Hernando de Soto’s Fears
Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, embarked on an expedition to explore the southern portion of the North American continent in the 16th century. Despite his ambitious goals, de Soto harbored several fears that haunted him throughout his journey.
Fear of Being Stuck at Sea
One of de Soto’s primary fears was that his expedition would become stranded at sea. The vastness of the ocean and the uncertainty of their destination filled him with anxiety. He and his crew worried that they might never reach land, leaving them adrift and vulnerable.
Fear of Dying One by One
Another fear that plagued de Soto was the prospect of his crew members dying one by one. The harsh conditions of the journey, coupled with the potential for disease and conflict, made him apprehensive about the well-being of his men. He feared that they would succumb to illness or fall victim to hostile encounters, leaving him alone and without support.
Sources
- “Legends, Hopes and Dreams.” Hernando De Soto: Marianna 5A 2015. https://hernandodesotomariana5a2015.weebly.com/legends-hopes-and-dreams.html. Accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
- “Hernando de Soto.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernando_de_Soto. Accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
- Cole, George M., and John E. Ladson III. “The Early Spanish Explorers Hernando De Soto.” ECB Publishing, Inc. https://ecbpublishing.com/the-early-spanish-explorers-hernando-de-soto/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
FAQs
What was Hernando de Soto’s greatest fear?
Hernando de Soto’s greatest fear was that his expedition would become stranded at sea and never reach land.
What other fears did de Soto have?
In addition to his fear of being stuck at sea, de Soto also feared that his crew members would die one by one due to harsh conditions, disease, or conflict.
Why was de Soto so afraid of being stranded at sea?
De Soto and his crew were concerned about the vastness of the ocean and the uncertainty of their destination. They worried that they might never reach land, leaving them adrift and vulnerable.
What made de Soto fear that his crew members would die one by one?
De Soto was apprehensive about the well-being of his men due to the harsh conditions of the journey, the potential for disease, and the possibility of hostile encounters. He feared that they would succumb to illness or fall victim to conflict, leaving him alone and without support.