Final answer:
Exaggerations in Columbus myths served to enhance the drama of his voyage and to depict him as a courageous explorer. Such narratives played into the image of European superiority and justified colonization, while the 'black legend' against Spain was used to promote English colonial aspirations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exaggerations such as the weather, length, and crew threats were implemented in Columbus myths to enhance the dramatic effect and to emphasize the risks and challenges Columbus and his crew faced during their voyage. These exaggerations served to make the story of Columbus's travels more appealing to potential adventurers, investors, and the general public who were fascinated by the mysteries of uncharted territories. This portrayal helped to cultivate the image of Columbus and his men as brave and intrepid explorers overcoming great adversities in their quest for new lands and riches.
The mention of using prisoners as crew highlights the desperation and the extremes Columbus was willing to go to man his voyage. This narrative underscores both the perceived severity of the threats the crew might encounter, and the lengths explorers would go to in pursuit of glory and wealth. Additionally, Columbus's interactions with the Natives, bringing them aboard as captives, reflected the hierarchical mindset that Europeans of the time held, seeing other peoples as subjects to their authority.
Stories and myths around Columbus and other explorers often played a role in the shaping of the public's perception and in the justifications for colonization efforts, sometimes creating what is known as the "black legend" against Spain. This refers to the spread of propaganda that vilified the Spanish Empire and its actions in the Americas, often exaggerating the brutality of Spanish colonization to promote English exploration and colonization efforts as morally and culturally superior.