Ep 18. She-Pirates

In season 1 episode 18 of The Real History of Pirates, titled "She-Pirates," viewers are taken on a journey through the stories of the formidable female pirates of the past. From Anne Bonny and Mary Read to Ching Shih and Grace O'Malley, these women defied societal expectations and proved themselves to be just as ruthless and skilled as their male counterparts.

The episode begins with a discussion of the limited roles available to women in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the maritime world. However, it quickly becomes clear that there were exceptions to this rule, and that some women were able to seize power and break free from traditional gender roles by becoming pirates.

The first woman highlighted in the episode is Anne Bonny, who was notorious for her wild behavior and fierce loyalty to her crew. She is said to have dressed as a man to gain access to pirate circles, and eventually joined forces with the infamous pirate Calico Jack Rackham. Despite her impressive skills and reputation, she was eventually captured and sentenced to hang, but her sentence was commuted due to her pregnancy.

Mary Read is another fascinating figure explored in "She-Pirates." Like Bonny, she also cross-dressed to blend in with pirate crews, and was known for her bravery and fierce fighting abilities. She and Bonny fought together on Rackham's ship, and were both captured and sentenced to death. Unlike Bonny, however, Mary died in prison before her sentence could be carried out.

Other featured pirates include Ching Shih, who is considered the most successful pirate in history with a fleet of over 300 ships and a crew of tens of thousands, and Grace O'Malley, an Irish pirate queen who controlled the seas off the west coast of Ireland and was known for her political savvy and cunning.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by these female pirates, who had to fight harder than their male peers to be taken seriously and earn respect. They also had to grapple with the added dangers and risks of being women in a notoriously violent and unforgiving world.

Despite these challenges, however, the women showcased in "She-Pirates" proved to be forces to be reckoned with. They defied social norms and expectations, carving out their own paths and cementing their legacies as some of the most formidable pirates in history.

Overall, "She-Pirates" is a fascinating and enlightening episode that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of pirate history. It is a tribute to the women who dared to break free from societal constraints and forge their own destinies on the high seas.