Ferdinand Magellan and Panglima Awang

Panglima Awang

Panglima Awang was a resident of Malacca country. When Malacca was invaded for the first time by the Portuguese that were led by Alfonso de' Albuquerque in 1511, he fought for his kingdom for about 7 days under Sultan Mahmud's rule. After a lot of bloodshed, the Portuguese won the war and they took some Malacca citizens as hostages, among them was Panglima Awang. Panglima Awang became a slave for Ferdinand Magellan's ship as well as an interpreter. Panglima Awang was a black skinned man. When Portuguese army found Panglima Awang, they wanted to sell him, but while they were on their way to Philipinnes they became close to Panglima Awang and decided not to sell him in the end. Furthermore, Panglima Awang were been convert by Ferdinand Magellan on the ship. Panglima Awang is the first pesron who went around the world with Ferdinand Magellan ship. His journey around the world was eventful.

Ferdinand Magellan

Panglima Awang became a fighter and interpreter for Ferdinand Magellan. He could also be considered a bodyguard for Ferdinand Magellan. One day, Ferdinand Magellan betrayed Alfonso de Albuquerque because he wanted power and wealth. Ferdinand Magellan argued with Alfonso de Albuquerque and decided to leave Spain to fight on his own. He brought along his ship named it, Blue Pearl and his hostage, Panglima Awang. He decided to get power and wealth with the help of Panglima Awang. They went to France to seek help to invade Portugal. When they arrived in France, Ferdinand met his friend, who was the prince of France. Ferdinand asked for fuel, war equipment, and seventy men as the crew of the ship. In return, he promised to give 1 ton of gold to the King of France.

After seven months of voyage, they headed to Johor where they discovered it was rich with gold and tin. They invaded Johor, there was three days of bloodshed, and finallly, Ferdinand Magellan. They built their camp near the mine to look for gold and tin. After days of mining, they finally found gold. They planned to stay there for a month before returning to France.

When they returned to France, rich in gold and tin, Ferdinand fulfilled his promise to the king. The King of France then offered Ferdinand and Panglima Awang to be France citizens, but they refused. They wanted to be pirates and take vengeance over Portugal. King of France found good in them and as a reward, he gave them fifty crew ships and fifty fighters also offering them safety. Ferdinand was grateful to the King of France and promised he would protect French waters.

After that, Ferdinand and Panglima Awang sailed to Spain to seek help in invading Portugal. The prince of Spain refused to help them because Spain of its diplomatic relationship with Portugal. They planned to kill the prince of Spain and take over the country. Ferdinand and Awang stayed in Spain while waiting for weapons from France.

After a month of planning and scheming, they attacked the castle. They managed to breakthrough the palace walls easily, killing all the guards behind it. The killed the prince who pleaded for his life and took over the country. They trained all the boys and men to fight and shoot. The King of Portugal heard news of all that was happening. Portugal prepared their army to fight against Ferdinand. Alfonso de' Albuquerque also prepared himself because he knew that Ferdinand wanted to revenge on him.

Then when the moment arrived, Ferdinand attacked Portugal with no mercy. The war went on for a week and both sides refused to surrender. Ferdinand called for help rom France. In two days, the ships of France arrived at Portugal. Ferdinand's crew attacked from the east and France attacked from the south. Ferdinand was killed by a soldier in the war but Panglima Awang continued Ferdinand's fight. With help from France, Awang won the fight.

After the war, Ferdinand was buried in France with a full of honour. Panglima Awang returned to his homeland to live the rest of his days.