Common Pirate Misconceptions

Post you pirate misunderstandings here!

Pirate Hooks: Probably originated from the story "Peter Pan", specifically from the character "Captain Hook". It’s true that quite a few pirates lost a hand in battle, and it was not uncommon for a pirate to search for a useful substitute, which would be handy around the ship. A hook was relatively easy to construct from onboard ship materials, so it is highly probable (not certain) that in some cases it was used as a temporary or permanent prosthetic hand. A hook could be easily constructed from a wooden bowl placed over the stump with a hook fashioned from extra ship metal by the blacksmith. This combination could be strapped to the arm with some leather.

Peg Legs: Probably originated from the story "Treasure Island", from the character "Long John Silver". The character does not a use a peg leg in the story; his use of crutches has been misrepresented and through time and Hollywood productions this pirate legend was formed. In real life, however, this stereotype holds a good deal of truth; although its use is exaggerated in the minds of many people. If a pirate were injured in the leg, amputation would in most cases be the only option to save him. If the pirate crew were educated enough, they would call upon the cook to cut the injured limb off (to prevent Gang Green, or infection). Doctors were uncommon aboard pirate ships, so often the ship’s cook would be called upon in the case of amputation. However, such crude operations were seldom successful, as the inexperienced "surgeon" could not stop the bleeding which followed. Although much less likely, the pirate might also die from infection. A substitute was later required for the missing leg, which was usually any free material on the ship, a long piece of wood, for instance.

Parrots: Probably became widely thought of from the story "Treasure Island", specifically from the character "Long John Silver". There is a deal of controversy on this subject as many people suspect that pirates were much too practical to deal with pets. A parrot permanently stationed on the shoulder of a pirate would regularly generate a mess. As well, a parrot might get in the way of work, or be consumed during hard times at sea. So it is highly unlikely that having a parrot, or any pet for that matter, was too popular with pirates... Maybe some pirates dealt with their pet's messes just like some people today?

One thing I heard was that their Big gold hoop earrings were supposed to help them see longer/better... or at least, thats probably what the shmucks who bought 'em were told! 😉

Not sure on the exact details tho... I read it in a Horrible Histories book! 😄

really? i never heard about the hoops......i'm gonna try to find some more interesting things tomorrow when i have the time again.

the gold hoops were supposed to pay for their weddings when they died.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA WEDDINGS SORRY I MEANT FUNERALS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh! Funerals...........figures...pirates

yeah. It tells these things in the POTC special features. Its pretty interesting.

Planks: Walking the plank was supposedly made big by the movie industry. Back then, pirates considered it a waste to make their captives walk the plank since they enjoyed putting them through more horrid tortures for their personal pleasure, such as whippings and 'rogering at the railing'. 🏴‍☠️

really? I didn't know that..........but then again movies and books tend to feed things into our minds! 😄

I use to love books but now i never read any, now its movies for me✅