In 1311, the magnetic compass was being refined and utilized in navigation, particularly in maritime contexts. This technology, which originated in China, began to spread to Europe and was crucial for improving sea travel and exploration. The compass allowed sailors to navigate more accurately, opening new trade routes and facilitating cultural exchanges between distant lands.

The compass's role in navigation inspired poets to explore themes of adventure, discovery, and the unknown. Works like 'The Odyssey' by Homer, although earlier, influenced later poets who wrote about journeys and exploration, reflecting the human desire to seek new horizons and the poetic imagination's connection to the vastness of the sea.