Quiz
Which iconic character from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel 'Treasure Island' is a pirate cook known for having a peg leg and a shoulder-perched parrot named Captain Flint?
Chapter 1
The golden age of piracy
Chapter 2
Global pirate rulers beyond the Caribbean
Chapter 3
Pirates in literature and myth
Chapter 4
Pirates in modern screen and pop culture
YOUR GOAL
Master of The world of pirates
Ch 3 · Pirates in literature and myth
schopenhauer The Pirate Accent
Every 'arr' we shout out loud— (Arr! Arr!) / Came from Robert Newton's West Country sound! (Yes it did!)
schopenhauer Real historical pirates rarely buried their treasure, preferring to spend it immediately in port.
schopenhauer The classic 'pirate talk' accent originates from a single British actor's 1950 film performance.
BETA
schopenhauer Test your pirate knowledge with Plunder & Ponder. Answer trivia questions about swashbuckling history, literature, and pop culture myths.
Fun Fact
Pirate accents: The classic pirate voice is not historical; it was invented in 1950 by actor Robert Newton playing Long John Silver.
Glossary
swashbuckler (noun)
A swaggering adventurer, swordsman, or protagonist in romantic, action-filled stories. Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel Treasure Island popularized this archetype for fictional sea robbers.
A swaggering adventurer, swordsman, or protagonist in romantic, action-filled stories. Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel Treasure Island popularized this archetype for fictional sea robbers.
Quiz
Why did actor Robert Newton use a strong West Country English accent in the 1950 film 'Treasure Island'?
Quiz
In the classic book 'Peter Pan,' what animal swallowed a clock and hunts Captain Hook?
Quiz
What famous pirate trope was popularized by the character Captain Flint in 'Treasure Island'?
Quiz
Which real-life friend of author Robert Louis Stevenson inspired the character of Long John Silver in 'Treasure Island'?
Quiz
Why did historical pirates actually wear eye patches, according to modern maritime theories?
Quiz
Which historical pirate is the only one actually documented to have buried treasure?