One of the most popular film franchises of the 21st century, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” were unabashed popcorn blockbuster crowd-pleasers.
As the series progressed, however, the writers seemed to grow lazier in terms of connecting pre-established lore with newer storylines, often frustrating fans in the process. It can be hard to re-watch the films now, with some plot contrivances requiring long-winded explanations, others gigantic leaps in logic, and still more (perhaps) explainable via fan theories.
If you know such explanations, it can make the films substantially less frustrating. With this in mind, below are a list of the most confusing moments from the “Pirates” films, as well as the best attempts to explain whats going on. With any luck, this will make the films a bit more enjoyable for your re-watch. Full sail ahead!
History[]
In the days of myth and legend, the beautiful Calypso, daughter of Atlas, ruled the wine-dark seas, and all sailors everywhere both loved and feared her.
But because she too had mortal blood, Calypso fell in love with a young sailor, named Davy Jones. And she rewarded that love by giving Davy Jones the sacred task of collecting all the poor souls who died at sea, and ferrying them to the worlds beyond.
Now, because of that love, Davy Jones agreed to set foot on dry land once every ten years. And if this love was true to him, his task would be complete, and a new Captain of the Dutchman would be found.
But whenever Davy Jones came ashore, Calypso was nowhere to be found, for the seas are fickle and unpredictable, as was the powerful goddess who ruled that domain.
So, when the men of the sea – the Pirate Brethren – convened a great Conclave, Davy Jones plotted with them to tear the rule of the seas away from Calypso. With his help, the Brethren tricked the goddess and imprisoned her into the body of a mortal woman.
Soon Davy Jones grief and guilt at what he had done became so great, he ripped his own heart – a heart that had betrayed him – right out of his chest, and locked it away. He then returned to the seven seas; only now sailors everywhere would fear him to the death, for Davy Jones had turned fierce and cruel, with an insatiable taste for all things brutal.
But then an ambitious mortal, who himself wished to rule the seas, came into possession of the hidden beating heart of Davy Jones. And this mortal knew that he could use that heart to make Davy Jones do his bidding.
Soon an ancient and horrible creature of the darkest deep – known as the Kraken – appeared upon those seas. And this terrible beast brought the master of the Flying Dutchman ever more souls onto his cursed ship, dead sailors forever impressed into servitude.
Now those Pirate Lords grew ever more fearful. But when they convened again, they only argued and fought among themselves, so afraid were they of Calypsos anger at their treachery.
But one of the brethren did not wait for agreement. Tricked by the goddess herself, he took all the tokens of their betrayal, the powerful items that had imprisoned Calypso…and he then undid the spell that bound her to mortal flesh. Now the goddess was free – and her wrath indeed became horrible to behold, and even worse to experience.
The enraged goddess Calypso gathered the waters of the ocean around herself in a giant whirlpool – a massive maelstrom – and a battle raged at the center of it. And it was in that very battle that Davy Jones heart was pierced and he died, finally free for all eternity.
With his death, Davy Jones was welcomed back into the dark embrace of the seas; for Calypso in her own way still loved him. And his ship, the Flying Dutchman, received a new captain, and all was as it was meant to be.[1]
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Accordingly, Did Tia Dalma know she was Calypso?
Tia Dalma tells the group the story of Davy Jones and Calypso, but does not reveal her identity. While caressing her locket, she reminisces that Jones was once human. Later, it is revealed that Tia Dalma is Calypso, bound into human form.
Why doesn’t Will die when his curse is lifted?
The entire plot of 2017s “Dead Men” involves Wills son Henry (Brenton Thwaites) searching for the trident of Poseidon as a means to free his father from the Flying Dutchman. The trident contains all the magical spells and curses of the ocean. One need only destroy the magical relic to release cursed individuals such as Will from their magical bonds. By films end, our heroes accomplish their mission, Will reunites with Elizabeth and the world is as it should be.
Except, in 2007s “At Worlds End,” Wills heart was removed from his body as part of the ritual necessary to bind him to the Flying Dutchman. So, in theory, if Poseidons trident is destroyed, shouldnt Will drop dead on the spot, as a result of not having a heart inside his body?
There are a couple of interesting theories floating around the internet about this very plot point, but perhaps the best comes via TVTropes.com.
“Salazars undead crew grew back body parts after the curse was lifted,” the site speculates. “We can assume the same thing happened to Will.”
Indeed, the finale of “Dead Men” sees the trident broken by Henry and Jack, thus returning mortality to Salazars mates on the spot. So, it stands to reason that Wills heart magically regenerated itself inside him once the curse was lifted, resulting in his happily ever after. Lets just hope he was above water at the time.
FAQ
Why was Davy Jones mad at Calypso?
Did Calypso break Davy Jones heart?
What did Calypso say when she was freed?
