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Fame from West to West: How Dread Pirate Roberts Used Fame to Conquer the Oceans
In the novel The Princess Bride and its 1987 film adaptation, "Dread Pirate Roberts" is an assumed identity for several characters. The name was passed down through a series of different pirates, each using its fame to intimidate their enemies, and when they had amassed enough wealth, they would retire and secretly pass the name on to the next successor.
Known for his ruthlessness and mastery of a sword, the Dread Pirate Robards is a feared presence across the seven seas.
During the course of the story, the reader will discover that this is not just one identity at all, but a series of individual alternations. When a pirate boss decided to retire, he would enter the port with his chosen successor and dismiss the old crew, then recruit new ones. The former boss stayed on board as the "first officer" and called his successor "Captain Robards". This method ensured the continuation of the pirate's reputation, allowing the new heir to immediately use the reputation to fight on the sea.
The protagonist Wesley is captured by the Dread Pirate Robards while searching for his fortune and is reported dead. While the other passengers were crying and bribing to survive, Wesley only begged Robards not to kill him. The word "please" aroused Robards' interest, and he immediately asked, "Why should I spare your life?"
Wesley then describes his plans to reunite with his true love, Buttercup, which moves Robards so much that he eventually hires him as his personal waiter.
Over the next three years, Wesley and Robards developed a deep relationship, and Robards even promoted Wesley to his deputy. Over time, Robards revealed to Wesley that "The Dread Pirate Robards" was just an alias he inherited, and that his real name was Ryan. The former pirate boss further explained how this identity worked. When he went out to sea under the name "The Dread Pirate Robards", it would cause great fear in other ships, and they would even surrender before being attacked. Save your own life.
When pirates sail under their own names, they often fail to achieve such fame and authority. This is why Wesley planned to invade the castle as a surprise attack before Buttercup's wedding, because he knew the power of fear could promote success. During this invasion, the giant Fezzik disguised himself as Robards to strike fear into the castle guards, greatly increasing the chances of success for the attack.
Retirement and inheritance
At the end of the story, Wesley states that he plans to retire after reuniting with Buttercop. In the film, he suggests Ingo Montoya might take over. However, in the novel, there is no mention of who will inherit the title of "The Terrible Pirate Robards". In the first chapter of the new book, Buttercop's Baby, it is revealed that Pierre, who is mentioned in the novel, will manage the pirate ship "Revenge" during Wesley's absence and is seen as a successor. But in the end, it was not clear who would officially inherit this title.
People with this title
The names of the Dread Pirate Robards include the original Robards, Ryan, Wesley, and possible successors Ingo Montoya and Pierre.
In the film, there is no mention of Cluny or Pierre, and Wesley does not specify how many people held the title between the original Robards and Carmen Brand.
Other similar users
In addition to the fictional plot, the real Ross Ulbricht also used "The Dread Pirate Robards" as the pseudonym for his black market trading platform "Silk Road". This phenomenon shows how art affects reality, because after the original website was shut down by US law enforcement agencies, someone reopened "Silk Road" and claimed to be "The Terrible Pirate Robards." John Hyatt also used the name in his song "Only the Song Survives", further broadening its cultural significance.
How many other characters are similarly trying to use fame to gain power and influence?
