|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact: ![zenseeker [at] hotmail [dot] com](EmailImage.gif)
Pirates
| Intro |
Pirate stories of old can be quite romantic and full of adventure. There are adventures on the high seas, travels to exotic and unexplored lands, sea monsters, cursed treasures, the hunt for buried treasures and riches, tropical paradises, freedom from laws, swashbuckling fun, walking the plank, Pirate rules, mutinies and plenty of adversaries to run/hide from, trick and battle.
Much of what we consider as pirate culture and life is due to the 1724 book A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates. This book introduced the notion of pirates with missing legs or eyes, the myth of pirates burying treasure, and the name of the pirates flag the Jolly Roger. Popular literature, theater and cinema further reinforced and developed the pirate which we have today. And to this we owe our wonderful and romantic world of Pirates.
There are many stories of hidden treasure and location of these treasures may be recorded on secret maps. Maps may also be created by a soul survivor who knows the location of a treasure or pieced together by cryptic clues left behind by the long lost owners or lost explorers who got close.
See our Treasure Maps Page for more information.
That why pirates are pirates - to hunt for and hoard treasure.
See our Pirate Treasure Page for more information.
These are a blast at any age!
See our Pirate Party Page for more information.
Unless you know some pretty powerful Kung Fu, a pirate without proper weapons is unlikely to be successful at his profession.
See our Pirate Weapons Page for more info on pirate weapons.
Headgear
A quasi-era appropriate headdress really makes the look of a cinema pirate. It may include a hat from the turn of the 18th century or a bandanna.
Compass
A mariner's compass was a pretty neat invention and all so important to sailing. These would not be carried by every pirate, but they can make a fun accessory for a pirate poser.
Telescope
Another pirate captain accessory. Allows you to see further across the water and maybe better at individuals on the ship, markings or flags. Knowing whether a ship is a Galleon most likely filled with treasure or a Pirate hunting Ship of the Line is good to know early on.
Treasure Map
See our Treasure Map Page for more information regarding treasure maps.
Bag of Coins
Pirates didn't have credit cards or wallets and nowhere to stash their belongings safely on ship. Seems like they would carry a bag of coins for when they hit shore, unless they spent it all the last time they were landside or lost it in a game of bones.
Jewelry
This is part of the stereotypical pirate look. They're kind of an 18th turn of the century gangster/Mr. T.
Clothing
Loose fitting clothing appropriate for the Pirate Era should be fine, unless you are going for that early pirate cinema tights look. More information on Clothing can be found in our Pirate Clothing Page.
Pet Monkey, Parrot or Iguana
The explorers of old did bring back parrots, monkeys and even native people back to show off. Seems like a pirate might have some also after a raid. And since Long John Silver had a parrot, everyone thinks of a pirate has having a parrot.
Stereotypical pirates have a West Country English accent of sorts. This is the English version of the deep South for many reasons. Some feel that this accent has been accepted as the "official" pirate accent as several famous pirates were from Bristol, Devon, and Cornwall in the West Country. Others feel that it's all Hollywood and perhaps due to a single actor.
 This accent was used early on by actor Robert Newton in the movie Treasure Island (1950) and later in Blackbeard the Pirate (1952). He then had a comeback as Long John Silver in Long John Silver (1954) and the TV series The adventures of Long John Silver (1955). As Newton grew up in Dorset, he spoke West Country accent well. And as America grew up watching Newton act like a pirate, it has been ingrained in our culture that he swashbuckling pirates just spoke that way. |
Pirate talk may not be entirely historically correct, but it sure can be fun, and certainly more fun than Klingon talk.
There is plenty to read about regarding pirates.
Children's Books
Classics:
Treasure Island Wiki Treasure_Island
Gulliver's Travels Wiki Gulliver's Travels
Peter and Wendy Wiki Peter_and_Wendy
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Wiki Twenty_Thousand_Leagues_Under_the_Sea
The Swiss Family Robinson Wiki The_Swiss_Family_Robinson
Robinson Crusoe Wiki Robinson_Crusoe
Sinbad the Sailor Wiki Sinbad Stefanmart.de Artist of Cigarette Stories
Booklists:
amazon.com The Very Best Pirate Books for Kids! Children's Pirate Book list
talklikeapirate.com booksandstuff Ol' Chumbucket's Book Club
Barnes and Noble 412961 Pirates->Children's fiction
Pirates in Literature & Film Wiki - Pirates in Children's Literature
bellaonline.com/articles/art11145.asp
Serious Pirate Books
For those looking into the serious historical aspect of pirates:
Other Pirate Fun
There are a good many Pirate movies out there. Some are worth watching and some are even worth watching for children.
