The Enigmatic Israel Hands: Unveiling the True Identity of the Black Sails Pirate

Summary

Israel Hands was Blackbeard's first mate, according to historical accounts.

Despite his brutality in the TV show Black Sails, Hands displays unwavering loyalty to Blackbeard, which ultimately pays off when he is promoted to the captain of the Adventure.

When Jonathan E. Steinberg's historical adventure series Black Sails premiered on Starz, it introduced several renowned pirates who actually lived during the Golden Age of Piracy. One of these pirates is Israel Hands, a character from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island. Serving as a prequel to the novel, Black Sails follows a young Captain Flint and his crew as they fight for the survival of New Providence Island. Along their journey, Flint and his crew cross paths with well-known pirates, including Anne Bonny, Blackbeard, and, of course, Israel Hands.

Israel Hands Was Blackbeard's First Mate

Israel Hands remains a mysterious figure from the Golden Age of Piracy, as historical records about him are scarce in comparison to the abundance of fictional accounts. Working as Edward Teach's (commonly known as Blackbeard) trusted first mate, Hands makes his first appearance in 1718, when Teach put him in charge of Adventure, a ship previously commanded by David Herriot. During their voyages, an incident recounted by British author Captain Charles Johnson describes how Hands was unintentionally shot in the knee by Blackbeard while attempting to target another crew member (source: A General History of the Pyrates).

Ironically, this unintended gunshot wound unexpectedly benefitted Hands, ultimately preserving his life. Because of his injury, he was compelled to temporarily depart from Blackbeard's crew and seek recovery in North Carolina. This fortuitously led to his avoidance of the clash in November 1718, during which Teach was fatally wounded by Virginian troops commissioned by Royal Navy lieutenant Robert Maynard. However, Hands's capture eventually occurred in Bath, North Carolina, followed by his subsequent trial in Virginia alongside 15 other pirates. As an act of mercy, Hands received a pardon as he willingly provided information regarding corrupt North Carolina officials. Although the details surrounding Israel Hands's life post-trial remain scarce, it is believed that he died impoverished in London.

Israel Hands Is A Ruthless Pirate In Black Sails

Initially a seasoned pirate and loyal crew member, Israel Hands undergoes a transformation in Black Sails, evolving into a merciless antagonist who resorts to killing, torturing, and manipulating anyone obstructing his pursuit of wealth and fame, even his own captain. Season 4 witnesses Hands's decision to betray Captain Flint, driven solely by self-interest. This ruthless act serves as a testament to the extreme brutality that defines his character.

Despite his willingness to betray others for his own gain, Hands shared one commendable quality with the fictional character and real-life pirate Blackbeard: unwavering loyalty. This allegiance ultimately proved beneficial for Hands as Blackbeard eventually promoted him to the position of captain aboard the Adventure. While delving deeper into the true history of Israel Hands would be intriguing, fans of piracy will have to satisfy their curiosity by exploring his portrayals in popular culture, such as the television series Black Sails.