Kree kruh vergo, gebba kalto kree!

Aarrr! Shiver me timbers, it's Talk Like a Pirate Day, ye scurvy dogs! So here're some links about the bloodthirstiest blackguard of all time. And if anyone says otherwise, I'll keelhaul ye, spit ye on me cutlass, and feed yer bits to th' sharks!

I don't know how many people can say they have a favorite pirate, but ever since I read a book about pirates when I was in fifth grade, I can say I have had a favorite pirate. Sure, he was a bloodthirsty s.o.b. who undoubtedly was responsible for the murder of hundreds of innocent people, but, well, reading about him still fascinates me.

A short biography of Edward Teach:

Edward "Blackbeard" Teach was undoubtedly was one the most feared and most despised pirates of all time. Edward Teach is thought to have lived in England before his pirate career, although his exact origins are unknown. He was named "Blackbeard", for his large black beard that almost covered his entire face. To strike terror in the hearts of his enemies Blackbeard would weave hemp into his hair, and light it during battle. Edward Teach was an unusually large man, carrying two swords, numerous knives, and pistols--he was feared by his own crew.

At the sight of this pirate, many of his victims were quick to surrender without a fight. If they did, he would often times just take their valuables, rum, and weapons--allowing them to sail away. However, if the vessel resisted capture, he would either kill the crew, or maroon them. Blackbeard needed to maintain his devilish image in order to maintain the respect of his crew (very few members of the crew doubted that he was the devil himself, very few didn't fear him, and therefore they obeyed him).

The death of Edward Teach:

Maynard attacked; a volley of shot crippled the Adventure by bringing down sails and masts. Maynard had craftily hidden most of his men below decks, so as the two boats ran together Blackbeard boarded with 10 of his pirates thinking the crew were wiped out by his earlier fire. A life and death struggle ensued as the hidden crew streamed up through the hatches hacking at Blackbeard's men and knocking them down in their wake. Maynard and Blackbeard were soon involved in a desperate struggle. Maynard, wounded by Blackbeard's cutlass, fired his pistol at the Pirate at point blank range. Although wounded Blackbeard continued to fight, and was attacked by several of the sailors who slashed at his face and hands. A Highlander from the Jane joined the fight and set about Blackbeard with his broadsword. The first blow cut Blackbeard's neck, and he cried out "Well done lad." The second mighty blow took off the Pirate's head.

The crew of the Adventure continued to fight for their lives but the Ranger finally rallied and got back into the battle. Despite the desperate fight of the pirates the battle was soon over and a number of prisoners taken, the Adventure was secured with its decks running in blood.

The battle could have had a different ending, Blackbeard had ordered one of his crew to blow up the powder magazine if the boat was taken, fortunately for the survivors one of his less determined shipmates stopped him. The battle was over. It was rumoured that Blackbeard's headless body ran amok and jumped into the water swimming around the ship. Whatever the truth of these tales Maynard sailed home with Blackbeard's head on a pole.

Many accounts say that Blackbeard finally died with 5 bullets in him as well as numerous sword wounds. I guess what I like best about Mr. Teach is his attitude:

"Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters, or take any from you."

Pieces of eight!