While many famous pirate legends are true, there are so many that are untrue. Pirates are stereotyped because many people think they were heartless, dreadful men who made people walk off the plank. Reality is, these and many other myths are purely fictional and were created by filmmakers. I hope after reading these few known legends and understanding the truth, your pirate adventure will be clearer.

Myth number 1: Did pirates make people walk the plank?

Pirates did not make people walk the plank. Historical accounts of them doing this are rare and fictional.

Myth number 2: Did pirates pierce their ears?

Yes. Some believed it improved eyesight and the gold in an earring would pay for final expenses if needed.

 

Myth number 3: Did “X” mark the spot?

This is entirely fiction. Maps with an “X” marking in the location of buried treasure is mostly found in stories and movies.

Myth number 4: Did pirates maroon people?

Marooning other pirates was very common. It was usually a method used to punish other pirates who did not obey the pirate code.


Myth number 5: Did pirates have parrots as pets?

Some pirates kept parrots, but they were mostly used to bribe officials. Cats were kept as pets more commonly than parrots.

Myth number 6: Did pirates have wooden legs?

Surprisingly, yes. Pirates were often injured and sometimes attacked and the loss of limbs was frequent. Since medical help was not available at the time, peg legs were the last resort.

Myth number 7: Was the “Black Spot” fact or fiction?

The “Black Spot” as seen in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean is a spot that would show when the captain was going to be replaced. This is purely fiction. No such thing could show up on a person’s hand.

Myth number 8: Did pirates use the phrase “Arg”?

Typically pirates did not use this phrase.

Myth number 9: Was the cross-bone and skull a sign of death?

Yes. The famous pirate sign, often found on flags, represented death.

Myth number 10: Did pirates really wear eye patches?