| Movie | Age | Rating | Notes | |
 |
Jake & The Never Land Pirates | 3 | TV Series | |
 |
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure | 3 | NR | Space Pirate Pete |
 |
Backyardigans: We Arrrr Pirates | 4 | 3 pirate episodes; weaponless intro to pirates. Lots of cute singing and dancing and young ones love the story. First story is about Pirate campers who run into a pirate ghost. the second is about 2 pirate teams looking for the same treasure. The third story is about Sinbad. The fourth is a sequel to the Mighty Knights episode and features a naughty dragon and good dragon. | |
 |
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie | 4 | G | VeggieTales is a Christian production but there is no mention of Christian overtones in the reviews. |
 |
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie | 5 | G | VeggieTales is a Christian production. This a Veggie style Jonah and the Whale story with the pirates from The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. This is really a story about how God Forgives. |
 |
VeggieTales: Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't | 4 | NR | Not a pirate movie. It's basically a Pinocchio in vegetable form. Pinocchio and his father do find themselves eaten by a whale. |
 |
Peter Pan | 5 | G | 1953 - Disney animated classic |
 |
Return to Never Land | 5 | G | |
 |
Muppet Treasure Island | 6 | G | |
 |
Blackbeard's Ghost | 6 | G | 1868 |
 |
The Pirate | 6 | NR | Garland sings, Kelly dances |
 |
Shipwrecked | 6 | PG | |
 |
Pippi Longstocking: Pippi in the South Seas | 7 | G | |
 |
The Pagemaster | 7 | G | |
 |
Treasure Planet | 7 | PG | |
 |
Peter Pan | 7 | NR | 2000 |
 |
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas | 7 | PG | |
 |
Scooby-Doo: Pirates Ahoy! | 7 | NR | |
 |
The Crimson Pirate | 7 | NR | Carnival-like 1950s pirate |
 |
Treasure Island | 7 | PG | 1950 |
 |
Treasure Island | 7 | NR | 1934 |
 |
Swiss Family Robinson | 8 | G | Battles against pirates |
 |
Long John Silver | 8 | NR | 1955 |
 |
Hook | 8 | PG | |
 |
Castle in the Sky | 9 | NR | Sky Pirates |
 |
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea | 9 | G | 1954 |
 |
Peter Pan | 9 | PG | 2003 |
 |
Porco Rosso | 9 | PG | |
 |
The Goonies | 10 | PG | |
 |
Finding Neverland | 11 | PG | |
 |
Cutthroat Island | 11 | PG-13 | |
 |
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl | 12 | PG-13 | |
 |
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest | 12 | PG-13 | |
 |
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End | 12 | PG-13 | |
 |
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides |
12 | PG-13 | |
 |
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World | 13 | PG-13 | |
 |
Waterworld | 13 | PG-13 | Futuristic pirates |
 |
Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter | 16 | R | |
| No Age Recommendation | ||||
 |
The Adventures of Tintin | PG | ||
 |
Playmobil: The Secret of Pirate Island | |||
 |
Magic Island | |||
Links:
commonsensemedia.org pirate-movies Ratings of movies from a parent perspective
thepirateking.com movies A good list of Pirate Movies with commentary
What's a pirate without a ship? A ship allows for a great deal of fantasy play. Even without pirates, a toy boat is just fun to move around the yard or living room like a giant car. But more than that, you can use it as a stage for pirate themed play. And they can be used for battles at sea or as part of an epic adventure where sea travel is necessary.
See our Toy Boat Page for more information.
Duplo
These figures are similar is size to Playmobil Klickies, which are easy to manipulate with small hands and choke hazard free. The figures themselves are stubby in form compared to other toys, but they lock onto ships, which prevents them from all falling over when the ship is moved. This is especially important if you wish to use a Pirate Ship in actual water, as a small wave will knock over anything not locked down. This makes them one for the better pirate toys around for kids. Unfortunately, the ships are figures are now hard to come by and can be quite expensive. And unless you are willing to custom make accessories, you are limited to cutlasses, medieval weapons, map, shovel, giant bomb, hook, harpoon (lance or spear) and an oversized musket. Of note, many Playmobil accessories can be used with Duplo and weapon handles can be widened with a little epoxy to allow Duplo Minifigs to grasp them. Also, if you have a ship, Duplo knights make reasonable stand in pirates and sailors with or without modification. Knight can also be somewhat of a challenge to locate, but are generally available on bricklink or ebay.
