The Mysterious Saga of Captain Hornigold and the Ominous Symbol in Flag Spells Doom in Death Season 2

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Our Flag Means Death season 2, episode 3, "The Innkeeper."

Summary

Captain Hornigold, Ed's ex-employer and mentor, significantly influenced his path as a pirate, teaching him invaluable lessons in a challenging and unhealthy workplace. In actual history, Captain Hornigold held great prominence during the Golden Age of Piracy, playing a pivotal role in founding the Republic of Pirates. However, he was eventually ousted from his captaincy through a voting process.

In purgatory, Ed's encounter with Hornigold becomes a moment of intense clarity. He realizes that his anger is misguided and that healing from his past trauma requires him to prioritize self-love. Our Flag Means Death season 2's premiere spans three episodes and brings Ed face to face with someone from his past: Captain Hornigold. In the previous season, Ed mentioned Hornigold but he never appeared on screen. However, season 2 rectifies this by revealing their unexpected reunion. While Ed remains heartbroken over Stede Bonnet's departure, his relentless pursuit of vengeance worries his crew.

Captain Hornigold & Ed Worked Together Before Our Flag Means Death

Following the gruesome massacre of an entire wedding party at sea, orchestrated merely for his own amusement, Ed nearly crosses a line of no return with Izzy (Con O'Neill), his former first mate. As the crew of the Revenge voices their concerns about the toxic atmosphere aboard the vessel, Ed's merciless Blackbeard persona emerges, steering the ship into a treacherous storm, compelling Jim (Vico Ortiz) to engage in a brutal fight with a fellow crew member, and even threatening to unleash the devastating power of a cannon upon the mast of the Revenge, with the intent of annihilating everyone onboard. With an unwavering determination to escape the clutches of Ed's shattered heart, selfishness, and dysfunction, the crew decides to take matters into their own hands by revolting against their captain. This audacious act forces Ed to embark on a transformative and soul-searching voyage, guided by Captain Hornigold at the helm.

Viewers are well aware of Ed's turbulent relationship with his abusive father prior to the events of Our Flag Means Death. It is no secret that Ed not only ended his father's life but also embraced the formidable Kraken persona, which earned Blackbeard a legendary status among pirates and authorities alike. Captain Hornigold played a dual role in Ed's life, serving as both his former boss and mentor, although perhaps not always for the better. Ed's father figure undeniably had a profound impact on his journey as a pirate, extending beyond the harsh lessons he taught.

While season 2 of Our Flag Means Death does not delve into all the specifics, the initial season briefly showcases Ed's pre-Blackbeard experiences. Serving alongside Captain Hornigold, Ed encounters Calico Jack (played by Will Arnett), an old acquaintance who effortlessly provokes Ed's inclination towards chaos. Although the details remain ambiguous, it becomes evident that Hornigold presided over a toxic work environment, as Ed and Calico Jack fondly reminisce about their mistreatment under him. This ultimately prompts them to rebel against Captain Hornigold, a pivotal moment in Ed's transformation into the esteemed Captain Blackbeard.

The Real History Of Our Flag Means Death's Pirate Captain Hornigold

Similar to Blackbeard, Captain Benjamin Hornigold played a significant role in the Golden Age of Piracy, earning his reputation as a prominent pirate. Born in England, Hornigold commenced his pirate career by targeting merchant vessels and played a part in setting up the Republic of Pirates, located in present-day Nassau in the Bahamas. Our Flag Means Death accurately depicts Blackbeard as Hornigold's trusted confidant, while also highlighting Hornigold's questionable leadership, as he developed a habit of refraining from attacking British naval ships (via World History Encyclopedia).

The True Meaning Of Ed’s Hornigold Purgatory Vision

Despite achieving some initial success, Hornigold pales in comparison to the legendary pirate queen Zheng Yi Sao. While historical accounts suggest that he was ousted from his captaincy through a democratic decision, the show Our Flag Means Death implies a mutiny took place instead. In any case, it is strongly hinted that Hornigold relinquished his position and handed the reins to Ed, also known as Blackbeard. Shortly after his demotion, Hornigold chose a different path by seeking a King's Pardon and embarking on a notorious career as a pirate hunter (as stated by GoldenAgeOfPiracy.org). It is plausible that the portrayal of Ben Hornigold in the show shares this fate as he relentlessly pursues Blackbeard and his former crew.

In "The Innkeeper," episode 3 of Our Flag Means Death season 2, a significant moment occurs when the crew of the Revenge declares that Ed has "retired" from piracy, only to later imply that they abandoned him on an island. Meanwhile, Ed finds himself washed ashore on an apparently deserted island, where Hornigold unexpectedly rescues him from the waves. Although Ed is taken aback by Hornigold's presence, it takes him most of the episode to start questioning why his former captain suddenly appears. Standing on the edge of a cliff, Ed finally realizes the gravity of the situation unfolding around him.

The heartbroken pirate, consumed by grief and despair, comes to the realization that he is trapped in purgatory, often referred to by his companion Ben as "the gravy basket." Caught in between the realms of life and death, Ed is faced with a difficult choice: to embrace death as an escape from his pain or to return to the world of the living and embark on a journey of self-love. Ben advises Ed to weigh the pros and cons of each option, leading to a profound moment of truth when Ben remarks, "You're terrified that you're incapable of being loved." This statement cuts deep, particularly due to Ed's turbulent relationship with his abusive father, but it is the subsequent revelation that truly shakes him to the core. Ed admits his intense dislike for Hornigold, only to be confronted by the realization that Hornigold is merely a projection of his own self-hatred. In a moment of harrowing yet liberating clarity, Ed acknowledges, "I despise myself."

Standing on the precipice of a cliff, Hornigold attaches a rope and stone to Ed's waist, forcefully pushing him into the water. Overwhelmed by the weight of his emotional burdens, Ed contemplates surrendering to the depths below, until he hears Stede's impassioned plea, begging him to awaken. As the purgatory embodiment of Hornigold guides Ed, he comes to comprehend that his anger has been misdirected. Due to the trauma he has endured in his past, Ed has always felt unworthy of love. At this pivotal moment, he recognizes that the path to healing must begin with cultivating self-love.

Source: World History Encyclopedia, GoldenAgeOfPiracy.org