The female characters in popular narratives about pirate raids: between fear and courage

Abstract

Over the centuries, pirates and corsairs devastated the Mediterranean Sea and its shores. Ships full of armed men willing to steal goods and kidnap people to be sold as slaves or rescued often arrived in the Balearic Islands. The islanders had to develop surveillance and protection strategies. In a predominantly male environment, women were also victims of attacks and kidnappings. This article examines popular narratives dealing with this topic and specifically points to the role of women. It is divided into three parts: women’s self-defence, abducted women, and the setbacks of enslaved women who develop strategies to survive and free themselves to return to the islands. I come to the conclusion that women play a very active role in these stories, portraying their courage and reactive capacity in the face of hostility. With less physical strength and without conventional weapons, women put their imagination, skill and courage into play to overcome difficulties.