Pirates have a reputation for being ruthless bloodthirsty killers and they certainly did get creative with the ways they offed people. Although some traditions may only be fictional tropes, pirates did developed some strange habits that made them infamous, like wearing earrings and eye patches. Just like the Vikings created odd rituals, pirates used codes to govern their lives on the high sea.

The pirate code was an agreement that marauders made with each other to establish a sort of law among the lawless. It ensured a certain amount of honor, like they could only fight their sailing mates on land. The informal pirate code also dictated pirate attire.

Pirate traditions include myths about a single item that could protect men from drowning, the best reason to wear an eye patch, and the secret behind Blackbeard’s greatest trick. Keep reading to learn more about their bizarre ways of life.