Through My Lens
Following the Thread
An Island That Disappeared from the Map
Map details: Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress. Public domain.
Library of Congress — Hy-Brasil: The Supernatural Island
Library of Congress — Ortelius atlas, 1570
Library of Congress — Albernaz nautical atlas, 1630
Library of Congress — Jefferys Atlantic chart, 1753
For centuries, an island called Brasil—or later Hy-Brasil—appeared on maps west of Ireland. Cartographers changed its location and shape, and eventually began questioning whether it existed at all. Yet it remained on maps long after doubt had set in.
1570 — Brasil
Ortelius still maps it as an island west of Ireland.
1753 — Imaginary Isle of O Brazil
Now the cartographer is openly questioning its existence.