8. Appearances Make the Man
Blackbeard’s fame and notoriety are due in large part to his looks. His appearance was notable and terrifying, with his most defining feature being the thick and long black beard from which he derived his nickname. He was in the habit of tying it in braids, each decorated with ribbons.
Blackbeard further enhanced his ferocious image by slinging six pistols across his chest, thrusting a variety of knives and daggers in his belt and, wielding a wicked looking cutlass. To top it off, he attached slow burning matches to his beard, which sputtered and emitted thick smoke, and made him appear even more demonic. It was a psychologically effective display: many ships surrendered at first sight of the ferocious, crazy looking, bearded, and smoke spewing pirate.