In the history of modernist literature, few works stand as uniquely national and symbolically dense as Fernando Pessoa’s A Mensagem.” Written in Portuguese and first published in 1934, just a year before the poet’s death, the book represents a deep meditation on Portuguese identity, myth, and destiny. Although relatively short, it contains layers of allegory, historical reference, and prophetic vision that continue to intrigue scholars, readers, and lovers of national literature. “A Mensagem,” which translates to “The Message,” is not just a literary creation it is an ideological and spiritual proclamation built around Portugal’s past and its envisioned future.
Fernando Pessoa and His Literary Vision
Fernando Pessoa was one of the most significant literary figures in Portugal and one of the most complex poets of the 20th century. He is well known for his use of heteronyms alternative author identities with their own biographies and literary styles. However, “A Mensagem” was written under his own name, which marks it as a particularly personal and intentional work in his oeuvre.
Unlike many of his other writings, which experiment with abstraction and philosophical ambiguity, “A Mensagem” has a distinct nationalist tone. It draws upon the glories of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, the mystical Sebastianism that dreamed of a returning king, and the metaphor of the Fifth Empire an imagined utopia of spiritual and intellectual dominance. Pessoa aimed not just to write poetry, but to construct a mythic vision for the Portuguese nation.
Structure of “A Mensagem”
“A Mensagem” is divided into three main parts
- Brasão(Coat of Arms)
- Mar Português(Portuguese Sea)
- O Encoberto(The Hidden One)
Each section addresses a different dimension of the Portuguese soul and its collective memory. The sequence of the parts mirrors a symbolic journey from the heroic past through the trials of exploration to the future redemption of the nation.
Brasão (Coat of Arms)
This section serves as an evocation of the noble Portuguese past. Pessoa draws from historical figures such as Viriato, Nuno Álvares Pereira, and King Afonso Henriques. These leaders represent strength, courage, and foundational virtue. The coat of arms is not only a national symbol but also a poetic metaphor for the character of the people. In this part, Pessoa employs poetic form to honor the ideals of heroism and divine mission that shaped early Portuguese history.
Mar Português (Portuguese Sea)
The second part of “A Mensagem” is perhaps its most evocative. Pessoa delves into the legacy of maritime exploration, celebrating the navigators who ventured into the unknown during the Age of Discoveries. He recognizes the pain and sacrifice that came with those journeys. The sea becomes a metaphor for both physical conquest and spiritual searching. This section memorializes figures like Vasco da Gama and Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator), framing their missions as transcendent quests. The sea is a space of fate and transformation, where Portugal reached its golden age.
O Encoberto (The Hidden One)
The final section introduces a mystical and prophetic tone. “O Encoberto” alludes to the myth of King Sebastian, who disappeared in battle and was believed to return one day to save the nation. This idea, known as Sebastianism, is woven deeply into Portuguese culture. Pessoa uses this myth not only to inspire hope but also to explore metaphysical renewal. The “hidden one” becomes a symbol of spiritual awakening and Portugal’s potential to lead humanity in a moral and intellectual renaissance.
The Poetic Language of “A Mensagem”
Pessoa’s use of language in this work is both lyrical and symbolic. He combines classical poetic techniques with modernist sensibilities. His verses often carry double meanings referencing both historical facts and universal human themes such as duty, sacrifice, and destiny. This dual resonance allows the poems to function both as patriotic literature and philosophical reflections.
Additionally, “A Mensagem” is filled with references to alchemy, mysticism, and esoteric traditions. The vision of the Fifth Empire, for instance, comes from interpretations of biblical prophecy and spiritualist beliefs. Pessoa imagines this future empire not as a political or military force, but as a reign of knowledge, beauty, and transcendence.
Cultural and Political Context
It is important to understand the socio-political climate in which “A Mensagem” was published. Portugal in the 1930s was under the Estado Novo regime led by António de Oliveira Salazar. Nationalism and conservative values were dominant. While Pessoa’s work does express patriotic pride, it also carries a subtler and more critical perspective. He does not advocate blind allegiance to political power but rather calls for a deeper engagement with the soul of the nation. His vision transcends authoritarian ideology, focusing instead on inner transformation and poetic wisdom.
Legacy and Influence
“A Mensagem” has left a lasting legacy in Portuguese literature. It is often read in schools and cited in national discussions about identity and purpose. The book also continues to attract literary analysts, historians, and students of philosophy. It holds a unique place among national epics not because of its size, but because of its symbolic ambition. Pessoa’s message remains a call to rediscover dignity, creativity, and moral leadership through a poetic lens.
For modern readers, “A Mensagem” still resonates. It invites reflection on the role of culture in shaping nations, the relevance of myth in understanding ourselves, and the enduring power of poetry to inspire change. Pessoa believed that every people has a role to play in the spiritual evolution of humanity. Through this work, he offered Portugal a map for that journey.
The Eternal Message
Fernando Pessoa’s “A Mensagem” is more than a historical tribute it is a philosophical map, a poetic prophecy, and a deeply personal vision of cultural rebirth. In its pages, the ghosts of Portugal’s past whisper of lost greatness, while the poet’s voice urges the reader toward a future grounded in wisdom and beauty. Whether read as national scripture or lyrical masterpiece, “A Mensagem” continues to challenge, inspire, and elevate the soul of its audience.