Jacques Cartier kidnaps Chief Donnacona and the myth of the Kingdom of Saguenay. In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier sailed into Gaspé Bay, and erected a 30-foot cross, claiming the land for France. Chief Donnacona of Stadacona (near present-day Quebec) protested and was lured onto Cartier's ship, who then seized two of his sons, Domagaya and Taignoagny. The sons told Cartier about a rich kingdom called Saguenay in the northwest.
1534: Cartier planted a 30-foot cross in Gaspé Bay, took two of Donnacona's sons. 1536: kidnapped Donnacona + 9 others, promising return in 12 moons. 9 never came home.
Key Facts
- In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier sailed into Gaspé Bay, and erected a 30-foot cross, claiming the land for France.
- Chief Donnacona of Stadacona (near present-day Quebec) protested and was lured onto Cartier's ship, who then seized two of his sons, Domagaya and Taignoagny.
- The sons told Cartier about a rich kingdom called Saguenay in the northwest.
- In spring 1536, Cartier kidnapped Donnacona and nine others, promising they would return within 10 or 12 moons.
- Donnacona died in France around 1539; nine of the ten Iroquoian captives died in France.
- When Cartier returned in 1541, he told the new chief that Donnacona and the others were living as lords in France and chose not to return.
- At Cap Rouge, Cartier's men found quartz they believed were diamonds and iron pyrite they believed was gold.
- Some historians believe the Iroquoians may have encountered Norse visitors centuries earlier, with stories distorted over generations.
Related site: Stadacona — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Emperor, the Devil, and the Giant: 5 Impossible Ancient Prisoners by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries