"Os Lusíadas" is an epic poem written by the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões in the 16th century. It celebrates the voyages of Vasco da Gama and the discovery of a sea route to India, highlighting the bravery and adventures of the Portuguese explorers. The poem is divided into ten cantos and combines historical events with mythology, reflecting the spirit of the Age of Discovery.
The work is considered one of the greatest achievements of Portuguese literature and is often compared to other epic poems like Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid. "Os Lusíadas" not only showcases the maritime prowess of Portugal but also explores themes of fate, heroism, and the human condition.