Unmasking the True Story of Blackbeard: What Pirates of the Caribbean Didn't Tell You

Summary

The representation of Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides fails to depict the true nature of this historical pirate, disregarding important aspects such as his actual age, familial ties, and the manner in which he treated his crew.

Blackbeard promoted exaggerated tales of his exploits to instill terror and safeguard his image as a fearsome pirate, yet Disney's characterization of him in the film surpasses historical accuracy. Nonetheless, Blackbeard continues to hold a prominent place in popular culture's depiction of piracy, serving as an enduring and iconic figure who has inspired countless adaptations on screen and enthralled readers with his actions and cunning.

According to pirate expert Iszi Lawrence, the character of Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean is not an accurate representation of the historical pirate. Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane in the 2011 sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is portrayed as a feared pirate who is searching for the mythical Fountain of Youth to avoid his predicted death. This leads him to cross paths with Captain Jack Sparrow.

In a recent analysis of piracy movies by Lawrence on History Hit, she discusses how Disney's portrayal of Blackbeard differs from the real-life history of Edward Teach. Although Lawrence approves of most aspects of McShane's costume and the name of his ship, she criticizes the depiction of Blackbeard's family, treatment of his crew, and age as not matching historical records. She acknowledges that Blackbeard may have deliberately spread myths and legends to enhance his reputation while alive. For Lawrence's detailed explanation, please see below.

Blackbeard spent a lot of time in his cabin due to illness, hence why it's frequently portrayed in his depiction. At the time of his death, Blackbeard was only 38 years old. In this particular portrayal, Ian McShane appears much older than Blackbeard would have been. However, his hair is accurately depicted with braids, and he is dressed entirely in black, which is also accurate. It is understandable that he is not depicted wearing a brace of pistols, although it is known that he would have had a brace with four loaded pistols to create maximum intimidation. Additionally, Blackbeard would have had red ribbons in his beard to heighten his scare factor.

Blackbeard acquired the Queen Anne's Revenge, a real ship, by chance. When he discovered La Concorde, the crew was sick and the ship was adrift, which allowed Blackbeard to take control of it. One of the reasons for Blackbeard's success was his exceptional leadership skills. He had the respect and loyalty of his men to such an extent that they were willing to die for him.

It is uncertain whether Blackbeard had a daughter, although there are indications that he may have. Given his multiple marriages, it is likely that he had children, regardless of whether he openly acknowledged them. However, considering his age at the time of his death, around 38 years old, it seems improbable that he fathered children when he was ten years old...

Yet again, Blackbeard is commonly depicted as treacherous, and ultimately meets his demise as a result. However, in reality, Blackbeard nearly vanquishes the man who attempts to kill him in his own boat, boarding it assuming that the crew he had just attacked were deceased, but they were actually hiding. Consequently, it was Maynard who displayed treachery in the capture of Blackbeard, while Blackbeard valiantly fought until the end, and then his head was severed.

Blackbeard certainly fostered legends about himself. However, I highly doubt that he spread tales of his ability to strangle people with his own ship's rigging. Nonetheless, he certainly aimed to dispel any notion of being easily defeated. His greatest dread was having a merchant vessel catch sight of his flag and fleet approaching and confidently believe they could outpace him. It was crucial for Blackbeard to instill fear. Once he had achieved that, seizing their valuables would be a breeze without any resistance. So, fear became his weapon of choice. That was precisely why he adorned himself in extravagant all-black attire, equipped with a pair of pistols and even went as far as lighting his own beard on fire. And that, my friends, is

Why Is Blackbeard Pop Culture's Most Enduring Pirate Beyond Pirates Of The Caribbean?

Blackbeard, one of history's most renowned pirates, has remained a prominent figure in popular culture's perception of piracy long before his appearance in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and continues to do so. The earliest recorded portrayal of this character on-screen dates back to Blackbeard the Pirate in 1952, with Robert Newton taking on the role. Since then, a series of actors including James Purefoy, Jim Howick, John Malkovich, Hugh Jackman, and Ray Stevenson have depicted Blackbeard in various television and film projects, ranging from historically accurate to highly imaginative. A notable recent depiction of this infamous pirate can be seen in Taika Waititi's Our Flag Means Death.

Although more recent projects have focused on other pirate figures like Stede Bonnet, Anne Bonny, and Zheng Yi Sao, Blackbeard continues to be a popular and inspiring character. Despite not being the most successful pirate in terms of wealth, early accounts of Blackbeard's actions captured people's imagination and distinguished him from others. His tales of cunning and fear-inducing tactics, such as weaving lit matches into his beard, made him stand out. Therefore, while the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may heavily rely on fantasy elements, Blackbeard's own fictional stories and deceitful acts during his lifetime solidified his legacy.

While Blackbeard had his own myths and legends during his lifetime, it is understandable why Disney chose to modify his character for his appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean. In the movie On Stranger Tides, Blackbeard serves as a direct antagonist to Sparrow and his allies, highlighting the studio's desire to portray him as a menacing threat through his cruel actions. Thus, even without the addition of magical powers, this version of Blackbeard clearly differs from the historical portrayal of one of piracy's most famous figures.

Source: History Hit