BLACKBEARD'S ENCHANTED WATERS

Blackbeard

Blackbeard the Pirate was the name by which Edward Teach (died 1718) was more generally known.  A legend tells how, after his final battle, when his head was cut off, it fell into the water and circled the ship seven times.  It was in fact hung from the bowsprit of one of the ships which had overcome him.

Blackbeard made his ships avoid what he termed 'enchanted waters'.  He himself claimed to have seen mermaids, which he reckoned to be bad luck.  Therefore, he avoided water in which he suspected them of dwelling.  The idea that mermaids were better avoided was widespread among sailors at the time.