Pirate Myth Busters

Did you know that not only did he exist, but Captain Blackbeard was the most feared pirate of all other pirates? It is hard to believe that such a well known and illustrated pirate with a fiction sounding name like Blackbeard actually exists. However, he did exist and he had the most infamous history. It is not well known that many more of the pirate myths of the pirate era are actually true. With pirates being such a misunderstood group of people, it is hard to blame people who do think that most of what was said are myths.

Another myth about pirates that is actually true is that they did sail with a "Jolly Roger" flagging in the wind above their ships. The flag did have a skull and cross bones to scare their enemies and prey. That symbol means "death to my enemies." However, not all pirate ships had that exact symbol. Some ships had a unique design to signify their own independent crew. Pirates were keen attackers. They would fly a friendly flag when approaching an enemy ship then once they got close enough, they would attack (Mythbusters).

Another myth about pirates that is actually true is that pirate ships were filled with loud, mischievous, and drunken rogues. While traveling over a salt water sea, fresh water was rare aboard those ships. So, rum was their choice drink. As a result, they would get drunk and they would start being roudy. Drunken pirates need entertainment so, they ordered full-time bands and theatres to perform for them. Also, if the performance was not to their liking, they would draw the weapons cut off a limb or kill them.

A Further example of a myth that is true is that they did have peg legs and hook hands (Under the Black Flag). To them, treasure was worth the risk of loosing an arm or a leg. However, most pirates chose not to wear one because they were expensive.

Sources: Cordingly, David (1995) Under the Black Flag.
Mythbusters (2013), Myths about Pirates that are True.


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