones de la gente que Cabeza de Vaca conoce por su largo camino. Describe un continente llena con variedad en gentes, culturas, animales y paisajes. Claro que es una aventura a escala épica. Sin embargo, lo que llama la atención es su actitud frente a los indios. Él les describe con bastante detalle y así podemos apreciar sus costumbres y la variedad de gente que había. Por el otro lado también es lo trágico porque sabemos lo que pasó después.
Otro elemento interesante de la obra es que aunque Cabeza de Vaca describe los indios con bastante objetividad se pone a si mismo en una posición más alta que los indios y describe con mucho detalle todos los indios que el convirtió al catolocismo. El lector debe poner en duda cuantas de estas conversiones fueron exitosos. Sin embargo, la religión ocupa un sitio central en el libro y a la vez muestra la época en que fue escrito el texto. Para los que quieren saber más de la mentalidad español en el siglo XVI o los que quieren saber más del comienzo de la conquista, recomiendo este libro.
Otro elemento interesante de la obra es que aunque Cabeza de Vaca describe los indios con bastante objetividad se pone a si mismo en una posición más alta que los indios y describe con mucho detalle todos los indios que el convirtió al catolocismo. El lector debe poner en duda cuantas de estas conversiones fueron exitosos. Sin embargo, la religión ocupa un sitio central en el libro y a la vez muestra la época en que fue escrito el texto. Para los que quieren saber más de la mentalidad español en el siglo XVI o los que quieren saber más del comienzo de la conquista, recomiendo este libro.
October 20, 2011
Esse livro na verdade consiste em dois. O primeiro é o relato do conquistador Cabeza de Vaca sobre os dez anos em que ficou perdido no sul dos EUA e México. O segundo, escrito por Pedro Hernández, conta a estória de Cabeza de Vaca como governador espanhol da província do Rio da Prata. Ambos os livros são muito interessantes, no entanto a edição da L&PM é muito mal feita. Não se sabe qual edição espanhola foi usada para a tradução nem o nome de quem preparou essa edição e escreveu as notas (acredito que foram roubadas de alguma edição gringa...), assim como o nome de Pedro Hernández não aparece na capa do livro. Por fim, o prefácio de Henry Miller é uma merda.
Ótimo livro, porca edição.
Ótimo livro, porca edição.
August 19, 2019
La frescura y honradez con la que Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca nos cuenta sus desventuras y amarguras durante casi una década en un descarnado relato que no ahorra en detalles hace de este libro una lectura apasionante y estremecedora del testimonio de las primeras etapas de la exploración española en América. Su segunda parte, los Comentarios, narra, ya en tercera persona, su etapa como gobernador en Paraguay que, si bien es históricamente interesante, carece de la épica y dramatismo de la primera parte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2020
Fascinante en su manera de asegurarse la autopreservación a través de una historia mesiánica. Sus recursos literarios, omisiones y exageraciones crean interés y valor histórico. Tiene un mérito increíble al transformarse en lo que quiere leer el lector: el mesías de los indios o un mero conquistador más
February 12, 2012
Las increibles aventuras del primer sociólogo, quizá?
Read
September 12, 2017Fascinating context, but the text itself is a STRUGGLE BUS.
November 9, 2018
La verdad no esperaba que me gustara tanto como lo hizo. Fue sumamente interesante ver que el español estaban a merced de los indios.
January 31, 2019
Un texto muy interesante que me ha empujado reflexionar, nuevamente, en el proceso de conquista de América. Muy importante.
August 27, 2020
Increíbles las peripecias de este hombre, da para hacer varias películas. Se rompió el molde con estos hombres.
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