Luís Vaz de Camões is the Portuguese author who wrote Os Lusíadas. Born in 1524 or 1525, Camões is considered one of the greatest poets of the Portuguese language and one of the most important figures in Portuguese literature. Os Lusíadas is an epic poem that celebrates the Portuguese voyages of discovery during the Age of Exploration. The poem is divided into ten cantos and follows the journey of Vasco da Gama to India. It is filled with rich symbolism, powerful imagery, and themes of heroism, nationalism, and exploration. Camões' use of the ottava rima stanza form, which consists of eight 10-syllable lines with a rhyme scheme of ABABABCC, is a key feature of the poem's structure. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life, including imprisonment and poverty, Camões' work has had a lasting impact on Portuguese literature and culture. He is often referred to as The Poet in Portugal and his legacy continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.