One Piece and real-life pirates: Exploring the differences between historical pirates and manga

One Piece is a grand adventure story with a pirate theme, and is loved by readers all over the world. The adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Luffy, are attractive because they pursue freedom and dreams. But how are they different from real historical pirates? In this article, we will compare the pirates that appear in One Piece with real historical pirates, explore their differences and similarities, and consider how the story uniquely depicts the theme of pirates.

1. The reality of historical pirates

Definition of pirates Pirates are people who make a living by plundering at sea. Historically, piracy has been around for a long time, and the existence of pirates has been confirmed in the Mediterranean Sea before the Common Era. Pirates are considered to be outside of nations and laws, and their activities became particularly active during the Age of Discovery from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Pirate's purpose The main purpose of historical pirates was to plunder treasure. They made a living by attacking merchant ships and coastal towns and stealing money, goods, and valuables. Not only did they take gold and jewels, but they also captured food, clothing, and people as slaves. Pirates basically crossed the seas and fought to gain wealth and power.

Famous historical pirates

Blackbeard (Edward Teach): A feared pirate in the Caribbean in the early 18th century. Known for his large beard and intimidating appearance, he led the pirate ship "Queen Anne's Relay". His fame spread for his brutal acts and fear tactics.

Captain Kidd (William Kidd): Originally a private captain, he operated legally as a privateer, but gradually got involved in piracy. The legend that he had a treasure hidden somewhere still intrigues many people.

Anne Bonny: A female pirate from the 18th century who was based in the Caribbean. Her story of disguising herself as a man and operating as a pirate is very famous.

2. Pirate depictions in One Piece

Luffy's image of a pirate

Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece, is a character who continues his adventures to become the "Pirate King." His image of a pirate is very different from historical pirates, and he pursues "freedom" rather than plundering or dominating. For Luffy, a pirate is someone who follows the path he believes in without being bound by anyone, and his adventure is a journey to pursue his dreams with his friends.

The actions of the Straw Hat Pirates

Luffy's companions, the Straw Hat Pirates, also behave differently from historical pirates. They do not plunder others, but help people in need and stand up against oppression and evil. The pirates in One Piece are like righteous thieves and heroes, and have a sense of justice and friendship that resonates with readers.

The balance of good and evil

In the world of One Piece, pirates are not necessarily bad people, and the navy and government are not necessarily good. For example, the corruption of the government and the arrogance of the Celestial Dragons are depicted, and the concept of justice in the story is relativized by Luffy and the other pirates coming into conflict with them. The fact that pirates are not simply villains, but are depicted as beings with complex ethics adds depth to the work.

3. Pirate ships and crews: Differences between reality and One Piece

Historical pirate ships

Historically, pirate ships were valued for their maneuverability and attacking power. They were designed to be maneuverable and quickly approach enemy ships. Pirates often renovated and used plundered ships, strengthening their armaments. Crews were also made up of people from diverse backgrounds, and profit and survival were often prioritized over loyalty.

The Straw Hat Pirates' ship, the Thousand Sunny

The Straw Hat Pirates' ship, the Thousand Sunny, which appears in One Piece, is a state-of-the-art pirate ship designed by Franky. It has many unique features, such as a bow modeled after an animal's head, a flying ability called the Coo-Do Burst, and a submarine called the Shark Submerge No. 3. Such ships do not exist in real pirate ships, and are one of the elements that emphasize the fantasy nature of the work.

Relationships between crew members

The Straw Hat Crew is bound together by a very strong bond with Luffy at the center. Although each crew member has a different background, they are attracted to Luffy's personality and are determined to support his dream. Their relationship is like that of family, and they are depicted as trusting and helping each other. On the other hand, historical pirates prioritized the profits of plunder, and the relationships between crew members were often unstable.

4. Life and values ​​of pirates

The life of pirates in history

Real pirates lived a tough life. Life on the sea was harsh, and food shortages and disease were always present. In addition, betrayals and conflicts between pirates were not uncommon, and there was a strict hierarchy in which the strong dominated the weak. It can be said that their values ​​justified the use of force to gain wealth and power.

Life of pirates in One Piece

The pirates who appear in One Piece enjoy a free and adventurous life. They visit new islands, meet new companions, and face difficulties every day as they move towards the realization of their dreams. Their lives are more romantic and hopeful than the harshness of real pirates, and the fun and charm of being a pirate is emphasized.

Differences in values

Pirates in One Piece value personal freedom, dreams, and bonds with their companions. They follow their own beliefs and choose to forge their own path rather than seeking power or wealth. On the other hand, historical pirates were primarily motivated by plunder and survival, and acted with their own interests in mind. One Piece's image of pirates reflects modern values ​​that respect freedom.

5. Pirate symbols: Differences between One Piece and reality

Historical symbols

Historically, pirates were symbols of fear and chaos. They were outlaws on the sea, raiding merchant ships and coastal towns, plundering and destroying them. Their flag, the "Black Flag," was a symbol of death and fear, and the appearance of pirates always brought fear and chaos.

Symbols of pirates in One Piece

In One Piece, pirates are depicted as symbols of freedom and adventure. Luffy's straw hat is his trademark and symbolizes his free and adventurous personality. In addition, the skull mark on Luffy's flag is not a symbol of fear, but rather a symbol of chasing dreams with his friends.

What the difference in symbols creates

The symbol of pirates in One Piece represents freedom and hope, completely changing the image of fear and plunder that real pirates have. This makes the story have a different impact on readers, and it conveys a message about the purpose of life and the importance of human relationships beyond the scope of a simple adventure.

Summary

When comparing One Piece with real pirates, many differences become apparent. Real pirates were feared as outlaws whose purpose was plunder and survival, but pirates in One Piece are depicted as adventurers who pursue freedom and dreams. This difference provides readers with an opportunity to enjoy the theme of pirates from a new perspective, further enhancing the appeal of One Piece.

By understanding how One Piece reinterprets real pirates and finds new value in the story, we can reaffirm the diversity and appeal of pirates. Knowing the difference between historical pirates and manga pirates will make the world of One Piece deeper and richer.

References

One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha

The History of Pirates, David Cordingley

Episodes of the anime One Piece