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Characters Characters

Christopher Columbus

Partly historic
Ambitious explorer

Christopher Columbus was a real historical figure who made several voyages across the Atlantic. The film portrays his ambition and determination to reach the Indies, but it also glosses over the negative aspects of his voyages, such as his treatment of indigenous populations.

Queen Isabella I of Castile

Historic
Supportive monarch

Queen Isabella I was a real historical figure who sponsored Columbus's voyages. The film accurately portrays her role in supporting his expeditions.

King Ferdinand II of Aragon

Historic
Cautious monarch

King Ferdinand II was a real historical figure and the co-ruler of Spain with Queen Isabella I. The film accurately portrays his initial reluctance to support Columbus's voyages and his eventual agreement.

Francisco de Bobadilla

Historic
Stern governor

Francisco de Bobadilla was a real Spanish administrator who was sent to investigate Columbus's governance of Hispaniola. The film accurately portrays his role in arresting Columbus and sending him back to Spain.

Moxica

Partly historic
Taino leader

The character of Moxica is based on historical accounts of indigenous leaders who interacted with Columbus. While the film portrays the conflict between the Spanish and the indigenous populations, it may not fully capture the complexity and diversity of the indigenous cultures.

Story Story

Columbus's voyage

True

The film depicts Christopher Columbus's first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, a pivotal event in history.

Seeking a westward route

True

Columbus sought to find a westward route to the East Indies, believing the Earth was spherical.

Spanish monarchs' support

True

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain financed Columbus's expedition after years of seeking support.

Landing in the Bahamas

True

Columbus first landed on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador.

Encountering indigenous people

True

Columbus encountered the indigenous Taino people, whom he mistakenly called 'Indians'.

Searching for gold

True

Columbus and his crew were motivated by the search for gold and other riches.

Claiming land for Spain

True

Columbus claimed the lands he encountered for the Spanish crown.

Mutiny on the voyage

Partly true

While there were tensions and disagreements among the crew, the film may exaggerate the extent of the mutiny.

Romance with Beatriz

False

The film's romantic subplot involving Columbus and Beatriz Enríquez de Arana is fictional.

Conflict with Martín Alonso Pinzón

Partly true

While there were disagreements between Columbus and Pinzón, the film may heighten the conflict for dramatic effect.

Violence and enslavement

Unfortunate omission

The film downplays the violence and enslavement inflicted upon the indigenous people by Columbus and his crew.

Columbus's navigational skills

Partly true

While Columbus was a skilled navigator, the film may exaggerate his confidence and certainty about his route.

Religious motivations

Partly true

Columbus's motivations were complex and included religious zeal, but the film may overemphasize this aspect.

Legacy of Columbus

Unfortunate omission

The film does not fully address the complex and controversial legacy of Columbus, including the impact of his voyages on the indigenous populations.

Setting Setting

Portrayal of the Taino

Average depiction

The film's portrayal of the Taino people is somewhat romanticized and may not fully capture their cultural complexity.