9 Surprising Historical Inaccuracies in Black Sails

Eleanor Guthrie: A Fictional Merchant

Black Sails introduces us to the prominent Guthrie family, led by Eleanor, as a key merchant family in Nassau. Although the show intertwines their activities with pirates like Charles Vane and James Flint, the real Guthries were a Scottish clan with little involvement in piracy. While there was a significant merchant family of the same name in the area, their portrayal in the show has little historical basis.

Black Sails Hannah New as Eleanor Guthrie standing against a wall.

The show crafts its own version of the characters from the novel Treasure Island, and Eleanor's involvement with pirates is purely fictional, deviating from the historical records. This intriguing departure from reality adds depth to the series but challenges the notion of historical accuracy.

Black Sails Season 4 Eleanor talking to Woodes Rogers.

The Fate of Charles Vane

Charles Vane, a prominent character based on a real pirate, meets a different fate in Black Sails compared to historical records. In the show, his execution takes place in Nassau, contrary to real events where he was hanged in Port Royal. This departure from true events offers a compelling twist to Vane's story, blurring the lines between fact and fiction in the series.

Someone places a noose around Charles Vane's neck at his execution in Black Sails season 3.

The show's portrayal of Vane's life and death showcases a deliberate deviation from historical accuracy, weaving an enthralling narrative that captivates audiences with its imaginative take on real events.

Charles Vane turns around while holding a pistol in one hand and a cutlass in the other in Black Sails.

The Myth of Blackbeard's End

Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach, a renowned historical pirate, faces a drastically different demise in Black Sails. The show depicts his death at the hands of Woodes Rogers, diverging from the real account where Blackbeard was ambushed and killed by a British Lieutenant on Ocracoke Island. This creative reimagining of Blackbeard's fate adds a captivating layer of fiction to the series, blurring the boundaries between historical fact and narrative embellishment.

Blackbeard on a rowboat in Black Sails

The show's portrayal of Blackbeard's death is a testament to its ability to intertwine historical figures with fictional storytelling, creating an alluring blend of reality and imagination that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Closeup of a glowering Ray Stevenson as Blackbeard in Black Sails.

The Demise of Benjamin Hornigold

Black Sails diverges from historical accounts in its depiction of the demise of Captain Benjamin Hornigold. In the show, his death at the hands of James Flint is a fictional twist, as the real Hornigold died in a shipwreck after encountering a hurricane. This departure from historical events adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.

Benjamin Hornigold looking slightly amused in Black Sails

The show's portrayal of Hornigold's fate showcases its creative approach to historical characters, infusing the series with a captivating mix of reality and imaginative storytelling.

Calico Jack, Charles Vane, and Anne Bonny walk on the dock in Black Sails.

Historical Encounters: Charles Vane and Ned Low

The show's depiction of Charles Vane's encounter with Ned Low in Black Sails season 2 is an ahistorical moment. While both characters are based on real pirates, the timing of their interaction in the series differs from historical records. This departure from historical accuracy adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical events.

Ned Low standing on a ship in Black Sails

The show's interpretation of the interaction between Vane and Low offers a fresh perspective on their characters, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction in a captivating manner.

Calico Jack and Anne Bonny looking across the water in Black Sails

Calico Jack's Fate: Fiction vs. Reality

Calico Jack Rackham's survival in Black Sails diverges from historical records, as the real Calico Jack was captured by the British Navy and hanged in Port Royal. This departure from historical events adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical figures.

Calico Jack looking concerned in Black Sails

The show's portrayal of Calico Jack's fate showcases its ability to blend historical characters with fictional storytelling, creating an enthralling mix of reality and imaginative narrative.

Anne Bonny: A Historical Departure

Black Sails' portrayal of Anne Bonny as a member of Charles Vane's crew deviates from historical records, as there is no evidence of her interaction with Vane in real life. This departure from historical accuracy adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical figures.

Anne Bonny looking concerned in Black Sails

The show's interpretation of Anne Bonny's character offers a fresh perspective on her life, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction in a captivating manner.

The Romance of Calico Jack and Anne Bonny

Black Sails' portrayal of the romance between Calico Jack and Anne Bonny diverges from historical timelines, as their meeting occurred after Rackham had become a captain. This departure from historical events adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical relationships.

The show's interpretation of their romance offers a unique perspective on their dynamic, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction in a captivating manner.

Woodes Rogers: A Historical Resolution

The finale of Black Sails presents an alternative resolution to the Nassau conflict, deviating from the real Woodes Rogers' actions. In reality, Rogers cleared the pirates out of Nassau, leaving the city in British control. This departure from historical events adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical resolutions.

Woodes Rogers looking resigned in Black Sails

The show's portrayal of the resolution in Nassau showcases its ability to reimagine historical events, blending reality with imaginative storytelling in a captivating manner.

The Fate of Charles Vane's Ship

The sinking of Charles Vane's ship, Ranger, in Black Sails differs from historical accounts, where the ship was taken by Calico Jack. This departure from historical accuracy adds a layer of intrigue to the series, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges traditional portrayals of historical events.

The show's portrayal of this significant event showcases its ability to craft an enthralling narrative that blurs the boundaries between fact and fiction, captivating audiences with its imaginative take on historical events.