One of the most peculiar and at the same time more controversial myths of Portuguese culture, is what involves the brief life and the disappearance of King D. Sebastião.

Born in 1554 in Lisbon, he became heir to the throne at the age of three after the death of his grandfather. He was the grandson of King João III, King of Portugal, who saw his ten sons to die.

His birth was thus greatly celebrated for fearing a problem of succession in the Portuguese crown. He died, however, at the age of 24 in 1578 in North Africa, at the battle of Alcácer Quibir, leaving no descendants, paving the way for the delivery of the Portuguese crown to the Filipes of Spain.

Around him was born the myth of "Sebastianism," hoping to return one day, on a foggy morning, to save the country from all its troubles.

Without heir to the Portuguese throne, this was easy prey to the Spanish throne, that already long tried to unify the Iberian Peninsula, but without success.