If you have a bit of imagination, especially if you are willing to custom make a few things (sails and such), you can make your own pirate ships with Duplo parts. You can also glue Duplo plates onto Playmobil ships for your own kind of custom fun.
See our Duplo Pirates Page for more information.
Playmobil
Playmobil has the best selection of quality Pirate Toys. They have a large selection of ships, boats, figures and accessories. Playmobil is generally pricier than Chinese made toys, but the quality and design are superb and bargains can be found when shopping second hand.
Lego
Lego is known for its special locking bricks and iconic minfigs. These pirates and minifigs can be a lot of fun is you are a Lego fan. MegaBloks also had a Pyrate collection if you are looking to build a larger fleet or army.
lego.com piratesofthecaribbean
Toy Soldier Style
These can be very economical and basically disposable. They are great for traveling and fun a the beach, where lost toys will not hurt as much and can easily be replaced.
The non-articulating toy soldier type pirate figures can vary substantially in quality and price and some can actually be more expensive than you think.
amazon.com/Safari-680804-Ltd-Pirates-Toob/dp/B000BR9DPK
Rinco amazon.com/Plastic-Pirates-Pirate-Figures-inches/dp/B0010VCTJ8
amazon.com/True-Heroes-Pirate-Bucket-Playset/dp/B0058VEDX6
amazon.com/Pirate-Play-Set-Figures-Cannons/dp/B0016CXKIU
Action Figure Style
Action figures can be fun and allow you to do different poses.
True Heroes toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10860493
Fisher Price Imaginexf fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=7081&e=pirate
Duplo
Lego
Playmobil
Sea Monsters
Don't forget the Sea Monsters! These can add a lot of excitement to any sea travel. And even if you have a fleet of ships, it may only take one good water monster to tear everything to pieces.
Playmobil makes a few ready made sea creatures ready to threaten your ship. They even float upright in water, making even the bathtub unsafe for pirates!
Gaming Figurines
Many options are available for wargaming and static displays, but these were not meant to be used as toys for smaller children as weapons can be sharp as well as delicate. The lead figures can cause a good amount of damage when throw and are toxic. But for older kids with an interest in tabletop wargaming or model making, these can be a blast.
frothersunite.com/files/wk/sc/pirates/pirates1/pirates.htm
With a little bit of paint, these could be a lot of fun.
witchhunter.net/gallery_pirates_sea_devils.html
dminis.com/Scratchbuilder_Christian/gallery/1735/
terresdeshommes.blogspot.com/search/label/Pirates
Pirate Legend
There are many legends of pirates that can spark up any type of role play, art works, or writings of pirates.
See our Pirate Legends Page for more on scenarios, creatures and other myth/legend topics.
Pirate Songs
Singing was the HiFi Stereo in the days of pirates.
privateerdragons.com/pirates_ofthe_caribbean
Captain
Unlike a Naval Captain, who were appointed by their respective governments and who's authority was supreme at all times, most pirate captains were elected by the ships crew and could be replaced at any time by a majority vote of the crewmen. A Captain could be voted out for not being as aggressive in the pursuit of prizes as the crew would have liked. Some were abandoned by their crews for being a little to bloodthirsty and brutal. A few were even murdered by their own men. They were expected to be bold and decisive in battle and also have skill in navigation and seamanship. Above all they had to have the force of personality necessary to hold together such an unruly bunch of seamen. Pirate crews appeared to have followed their Captain's judgment in most matters.
Quartermaster
Pirates delegated unusual amounts of authority to the Quartermaster, who became almost the Captain's equal. The Captain retained unlimited authority during battle, but otherwise he was subject to the Quartermaster in many routine matters. The Quartermaster was elected by the crew to represent their interests and he received an extra share of the booty when it was divided. Above all, he protected the Seaman against each other by maintaining order, settling quarrels, and distributing food and other essentials.
