Magellan's End

The year was 1520 and Ferdinand Magellan and his fleet were well into their search for the Spice Islands and riches for Spain. At this point, after enduring much hardship and loss of life, the fleet had made it to the Pacific Ocean and was beginning to explore a number of small islands and the people that populated them. As a representative of the King of Spain and the country's hardline, uncompromising devotion to Christianity, Magellan saw his mission as being more than collecting riches for the "home team." He also believed it vital that he convert as many natives to Christianity as possible. This led to his ultimate undoing.

Coming up against the island of Mactan's chieftain Lapu Lapu, the two quickly found themselves to have opposing agendas. From Lapu Lapu's perspective, he simply wanted to ensure the Spaniards had a successful visit while Magellan wanted more: the conversion of the natives and to display the power of Spain by forcing themselves on the various villages in which the people lived. Not surprisingly, the two leaders butted head and violence ensued. It was here where Magellan met his end; here where this famous explorer suffered a violent and, to many, unnecessary death. As a result, Magellan himself never circumvented the world though a number of his crew members did.

Lapu Lap and Magellan failed to communicate effectively with each other. Both were stubborn men who were too headstrong to appreciate the other's perspective. Consequently, whatever listening either one did was not active. Both men went into their encounters with a focus on their own goals and/or desires. They had no room for anyone else's. Battle lines were drawn and before one could say "The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain," fighting broke out and Magellan and several of his men were dead. The tragedy of this incident is but one of many examples of how failing to actively listen can have sad and unfortunate consequences.         .