Unmasking the Pirate: Mary Read in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
The female pirate featured in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is Mary Read. While initially presented as James Kidd, the supposed illegitimate son of the infamous Captain William Kidd, the game later reveals her true identity. This depiction draws upon the historical figure of Mary Read, a real-life female pirate who famously disguised herself as a man. Her portrayal in Black Flag is a fictionalized take on her life, adding her to the ranks of the Assassin Order and weaving her into the game’s broader narrative.
The Historical Mary Read vs. The Assassin’s Creed Interpretation
The historical Mary Read’s life is already shrouded in a blend of fact and legend. Born in England in the late 17th century, she was reportedly raised as a boy by her mother to continue receiving financial support from her late husband’s family. This early experience set the stage for a life of disguise and adventure. She served in the British Army dressed as a man before eventually finding her way to the Caribbean and embracing piracy.
Black Flag takes this foundation and embellishes it with the familiar Assassin’s Creed lore. In the game, Mary Read, as James Kidd, acts as a mentor and ally to the protagonist, Edward Kenway. She guides him, imparts valuable skills, and introduces him to the Assassin Order. The reveal of her true gender is a significant plot point, adding depth and complexity to her character.
Why Mary Read Matters in Black Flag
Mary Read’s inclusion in Black Flag is significant for several reasons:
- Representation: She provides much-needed representation of female pirates in a genre often dominated by male figures.
- Historical Context: She grounds the game in historical reality, even within its fictional framework.
- Character Development: Her relationship with Edward Kenway allows for compelling character development and moral exploration.
- Thematic Resonance: Her life of disguise and rebellion resonates with the game’s themes of freedom, identity, and challenging societal norms.
Mary Read isn’t just a token female character; she plays a crucial role in the narrative, contributing to the richness and depth of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Mary Read in real life?
Mary Read (1685 – 28 April 1721) was an English pirate who, along with Anne Bonny, became a legendary female pirate. She is known for disguising herself as a man and living a life of adventure on the high seas.
What is Mary Read’s role in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Mary Read is a character who initially appears as James Kidd, the supposed illegitimate son of Captain William Kidd. She is a member of the Assassin Order and serves as a mentor to Edward Kenway.
Is Captain Kidd a woman in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
No, Captain William Kidd is not a woman in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. The character who pretends to be his son, James Kidd, is actually Mary Read in disguise.
Is Anne Bonny in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
Yes, Anne Bonny is a character in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. She is depicted as a bar wench in Nassau, who becomes a pirate and the second quartermaster on Edward Kenway’s ship, the Jackdaw. She is another prominent female pirate figure.
Is Kidd from Black Flag a boy or a girl?
Initially, Kidd (James Kidd) is presented as a boy. However, it is later revealed that James Kidd is actually Mary Read, a woman disguised as a man.
Who voiced Mary Read in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
Olivia Morgan voiced the character of Mary Read / James Kidd in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
What happened to Mary Read’s child in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
The fate of Mary Read’s child is not explicitly shown in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag and is a great historical mystery. It is mentioned that the authorities took the child away, and its whereabouts remain unknown.
Who is the main villain in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
There are two main antagonists: Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts (a Sage) and Laureano de Torres y Ayala.
What happened to Olivier Garneau in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
Olivier Garneau disappears after the events of Black Flag. It is revealed in Assassin’s Creed Origins that he was later killed by a fixer, likely hired by the Assassin Brotherhood.
How much of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is historically accurate?
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a fictionalized account of real events during the Golden Age of Piracy. While the game includes real historical figures and events, it takes creative liberties with the narrative and character portrayals to fit within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Was there ever a female pirate captain in real life?
Yes, there were several female pirate captains in real life. Some notable examples include Ching Shih, who commanded a vast pirate fleet, and Grace O’Malley, an Irish pirate queen. These women demonstrated remarkable leadership and skill in a male-dominated world.
What do pirates call women in general?
Pirates often used the term “wench” to refer to women. While not always derogatory, it was commonly used, especially in fictional portrayals of pirates.
Did Edward Kenway have a love interest in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
Yes, Edward Kenway had a love interest in Caroline Scott. He later has a relationship with Tessa Steiner and has a child with her named Jennifer Scott.
Is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag appropriate for all ages?
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag contains mature themes, including violence, suggestive content, and references to prostitution and rape. It is generally not considered appropriate for younger audiences.
What is the Assassin’s Creed series about?
The Assassin’s Creed series tells the story of a millennia-old conflict between the Assassins, who fight for peace and free will, and the Templars, who desire peace through control. The games are set in various historical periods and blend historical events with fictional elements.
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Mary Read’s character in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag offers a compelling blend of historical intrigue and fictional storytelling. Her representation as a strong, capable female pirate, albeit disguised as a man, resonates with the game’s themes of freedom and rebellion, and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to maritime history.