The Call of the Sea – Pirates Ahoy!

Female pirates – bravery at sea!

Have you ever heard of Blackbeard or Calico Jack? When you think of pirates, you might automatically think all pirates were men. However, there were also several female pirates. Read the short texts below to find out more!

A. Mary Read

Mary Read lived a life full of adventure. Born in England, she was raised as a boy by her family, who taught her to be strong and independent. Later, Mary joined the army, where she learned to fight. When she became a pirate, her bravery and skill in battle earned her respect. She joined the crew of Calico Jack and became close friends with another female pirate, Anne Bonny. Even when people discovered she was a woman, Mary was still admired for her courage. Her pirate career ended when her crew was captured, but her story remains inspiring.

B. Ching Shih

Ching Shih was a powerful pirate from China. She started as a worker on a ship but later married a pirate captain. After her husband died, she became the leader of his ships and made sure that more people joined them. Her crew had over 300 ships and tens of thousands of members. Ching Shih made strict rules to keep her pirates organised. Pirates who disobeyed orders could be punished. She was clever and defeated many enemies, even large navies. Unlike most pirates, Ching Shih retired peacefully and lived as a wealthy woman for the rest of her life.

C. Alwilda

Alwilda was a legendary Viking pirate known for her bravery and independence. According to the story, she was the daughter of a king who wanted her to marry a man she did not love. To avoid the marriage, Alwilda disguised herself as a man and escaped to sea. There she became a pirate. She gathered a crew of women who shared her desire for freedom, and together they attacked ships across the region. In one famous battle, she unknowingly fought her future husband. Impressed by each other’s courage they later married. While her story may be part legend, Alwilda’s tale is a symbol of strength and adventure.

D. Sayyida al-Hurra

Sayyida al-Hurra was both a queen and a pirate. She ruled the city of Tétouan in Morocco during the 16th century. After her husband was killed by foreign invaders, she wanted revenge. This pirate worked with another pirate against ships from other countries. She was also a smart ruler who made her city strong and safe. Sayyida was an excellent leader both on land and at sea, and her story is still remembered today.

E. Jacquotte Delahaye

Jacquotte Delahaye was a pirate from Haiti who became famous for her clever tricks. Her family was killed when she was young, so she became a pirate to survive. To escape her enemies, Jacquotte pretended that she was dead. This trick worked, and she earned the nickname “Back from the Dead Red”. Later, she led a group of pirates who created their own community on a small island. Jacquotte was known for being fair and dividing treasure equally among her crew. Her intelligence and bravery made her respected in the pirate world.