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"I told ya! The name's Gibbs! Joshamee Gibbs!"
―Joshamee Gibbs[src]

Joshamee Gibbs was the longtime comrade and devoted First Mate of Captain Jack Sparrow. Teller of tales, handy with a bottle, this veteran sea dog was truly a skillful sailor who cleverly navigated his way through many deadly situations. The often-soused but always reliable Gibbs had an encyclopedic knowledge in all manner of pirate lore of the seven seas and an epicurean taste for rum.

Once a sailor in His Majesty's Royal Navy, and later an enthusiastic pirate, Joshamee Gibbs was a superstitious man who knew his way across every ocean, and into every pub. Gibbs was Jack Sparrow's most trusted comrade, one who cared as much about the Black Pearl as Jack himself did. On several occasions, Gibbs served under Jack's nemesis and rival, Hector Barbossa, but was never truly loyal to him compared to his true loyalty to Jack. Gibbs had an endless capacity to forgive, necessary when he sailed with Jack Sparrow, but lived a pirate's life and followed the Pirate's Code.

Biography[]

Early life[]

"Joshamee... we all know how much you love your rum and the ability to trade it."
"I do love it. And I love the doubloons it brings me just as well.
"
Edward Teague and Joshamee Gibbs[src]

Not much is known of Gibbs' early life, but it is known that Gibbs started sailing with the British Royal Navy in his younger days.[3][4] At some point in Jack Sparrow's teenage years, Jack and his father Edward Teague were captured by the Royal Navy. Gibbs, being friends with Teague, secretly helped them to escape their cells, being able to do this only because he was a sailor in the Royal Navy.[5] However, he was very lenient to pirates as he wanted to keep the rum supply he was getting from them going.

A Voyage from England[]

Mister Gibbs

Gibbs on board the HMS Dauntless.

"It's bad luck to be singin' about pirates with us mired in this unnatural fog, mark my words."
―Joshamee Gibbs to James Norrington[src]

Serving as a sailor of the Royal Navy, Gibbs was stationed aboard the HMS Dauntless during its voyage from England to the Caribbean, carrying Weatherby Swann and his twelve year old daughter, Elizabeth, to Port Royal. Along the way, they encountered a wrecked vessel, and Gibbs voiced the opinion that it was the result of a pirate attack. Elizabeth became acquainted enough with Gibbs to recognize him on sight many years later. Ironically, while serving on the Dauntless, Gibbs was superstitious of pirates, even going as far to tell Elizabeth to stop singing a pirate song because it will supposedly invoke pirates upon them.[6]

Gibbs remained with the Royal Navy for a while, though at some point over the next eight years, Gibbs turned to piracy. How he left the Navy is unknown, though it could have been either Gibbs deserted his post[3] or that it was Jack Sparrow who persuaded Gibbs to turn pirate.[4] It's also likely that he became so scared with pirates that he concluded that the only way to overcome his fear was turning into one of them.[7] By this point, Gibbs had known Jack well enough to be able to relate much of the man's life story and misadventures prior to his going after the treasure of the Isla de Muerta aboard the Black Pearl.[8] He also became aware of the curse that afflicted those who removed the Aztec gold, and was aware of Sparrow's attempts to retake the Pearl following a mutiny led by Hector Barbossa.[6]

Jack's First Mate[]

Isla de Muerta[]

"I'm going after the Black Pearl...I know where it's going to be, and I'm gonna take it."
"Jack, it's a fool's errand. You know better than me the tales of the
Black Pearl."
"That's why I know what Barbossa is up to. All I need is a crew."
"From what I hear tell of Captain Barbossa, he's not a man to suffer fools, nor strike a bargain with one."
"Well, then I'd say it's a very good thing I'm not a fool, then, eh?
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
Gibbs with the pigs

Gibbs in the Tortuga piggery.

When Jack and Joshamee next met, Gibbs was down on his luck, and started sleeping with pigs outside the Faithful Bride in Tortuga. Accompanied by Will Turner, Jack joined Gibbs for a drink, where he agreed to help round up a crew after learning of Jack's plan to recapture the Black Pearl from Barbossa, but not without being skeptical at first until Jack revealed to him that Will was Bootstrap Bill's son which both surprised Joshamee and boosted his confidence, now knowing that Jack holds leverage that Barbossa cannot say no to. He promises to gather a crew before tomorrow's daybreak, confident that there are those in Tortuga with little to lose and all to gain, much like Jack in his bid to reclaim the Pearl. And true enough, Joshamee managed to do just that overnight. The crew, with Gibbs as first mate, manned the commandeered navy vessel HMS Interceptor, and set out for Isla de Muerta. Upon arriving to the island, Will Turner asked how Jack Sparrow got his compass in the first place. Gibbs replied that no one knew much about Jack Sparrow before he searched for the dreaded Isla de Muerta, having said that was before he met Jack, back when he was captain of the Black Pearl.[8] Gibbs then told Will of how he was mutinied by Barbossa and of Jack having escaped a desert island by roping a couple of sea turtles. Before Jack and Will left to the caves of Isla de Muerta, Gibbs asked Jack what if the worst should happen, to which Jack gave Gibbs the instruction: "Keep to the Code."[6]

While at Isla de Muerta, Jack fell behind in his attempt to aid Will Turner in rescuing Elizabeth Swann, and Gibbs was forced to keep to the Code and depart without his captain. However, Barbossa caught up with and destroyed the Interceptor, holding Gibbs and the crew captive aboard the Pearl. While docked at Isla de Muerta during Barbossa's second attempt to lift his curse, Elizabeth freed the crew, who took control of the Pearl and immediately departed—Jack having previously promised them a ship of their own.[6]

Misadventures[]

"Have you noticed lately, the captain seems to be acting a bit strange...er?"
"Setting sail without knowing his own heading? Somethings got Jack vexed. And mark my words, what bodes ill for Jack Sparrow, bodes ill for us all.
"
Marty and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
Gibbs, Cotton, and Jack

Gibbs and Cotton welcoming Jack aboard the Black Pearl.

