Ahoy, matey! When we think of pirates, images of swashbuckling adventurers, buried treasure, and eye-patched rogues often come to mind—thanks in large part to Hollywood. But the real history of pirates is far more bizarre and fascinating than any blockbuster could portray. From democratic ship rules to bizarre superstitions, pirates lived by a code that was often stranger than fiction.
Here are five little-known facts about pirates that might just blow your mind.
1. Pirates Had Their Own Form of Workers’ Compensation
Forget the ruthless cutthroats of legend—many pirate crews operated under surprisingly fair labor practices. The infamous pirate code (yes, they had one!) often included compensation for injuries sustained in battle.
- Lost a limb? You’d get extra shares of treasure.
- Lost an eye? Some crews awarded a cash bonus.
- Severely wounded? You might retire with a portion of the loot.
These rules weren’t just about kindness—they were practical. Keeping morale high meant fewer mutinies and a more loyal crew.
2. Pirates Were Early Adopters of Democracy
Long before modern democracies took shape, pirate ships were run like floating republics. Captains were elected by the crew and could be voted out if they made poor decisions.
- Major decisions—like where to sail or which ships to attack—were put to a vote.
- Power was distributed—the quartermaster often had as much authority as the captain in non-combat matters.
- Equality mattered—many pirate crews were racially integrated, a rarity in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In some cases, pirate ships were more democratic than the governments of the countries hunting them down.
3. They Had Bizarre Superstitions (Including a Fear of Whistling)
Pirates were deeply superstitious, and their beliefs often dictated their behavior in strange ways.
- No whistling on board—it was thought to “whistle up a storm.”
- Bananas were bad luck—some crews refused to carry them, fearing they’d bring disease or disaster.
- Redheads were lucky—but only if they were alive. Meeting a redhead before a voyage was good; meeting one after setting sail was bad.
Some pirates even believed that a woman on board would anger the sea gods—though plenty of female pirates like Anne Bonny and Mary Read proved that myth wrong.
4. Pirates Invented Early Versions of Disability Insurance
As mentioned earlier, pirates had a system for compensating injured crew members. But some crews took it even further.
- The “Pirate Pension”—severely wounded pirates were sometimes given a lump sum or allowed to retire on a captured ship.
- Prosthetics were common—wooden legs and hooks weren’t just for show; they were practical solutions for battle injuries.
- No one left behind—unlike navy ships, which often abandoned injured sailors, pirates took care of their own.
This sense of brotherhood (or sisterhood, in some cases) made pirate crews fiercely loyal.
5. Many Pirates Were Actually Hired by Governments
Not all pirates were outlaws—some were privateers, legally sanctioned by governments to attack enemy ships.
- Sir Francis Drake—one of England’s most famous privateers, knighted by Queen Elizabeth I.
- The Golden Age of Piracy—many pirates started as privateers before going rogue when wars ended.
- Piracy as foreign policy—countries like England and Spain often used pirates as unofficial naval forces.
In some cases, pirates were seen as heroes—at least until they turned on their sponsors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did pirates really make people walk the plank? A: Probably not. While it makes for great drama, historical records suggest pirates preferred quicker methods—like marooning or outright execution.
Q: Were there really female pirates? A: Absolutely! Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Ching Shih (a Chinese pirate queen) were some of the most feared pirates in history.
Q: Did pirates bury treasure? A: Rarely. Most pirates spent their loot as fast as they stole it. The myth of buried treasure likely comes from a few famous cases, like Captain Kidd’s hidden stash.
Q: Why did pirates wear earrings? A: Some believed gold earrings improved eyesight, while others wore them as insurance—if they died far from home, the jewelry could pay for a proper burial.
Final Thoughts
Pirates weren’t just lawless bandits—they were complex figures with their own codes, superstitions, and even progressive social structures. The next time you see a pirate movie, remember: the truth was often weirder than the fiction.
So, what’s the strangest pirate fact you’ve heard? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!