The True Story of Miguel de Cervantes' Hand and His Captivity in Algiers

Many people in Spain mistakenly believe that the Turks cut off Miguel de Cervantes' hand when he was a captive in Algiers. However, the truth is quite different. Let's delve into the real story of Miguel de Cervantes and clear up this common myth.

Understanding the Battle of Lepanto

Miguel de Cervantes was an important Spanish writer and soldier who lived from 1547 to 1616. His most famous work, Don Quixote, remains a classic of Spanish literature. Yet, it's worth noting that Cervantes is often misunderstood due to the circulation of this erroneous belief.

During the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, Cervantes served in the Spanish Armada. He was hit by three gunshot wounds during the conflict, partially incapacitating his left arm. It is at this point that the confusion about his arm arises from the common recollection. The wounds sustained in the Battle of Lepanto were a result of the violent battle, not a form of torture as the myth suggests.

Battle of Lepanto and its Impact on Cervantes

The Battle of Lepanto was a significant maritime battle fought between the Holy League (an alliance of the Papacy, Spain, the Republic of Venice, the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Savoy, the Knights of Malta, and the Knights of Saint John) and the Ottoman Empire. Cervantes was one of the many brave soldiers defending the Spanish side. The battle ended with the Spanish and their allies winning a decisive victory, but at a cost; Cervantes lost the use of his left hand, rendering him less mobile but certainly not an amputee as the myth spreads.

Cervantes' Time in Algiers

After the Battle of Lepanto, Cervantes was not immediately free. In 1575, a few years after the battle, Cervantes and his brother found themselves on a ship that was captured by Ottoman corsairs and taken to Algiers, a city on the northern African coast. They were sold as slaves or held for ransom. Tragically, Cervantes' brother managed to escape and was ransomed in 1577, but this is where the common misconception begins as it links the wrong episodes of Cervantes' life.

The Myth: Cervantes' Hand Cut Off in Algiers

The myth arises from a mix-up of events. Cervantes was not punished with the amputation of his hand during his captivity in Algiers. Instead, during this period, he was captured as a patrol ship approached, and they managed to flee to a Spanish-controlled area, rejoining the battlefield. However, when they were captured by Afghan pirates on their way home, Cervantes' time in Algiers did not result in the amputation of his hand. He endured the harsh conditions of captivity with a crippled hand but did not face any such cruel punishment.

From Slave to Author

Though Cervantes was a slave in Algiers for several years, he used his time there to hone his skills as a writer and chronicler. While being held captive, he composed works that would later be published. In 1580, with the payment of 500 escudos (approximately 2 kg of gold), he was finally ransomed, not due to being cut off, but as a result of the high ransom that his family had to pay for his freedom. Cervantes' experiences during this period did not involve the mythological altercation with Turkish authorities, but rather involved the ongoing effort of trying to regain his freedom through escape attempts and eventual ransom payments.

Conclusion

Miguel de Cervantes is a figure revered for his literary achievements and the enduring influence of his works. It is crucial to understand the realities of his life, especially when it comes to his physical injuries and his captivity. The myth of his hand being cut off during his time in Algiers is not only historically inaccurate but also a testament to the power of misinformation. His wounded hand, a reminder of the Battle of Lepanto, was a result of the conflict, not a form of punishment or torture. Cervantes' life is a testament to his enduring spirit and resilience, qualities that made him a great writer and a celebrated figure in Spanish and world literature.

Note: The information in this article is based on historical accounts and should be consulted for a detailed understanding of Miguel de Cervantes' life and works.