Pirates of the Caribbean vs. Real Pirates: A Comparison

Historical Context

Yes, pirates really existed, and they have a long history that predates the romantic depictions in movies and books like “[Pirates of the Caribbean]().” Real pirates during the period of intense piracy, often from the 16th to the 18th century, lived in a world very different from what we see in the films.

Real Pirates vs. Movie Pirates

Societal and Historical Accuracy: The phrase “real pirates” often evokes the image of swashbuckling, roguish characters like Captain Jack Sparrow from “[Pirates of the Caribbean]()”. However, this romanticized portrayal is far removed from the grim reality of maritime criminals.

Lifestyle and Appearance

Practicality Over Style: Real pirates did not typically wear the flamboyant clothing or have the extravagant personalities seen in films. Their appearance was often more practical, focusing on survival and combat rather than style. They often wore simple, practical clothing that would allow them to move quickly and easily in battle.

Diversity of Ship and Men: Pirate crews were very diverse, representing a melting pot of different nationalities, races, and social backgrounds. These individuals did not care about class or rank; they were united by the pursuit of adventure and wealth. They sailed on any ship they could get their hands on, but preferred smaller, faster ships for better maneuverability and speed.

Treasure and Adventure

Factual vs. Fiction: While pirates did seek treasure, the treasure maps and elaborate quests seen in movies are largely fictional. Most pirates focused on raiding ships for cargo and valuables rather than hunting for hidden treasure. Real pirates were driven by the need for survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Supernatural Elements

Exaggerations and Misconceptions: The idea that pirates were frequently engaged in superstitious practices or supernatural activities is a myth. While some pirates may have engaged in superstitious rituals, it was more often for personal reasons or based on local traditions. The term “pirate” itself, derived from the Latin word pirata, meant a person who plunders.

Brutality and Codes

Codes of Conduct: Real pirate ships were operated with a rudimentary form of democratic governance. Every sailor got a vote, and everyone got an equal share of the spoils, except for officers who might receive from 1.5 to 2 shares of the spoils. There was no single, standardized code; each ship had its own specific rules.

Punishment and Marooning: If crew members disagreed with the captain, they could indeed vote to maroon him, which meant abandoning him on a deserted island with limited supplies. This harsh measure was not intended as a violent death but to punish and exclude the captain from the ship.

The Buccaneers and Other Real Pirates

Real Pirates vs. Buccaneers: During the 17th century, pirates who operated in the Caribbean, known as buccaneers, engaged in both legal and illegal activities. The term “buccaneer” originally referred to French hunters who lived in the Caribbean, but it evolved to describe pirates. Notable figures like Henry Morgan and Bartholomew Roberts were among these pirates.

Port Royal’s History: The independent settlement of Port Royal, Jamaica, was a famous pirate haven. The devastating 1692 earthquake that destroyed much of the town is an infamous event that impacted many pirates’ stories.

The Authenticity of Pirate Flags

Custom-Designed Flags: Pirate flags were custom-designed to strike fear into the hearts of potential prey. Each ship had its own unique flag, often based on fearsome imagery. The flag of the Black Pearl, an inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow from “[Pirates of the Caribbean]()”, is based on the real flag flown by Calico Jack Rackham.

Conclusion

If we were to assign a percentage to how accurately "

Real Pirates vs. Movie Pirates

"[Pirates of the Caribbean]()" gets it right, it would be around 20-30%. The franchise draws inspiration from real pirates but embellishes their stories significantly, mixing adventure with fantasy. To get a clearer picture of real pirates, one might look at accounts from buccaneers, history books, and documentaries focused on the pirates of the Caribbean.

Accurate Depictions: For those interested in accurate depictions of pirates, my upcoming books, titled "Ride the Storm," "Bring Me the Horizon," "Sailors Take Warning," and "Ladies of the Sea," provide variations on what a pirate code might look like, the practice of matelotage, and the traditional pirate entertainment of a fake trial. My novel, "Bite Me," already available, depicts legitimate 18th-century pirates slightly updated for the modern era, while "Bring Me the Horizon" includes a description of the devastating 1692 earthquake in Port Royal, which is why the first movie in the "[Pirates of the Caribbean]()" series cannot be firmly placed in any specific historical period.