Long before piracy also included digital downloading, there was one seafaring villain that stormed the waters as a pirating menace - both a master and commander of legendary tales that never, never will be forgotten, this classic character and his trademark prosthesis are known across the oceans. Captain Hook has been featured in countless adventures ranging from children’s fairy tales to books of mature malevolence. In his literary history, Hook has been a comedic foil as well as a romantic rogue, but where did his origin truly begin?
J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play, Peter Pan, introduced Captain James Hook to the world, serving as the primary antagonist to the “Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” Hook commanded the Jolly Roger, seeking treasure but always on the lookout for the crocodile that ate his hand (after initially losing it to Peter Pan in an ill-fated sword fight per different iterations). Barrie’s inspiration for the iconic villain was derived from different sources and other literary works. Hook’s fear of the croc (named “Tick Tock” by Disney) was said to be akin to Ahab in Moby Dick. Barrie was quoted as saying that Hook isn’t the character’s real name, leading to speculation that the pirate was modeled after a crewman under the command of another famous captain, Blackbeard—or that Hook is purely a fictitious invention, at least partially based on a character named Barbecue a.k.a. Long John Silver from Treasure Island. A sixteenth-century English sea captain named Christopher Newport also had a hook for a hand, deepening the mystery.
The swashbuckling evildoer was introduced later in Peter Pan’s history - Peter himself first appeared in a story within a story in the 1902 novel The Little White Bird, also written by Barrie. The aforementioned play would be released as the novelization Peter and Wendy in 1911, providing even more readers an introduction to all the legendary characters including Hook. In these early stages of the creation of Pan’s world, Hook would often represent the paternal policing of fun - parents were the jailers, joy-stoppers, and destroyers of make believe after all. Throughout the decades, fans and historians alike have also theorized that Hook embodies the adult version of Peter himself, channeling the fear of maturing into a bitter and boring grownup.
The buccaneer baddie’s origins have undergone seachanges over the years, and one such twist in the myth has Hook as a former Lost Boy. Peter Pan’s merry band of Neverland miscreants share his distaste for growing up, and some decidedly different takes on Hook’s early era has him as Peter’s bestie. The two had a falling out involving a disagreement mainly regarding how Hook missed his family. The two disputed, sparking the catalyst of the quarrel but it ended in Hook sailing off, only to be found by Mr. Smee. Whisked away into a new world, Hook was raised to adulthood by pirates and he rose up their ranks. One constant that shows up in the majority of the incarnations is Hook’s obsession with vengeance - revenge for either being banished by Peter (or so he claims), or the loss of an appendage. Regardless, Captain Hook’s quest for maritime justice sees him return again and again, searching for Peter and the Lost Boys.
The aforementioned Christopher Newport bore numerous similarities to Hook, and chiefly among the summaries is, of course, the prosthetic appendage. In addition to being a fierce commander who led numerous attacks on Spanish ships, Newport also served the monarchy with intense loyalty. By the bidding of King James I, Newport captured two baby crocodiles in order to satisfy the king’s fascination with exotic beasts. It is no doubt that this bit of legend inspired the dreaded rivalry between Hook and Tick Tock the croc.
Several actors and performers have taken on the role of this famous villain in an abundance of productions, including: Dustin Hoffman, Boris Karloff, Ernest Torrence, Tom Hiddleston, Stanley Tucci, Hans Conried, Cyril Ritchard, Jude Law, Iain Glen, Jason Isaacs, Corey Burton, Tim Curry, Christopher Walken, Ian McShane, Rhys Ifans, Paul Schoeffler, Tom Waits, Danny Kaye, Aleksandr Trofimov, Joshua Colley, Gary Kelley, Tim Potter, Chikao Ohtsuka, Garrett Hedlund, Colin O’Donoghue, and David Gyasi. Needless to say, Hook is a timeless character that has inspired generations across the globe.
Hook’s legacy will live on well into the ever expanding waters of legend and lore, and his quest for vengeance will echo for eternity - as long as people still believe.
Villain ranking: DASTARDLY
Captain Hook is the epitome of the lovable rogue yet remains as dangerous as the seven seas themselves.
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