The Quartermaster usually kept the records and account books for the ship. He also took part in all battles and often led the attacks by the boarding parties. If the pirates were successful, he decided what plunder to take. If the pirates decide to keep a captured ship, the Quartermaster often took over as the Captain of that ship.
Sailing Master
This was the officer who was in charge of navigation and the sailing of the ship. He directed the course and looked after the maps and instruments necessary for navigation. Since the charts of the era were often inaccurate or nonexistent, his job was a difficult one. It was said a good navigator was worth his weight in gold. He was perhaps the most valued person aboard a ship other than the Captain because so much depended upon his skill.
Boatswain
The Boatswain supervised the maintenance of the vessel and its supply stores. He was responsible for inspecting the ship and it's sails and rigging each morning, and reporting their state to the captain. The Boatswain was also in charge of all deck activities, including weighing and dropping anchor, and the handling of the sails.
Carpenter
The Carpenter was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the wooden hull, masts and yards. He worked under the direction of the ship's Master and Boatswain. The Carpenter checked the hull regularly, placing oakum between the seems of the planks and wooden plugs on leaks to keep the vessel tight. He was highly skilled in his work which he learned through apprenticeship. Often he would have an assistant whom he in turn trained as a carpenter.
Surgeon
These were highly valued should they be a volunteer such as Alexander Exquemelin or forced aboard, as most mere. They were responsible for treating venereal diseases as well as treating battle wounds and performing amputations. In the absence of a surgeon the carpenter would generally take over amputation duties.
Master Gunner
The Master Gunner was responsible for the ship's guns and ammunition. This included sifting the powder to keep it dry and prevent it from separating, insuring the cannon balls were kept free of rust, and all weapons were kept in good repair. A knowledgeable Gunner was essential to the crew's safety and effective use of their weapons.
Cook aka Slouchy
A British Navy cook was often named "Slushy" after the greasy liquid which accumulated on the top of cooked salted meats. For pirates, the cook was often a pirate injured in battle and called "Slouchy" for his disfigurement. He was responsible for daily meals and ensuring food stores were kept fit for consumption. As these stores deteriorated and spoiled, the cook had to be creative to keep meals as palatable as possible.
Cooper
The cooper is a barrel maker by trade. This was a vital skill onboard ship as all gunpowder, food and drink were stored in barrels. And as the ship weathered storms and varying temperature changes, these barrels would be damaged through constant shifting and expansion/contraction. The cooper was responsible for daily inspection of food and drink supplies. He was kept busy keeping barrels airtight to protect their contents from moisture and rats or replacing them with new ones he built on ship. A cooper might be hired by a very successful pirate captain.
Musicians
Life on ship was pretty boring and a musician could really brighten things up. They could also be used in battle to boost spirit of the crew while frightening the crew of the enemy. Musicians were so valued that their lives may be spared after boarding if they agreed to jump ship. Most would.
The most prized musicians had concertinas (accordion invented in 1829), lyres (harp), bagpipes and fiddle.
Mate
On a large ship there was usually more than one Mate aboard. The Mate served as apprentice to the Ship's Master, Boatswain, Carpenter and Gunner. He took care of the fitting out of the vessel, and examined whether it was sufficiently provided with ropes, pulleys, sails, and all the other rigging that was necessary for the voyage. The Mate took care of hoisting the anchor, and during a voyage he checked the tackle once a day. If he observed anything amiss, he would report it to the ship's Master. Arriving at a port, the mate caused the cables and anchors to be repaired, and took care of the management of the sails, yards and mooring of the ship.
Seaman
The common sailor, which was the backbone of the ship, needed to know the rigging and the sails. As well as how to steer the ship and applying it to the purposes of navigation. He needed to know how to read the skies, weather, winds and most importantly the moods of his commanders. Other jobs on the ships were surgeon (for large vessels), cooks and cabin boys. There were many jobs divided up amongst the officers, sometimes one man would perform two functions. Mates who served apprenticeships were expected to fill in or take over positions when sickness or death created an opportunity.
Notable Pirate Ships and their Captains
Henry Avery (Long Ben/Capt. Bridgeman)
Fancy - 46 gun merchant; 150 men;
Sam Bellamy
Mary Anne - 8 gun sloop
Whydah - 28 guns; an ex-slave ship
Stede Bonnet
Revenge - 10 gun sloop; 70 men; purchased sloop himself (extremely rare for a pirate!)
