The Intriguing Tale of Zheng Yi Sao: Unveiling the Legendary Pirate Queen Behind Our Symbol of Dread

Spoilers ahead for the first three episodes of Our Flag Means Death season 2.

Summary

In Our Flag Means Death season 2, we are introduced to Zheng Yi Sao, a remarkable pirate queen whose astonishing true story surpasses that of Blackbeard.

Zheng Yi Sao, commonly known as Ching Shih, was a former prostitute who defied all odds to become one of the most accomplished pirates in world history.

Commanding a fleet of 1,800 ships and an army of 80,000 men, Zheng Yi Sao enforced a strict set of laws and remained unbeaten until her retirement from piracy. In season 2, the series Our Flag Means Death wastes no time in introducing Zheng Yi Sao, a pirate queen whose extraordinary true story overshadows the legend of Blackbeard. Created by David Jenkins, this swashbuckling period rom-com focuses on Stede Bonnet (played by Rhys Darby), a gentleman-turned-pirate who forsakes his family fortune for misadventures on the high seas. Soon, Bonnet, as captain of the Revenge, encounters the infamous pirate Captain Blackbeard (played by Taika Waititi).

Zheng Yi Sao Is One Of The Most Successful Pirates In History

During the Qing Dynasty in China, Zheng Yi Sao gained considerable renown by establishing herself as one of the most prosperous pirates in history. Originally a sex worker, Zheng Yi Sao's exceptional business acumen captured the interest of the notorious pirate Cheng I, who commanded the fearsome Red Flag Fleet. Following her marriage to Cheng, Zheng Yi Sao delved deep into the realm of piracy. Although one of her monikers, Ching Shih, translates to "Cheng's widow," her legacy as a pirate surpasses this simplistic title, as highlighted in the second season of Our Flag Means Death.

When her husband passed away, Zheng Yi Sao stepped up to assume leadership of Cheng's fleet, cunningly outmaneuvering his designated heir and lover, Cheung Po Tsai. According to Atlas Obscura, she commanded an astounding fleet of 1,800 ships and an army of 80,000 men, which far surpasses Blackbeard's mere four ships and 300 men. To maintain harmony within the Red Flag Fleet, the pirate queen established a stringent code of laws, promising to execute those who broke their oaths. Despite facing opposition from the East India Company, Chinese, and Portuguese fleets, Zheng Yi Sao remained unbeaten and eventually chose to retire from a life of plundering in exchange for amnesty (via Google Arts & Culture).

What Zheng Yi Sao's Introduction Means For Our Flag Means Death S2's Story

While it remains uncertain if the showrunners have charted out Zheng Yi Sao's narrative for Our Flag Means Death's third season, it is evident that the pirate queen will play a pivotal role in the upcoming installment. Zheng Yi Sao is primarily renowned for her command over a vast fleet. However, in the initial three episodes of Our Flag Means Death's sophomore season, the Red Flag fleet is reduced to a mere handful of ships. Given Stede and his crew's betrayal of Zheng Yi Sao, they have incurred the wrath of this formidable captain, suggesting that she is likely to retaliate with the full might of her infamous fleet.

How Our Flag Means Death's Zheng Yi Sao Compares To The Real-Life Pirate Queen

While not set in the South China Sea, Our Flag Means Death maintains the essence of Zheng Yi Sao's character, depicting her as a confident leader and skilled negotiator. However, there are some embellishments in season 2 of the series, where the villain commanding her ship emphasizes unity, cohesion, and balance. Additionally, the show portrays Zheng Yi Sao's crew as predominantly women, deviating from historical accuracy. Nevertheless, Our Flag Means Death preserves Zheng Yi Sao's spirit, solidifying her reputation as one of history's most accomplished pirates.

Sources: Atlas Obscura, Google Arts & Culture