The story is about Hernando, a Spanish explorer and his wife, Isabella. Hernando receives a message from the king to lead an expedition to discover North America. Despite his wife's disapproval, he accepts the mission, promising to return soon. Isabella, a strong-willed woman, is left behind to govern the land in her husband's absence.
As Hernando embarks on his journey, Isabella waits anxiously, spending most of her time in a tower, looking out at the sea, hoping to catch a glimpse of her husband's return. Meanwhile, Hernando and his companions face numerous challenges on their journey, including discovering the Mississippi River and searching for the Fountain of Youth.
Tragically, Hernando contracts a deadly fever and dies on May 21, 1542. Unaware of her husband's demise, Isabella continues to wait, sending messages to him through the moonlight. Eventually, she receives news of his death and dies of a broken heart in 1546.
The story is immortalized in a statue, "La Giraldilla," which was inspired by Isabella's loyalty and love for her husband. The original statue was destroyed in a cyclone, but a replica stands in its place, watching over Havana, a testament to the enduring love of Hernando and Isabella.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The year is 1537, and King Charles I of Spain is impressed with the bravery of two friends, Wax Tennis and Digit.
2. Digit, a strategist, becomes the Captain General of Cuba and Florida.
3. Digit returns to Spain, becomes rich and famous, and falls in love with the daughter of Bela.
4. The couple, Digit and his wife, arrive in Havana, Cuba, and take up residence in a fort.
5. Digit is tasked with protecting the beach and city from pirates.
6. A messenger arrives with a message from Lieutenant General Raja, informing Digit that his request to the king has been accepted.
7. Digit is to lead an expedition to discover North America, and he promises his wife he will return soon.
8. Digit sets out on his journey on May 1538, accompanied by his companions, the King's ships, and two fast warships.
9. He travels through various parts of what is now the United States, crossing into present-day Alabama, where he discovers the Mississippi River.
10. Digit searches for a spring of eternal life near the river but instead finds a deadly fever that takes his life on May 21, 1542.
11. His wife, who had been waiting for him, keeps waiting for many years, eventually dying of a broken heart in 1546.
12. A statue was created in the form of a woman, inspired by the story of Digit's wife, and was installed in the north-west of Havana before 1634.
13. The original statue was destroyed by a cyclone on October 20, 1969, but a replica can now be seen above the Royal Palace.
14. The original statue has been restored and is now in the City Museum.