William Kidd
Adventure Galley - 34 gun galley (oarports); 150 men
Adventure Prize - replaced Adventure Galley
George Lowther
Delivery - 16 guns; 50 men; taken from mutiny
Ranger - 10 gun sloop
Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)
Fortune - 26 guns
Good Fortune - brigantine
Royal Fortune - 42 gun frigate-type; 200+ men
Ranger - 16 guns
Little Ranger - 10 guns; used as a store ship
Rover - 10 guns
Sea King - 30 gun brigantine
Edward Teach (Blackbeard)
Queen Anne's Revenge - 36-40 gun guineaman; 280+ men
Adventure - 8-10 gun sloop
Revenge - 10-12 gun sloop
Charles Vane
Ranger - 6 gun sloop; 60 men
The Articles of Bartholomew Roberts' Crew
Every man shall have an equal vote in affairs of moment. He shall have an equal title to the fresh provisions or strong liquors at any time seized, and shall use them at pleasure unless a scarcity may make it necessary for the common good that a retrenchment may be voted.
Every man shall be called fairly in turn by the list on board of prizes, because over and above their proper share, they are allowed a shift of clothes. But if they defraud the company to the value of even one dollar in plate, jewels or money, they shall be marooned. If any man rob another he shall have his nose and ears slit, and be put ashore where he shall be sure to encounter hardships.
None shall game for money either with dice or cards.
The lights and candles should be put out at eight at night, and if any of the crew desire to drink after that hour they shall sit upon the open deck without lights.
Each man shall keep his piece, cutlass and pistols at all times clean and ready for action.
No boy or woman to be allowed amongst them. If any man shall be found seducing any of the latter sex and carrying her to sea in disguise he shall suffer death.
He that shall desert the ship or his quarters in time of battle shall be punished by death or marooning.
None shall strike another on board the ship, but every man's quarrel shall be ended on shore by sword or pistol in this manner. At the word of command from the quartermaster, each man being previously placed back to back, shall turn and fire immediately. If any man do not, the quartermaster shall knock the piece out of his hand. If both miss their aim they shall take to their cutlasses, and he that draweth first blood shall be declared the victor.
No man shall talk of breaking up their way of living till each has a share of f1,000. Every man who shall become a cripple or lose a limb in the service shall have 800 pieces of eight from the common stock and for lesser hurts proportionately.
The captain and the quartermaster shall each receive two shares of a prize, the master gunner and boatswain, one and one half shares, all other officers one and one quarter, and private gentlemen of fortune one share each.
The musicians shall have rest on the Sabbath Day only by right. On all other days by favour only.
The Articles of Captain George Lowther, & His Company
The Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master is to have one Share and a half; ?he Doctor, Mate, Gunner & Boatswain, one Share and a quarter.
He that shall be found Guilty of taking up any unlawful Weapon on Board the Privateer, or any Prize, by us taken, so as to strike or abuse one another, in any regard, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit
He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardize, in the Time of Engagement, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority shall think fit.
If any Gold, Jewels, Silver, &c. be found on Board of any Prize or Prizes, to the value of a Piece of Eight; & the Finder do not deliver it to the Quarter-Master, in the Space of 24 Hours, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority shall think fit.
He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding another to the Value of a Shilling, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit.
He that shall have the Misfortune to lose a Limb, in time of Engagement, shall have the sum of one hundred and fifty Pounds Sterling, and remain with the Company as long as he shall think fit.
Good Quarters be given when called for.
He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol, or Small-Arm, on Board her.
The Articles on Board the Revenge Under Captain John Phillips
Every Man shall obey civil Command; the Captain shall have one full Share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter.
If any Man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret from the Company, he shall be marroon'd, with one Bottle of Powder, one Bottle of Water, one small Arm, and Shot.
If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be marroon'd or shot.
If at any Time we should meet another Marroner that Man that shall sign his Articles without the Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Moses's Law (that is, 40 Stripes lacking one) on the bare Back.
That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without a Cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article.
That Man that shall not kep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and the Company shall think fit.
If any Man shall lose a Joint in time of an Engagement, shall have 400 Pieces of Eight; if a Limb, 800.
If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer present Death.
Please feel free to link to this site so that others can find it. It's easy to link to this site, just copy one of the texts below onto your web page:
Copyright © 2000-2011
