Exploring the Realities of Pirate Legends
Pirate Legends: Fact or Fiction?
Pirate tales have been around for centuries. But are these legendary characters and tales all based on truth or are they simply stories made up by authors? When it comes to pirate legends, most will agree that the truth lies somewhere in between.
In the earliest days of piracy, there was evidence of organized and quite sophisticated piracy operations. Pirates were very skilled at navigating and sailing their ships, and they were known to use force against anyone that stood in their way. Even with all of their discipline and planning, though, they were still considered dangerous to citizens and merchants alike.
Real-Life Pirates
Throughout the last few hundred years there were plenty of real-life pirates on the high seas. The most famous of which was Edward Teach, better known by his nickname "Blackbeard". He was known for his ferocity and would often tie lit fuses under his hat before battle to make himself look more intimidating. While most sailors valued speed and finesse while battling, Pirates like Blackbeard ran their vessels aground and boarded merchant ships in order to take whatever was valuable. In the case of Blackbeard it was often women that he took, whom he forced into sexual slavery.
Legendary Adventures & Treasures
To this day there are some outrageous tales of pirate adventures and hidden treasures that have yet to be verified. One of the most famous tales is Captain Kidd's hidden treasure in Long Island, New York. While this particular legend has been debunked, there are many others that might actually have some truth to them.
Pirate Ships Through the Centuries
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Pirate ships were often vessels that had been seized from ordinary merchant ships. In time, some of the more successful Pirates created their own fleets of ships with custom designs and weaponry specifically for the purpose of piracy.
At the time the most common type of vessel was a Galleon, a large and heavy-armed ship resembling a floating fortress. In the 1800s, however, Pirates began using faster and slimmer ships, such asschooners, that were much faster and could navigate around larger vessels with ease.
Modern Day Pirates
Unfortunately, Piracy is still a threat today. In the early 2000s reports of Somali Pirates attacking merchant ships peaked at an estimated 200 attacks in one year. The modern-day pirate does not operate in quite the same way as their predecessors, though. They often use speedboats and AK-47s rather than sailing vessels and cannons.
Pirates: Letting Fact and Fiction Coexist
Though much of the truth about Pirates may never be known, it is certain that they have and continue to capture the imagination of generations around the world. Pirates have been part of popular culture since the days of yore, and they will likely remain so for years to come. Whether all the legends are based on truth or are simply tall-tales, one thing is for sure - people can’t help but be captivated by them.