‘The sea came in and fit’ – Camões, the glocal being

Abstract

The fiftieth anniversary of Camões’ birth calls for a series of reflections that encourage other types of knowledge, somewhat in line with the Renaissance spirit that configures them as extrinsic and intrinsic reactions of the human being, while not ignoring the political, social, cultural, historical... local and global phenomena that took place at its genesis. A great driving force behind the intertwining of literature, the arts, the sciences and history, which continue to establish a fruitful dialogue with him and through him, the author of Filodemo spans the ages and demystifies himself through the power of his work. The Camões myth is reality, itself the food for projects, more or less legendary, supported by all those who experience the prestige of Camões, within the thesis that everything pays some kind of tribute to the Poet who, even if not named, is always summoned by the celebration of Portuguese achievements and the quality and topicality of his production. The reality of Camões’ life and work has become a subject that has swelled the flow of theorising, both inside and outside the Portuguese-speaking world. The aforementioned flow, catapulting it into contemporary times, is highly suggestive of its relevance, highlighting the way in which the poet embodies certain concepts that were only formulated in the 20th and 21st centuries, such as globalisation, glocalisation or even ecological concern. Thus, a heterodox aesthetic of seduction obviates and legitimises the relationship between the general public and Camões’ work, fuelling the sacred fire of Vesta that the pantheon of Athena claims.