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Who was Jack Sparrow’s First Mate?

Jack Sparrow, the eccentric pirate captain brought to life by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, is known for his adventures on the high seas and his quest to reclaim the Black Pearl. Though Jack is clearly the star of the show, a great captain is only as good as his or her crew. So who was Jack Sparrow’s trusted first mate? Let’s dive into the history of the fictional yet charismatic Captain Jack to find out.

Jack Sparrow’s Backstory

Before we get into the first mate specifically, it’s worth providing some background on Jack Sparrow. Full name Captain Jack Sparrow, Jack was born in the Indian Ocean during a typhoon. He didn’t grow up with his parents, as his father, Edward Teague, was a pirate himself and was often away at sea. Jack grew up mostly in Shipwreck City in a community of outlaws.

As a young man, Jack joined the East India Trading Company. However, after refusing to participate in the slave trade, he was branded a pirate and defected. This started Jack down the pirate’s life path. His early pirate adventures included marooning Charles Vane on an island after Vane refused to split treasure fairly.

Jack’s luck changed when he made a deal with Davy Jones to resurrect his ship the Wicked Wench after it was attacked. This ship later became the infamous Black Pearl, which Jack lost for a time to his mutinous first mate Hector Barbossa. Much of the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie revolves around Jack’s attempts to reclaim the Pearl.

So while Jack Sparrow is the captain that steers the ship, he’s had various first mates over the years that have played a role on his voyages across the seven seas.

Joshamee Gibbs

For much of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Jack Sparrow’s first mate is Joshamee Gibbs. Gibbs is portrayed by Kevin McNally in the films. Introduced in The Curse of the Black Pearl, Gibbs is an experienced pirate himself who has sailed with some notoriety in the past.

Some key facts about Joshamee Gibbs:

  • Gibbs has been a pirate since at least the 1720s, and was sailing with Jack Sparrow even before Jack lost the Black Pearl.
  • He is wanted by the Royal Navy for acts of piracy and has been imprisoned multiple times.
  • Gibbs is superstitious and often warns Jack against bad omens, spirits, and witchcraft.
  • He is loyal to Jack and stands by his side, even when Jack’s outlandish plans go awry.
  • Gibbs played a crucial role in helping Jack put together crew members to take back the Black Pearl.

So in summary, Joshamee Gibbs functions as a classic first mate and quartermaster, responsible for handling the crew and sailing operations under Jack’s command. Jack relies heavily on Gibbs’ counsel and experience. This doesn’t always stop Jack from ignoring Gibbs’ warnings, however! Their rapport provides comic relief during the films as well.

Hector Barbossa

While Joshamee Gibbs is Jack’s first mate for the majority of the Pirates films, the role originally belonged to Hector Barbossa. Portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, Barbossa is the main antagonist of The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Key facts about Hector Barbossa:

  • He was Jack’s first mate on the Black Pearl before leading a mutiny against Jack.
  • After marooning Jack on an island, Barbossa became captain of the Pearl and pursued treasure from the cursed Chest of Cortés.
  • This treasure cursed Barbossa and his crew to live as undead skeletal ghosts, which led them to search for a way to break the curse.
  • Barbossa loses the Pearl back to Jack over the course of the first film.
  • He later returns as an uneasy ally to Jack in subsequent movies, while still pursuing his own agenda for power and treasure.

So while Barbossa betrayal makes it unlikely he’ll ever be first mate to Jack again, he did occupy that position originally. This led to Barbossa commandeering the Pearl and setting Jack off on his quest to reclaim his ship. Their rivalry is a recurring subplot throughout the films.

Other Potential First Mates

While Gibbs and Barbossa are the two most prominent first mates from the movies, Jack Sparrow has had other potential candidates for the role over the years in both films and other Pirate media:

  • Anamaria – A female pirate who slaps Jack and then joins the quest for the Pearl. Jack promises her the Interceptor to replace a ship he stole from her.
  • Pintel and Ragetti – This comic duo helped Barbossa mutiny against Jack. They serve under whoever holds the Pearl.
  • Elizabeth Swann – Although more of a pirate in training than a first mate, Elizabeth joins Jack on several adventures and gains his respect.
  • William “Bootstrap Bill” Turner – Jack’s only mention of him as first mate comes under duress, but Bootstrap serves aboard the Black Pearl before the mutiny.
  • Jack the Monkey – Okay, not exactly a viable first mate candidate. But he’s a loyal companion to Barbossa and one of the few who sticks with the Pearl over the years.

Jack’s Preferred Traits in a First Mate

While Jack has a fluctuating crew and doesn’t always intentionally choose his first mate, we can pick up on some traits he prefers based on those who fill the role:

  • Experience – Both Gibbs and Barbossa were seasoned pirates before becoming Jack’s first mate. He expects them to know the ropes.
  • Organization – Handling crew, supplies, and sailing operations requires discipline. Gibbs is well-suited for this.
  • Observation – Paying attention, keeping Jack informed, and warning about threats is crucial. Gibbs keeps an eye out.
  • Independence – A first mate needs to think on their feet when Jack is unavailable or indisposed. They have to take initiative.
  • Boldness – Whether raiding a ship or facing mythical dangers, timidity doesn’t suit a pirate first mate. They need spirit.

While Jack and his first mates don’t always see eye to eye, these are useful qualities for a successful partnership. And Jack Sparrow, eccentric as he is, has forged impressive milestones with his first mates over the years they’ve sailed together.

Final Thoughts

In closing, Joshamee Gibbs can be considered Jack Sparrow’s official first mate that sticks with him through multiple adventures and proven loyalty. The gruff but amusing Gibbs handles sailing operations and counsels Jack, even if that advice lands on deaf ears.

Hector Barbossa betrayed Jack as first mate, but did helm the Black Pearl alongside Jack before their falling out. Other potential candidates have helped Jack along the way, but he heavily relies on his quartermasters Gibbs and Barbossa. A good first mate helps an eccentric captain like Jack achieve the improbable on the high seas.