Despite Gibbs' apparent treachery, he and the rest of the crewmen had not given up on his former captain. Jack survived the battle at Isla de Muerta, but was sentenced to hang at Port Royal. Will Turner staged a rescue at the gallows, and the Black Pearl revealed itself, on the other side of the island, as Jack fell from the battlements of Fort Charles. Jack then swam to rejoin his crew. The Pearl set sail, under the command of Jack Sparrow once again, with Gibbs serving as first mate.[6]

Gibbs Bonecage

Gibbs with Will Turner in a bonecage made by the Pelegostos.

The pirate crew had numerous exploits over the next year, though their most dangerous came when Davy Jones unleashed the Kraken to settle a debt owed by Jack. Jack ordered Gibbs and the crew to set out for land to avoid the beast, and ended up on Pelegosto, where they were captured by the cannibalistic natives. Gibbs and his companions were held in bone cages while Jack was mistaken for a god they worshipped and made the chief, set to be roasted and eaten by the cannibals. With Will Turner's help, Gibbs and the crew managed to escape, and Jack rendezvoused with them at the Pearl.[9]

Gibbs later joined Jack's quest to find the Dead Man's Chest, which took them to Tia Dalma's shack, a run-in with Davy Jones. Jack then had Gibbs sail the Pearl to Tortuga, where they had to gather 99 souls to pay off Jack's debt with Jones, which led to a confrontation with James Norrington who joined his crew for the quest.[9]

Loss of a captain[]

"And already the world seems a bit less bright. He fooled us all right till the end, but I guess that honest streak finally won out. To Jack Sparrow."
―Joshamee Gibbs[src]
Gibbs Isla Cruces

Gibbs with Jack Sparrow off the coast of Isla Cruces.

After the journey to Isla Cruces, Gibbs participated in the fierce battle against the Kraken after Jack failed to obtain the chest. After the second battle to the seemingly unbeatable beast, Jack gave the order to abandon ship when the Pearl took damage, to which Gibbs agreed with. Unknown to him and the rest of the crew, Jack was tricked into remaining onboard by Elizabeth. Gibbs lamented the loss of both ship and captain, though set sail nevertheless.[9]

Crew waiting for a new captain

Gibbs and the rest of Jack's crew meeting their new captain.

A few days later the crew reached Tia Dalma's shack[10] As everyone was mourning the loss of the Pearl along with its captain, Gibbs raised a toast to his fallen captain. He was the first to answer Tia Dalma when she asked if any of the crewmen would be willing to sail to the ends of the Earth and beyond to bring Jack back from death. Gibbs and the crew met the resurrected Hector Barbossa, and made an uneasy alliance with him to sail a perilous journey to World's End, and from there into Davy Jones' Locker to rescue Jack.[9]

Meeting with the Brethren[]

Saving Jack Sparrow[]

"There's been a perpetual and virulent lack of discipline upon my vessel. Why? Why is that, sir?!"
"Sir, you're...You're in Davy Jones' Locker, Cap'n.
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
AWEMotleyCrewBoilerroom

Gibbs leading the infiltration of Sao Feng's bath house.

Gibbs led the infiltration of Sao Feng's bath house in Singapore while Barbossa and Elizabeth confronted the Pirate Lord himself. Gibbs fought in the subsequent battle against Mercer's marines, and manned the Hai Peng as it set off for the Farthest Gate. During the voyage, Gibbs relayed his experience of the green flash to Will Turner, stating that he had seen his fair share of the phenomenon. He and the rest of the crew survived the fall from World's End into Davy Jones' Locker, where he was finally reunited with his old friend.[11]

Jack, believing his friends to be another of the hallucinations experienced in the Locker, initially berated Gibbs for not keeping order aboard the Black Pearl, though ultimately relented and allowed Gibbs to join his crew aboard the Pearl as it set sail on the endless waters of the Locker. Gibbs was particularly unhappy to find all the rum gone during the voyage, and joined his captain in rocking the ship to escape the Locker. Back in the real world, Gibbs was involved in a tense stand-off with Jack, Barbossa, Will and Elizabeth, and covered Barbossa with his pistol while the former captain threatened Jack.[11]

Gibbs, Lizzie, and Hector

Gibbs, Elizabeth, and Barbossa during the Brethren Court.

The Brethren Court[]

"Aye. The wind’s on our side, boys! That’s all we need!"
―Joshamee Gibbs to the Black Pearl's crewmen[src]

The stand-off was diffused, and the crew stopped off at a nearby island to gather fresh water. Gibbs remained aboard the Pearl, and apparently fought against Sao Feng's men as they stormed the ship as part of a deal made with Lord Cutler Beckett. Gibbs received a wound to his forehead during the struggle, and later joined in the attack against the HMS Endeavour when Feng agreed to a truce with Barbossa.[11]

The crew set sail for Shipwreck Island, with which Gibbs was somewhat familiar, warning the crew of the dangerous passage into Shipwreck Cove. He was present during the fourth meeting of the Brethren Court, and was aware of the origins of the Pirate Lords' pieces of eight. He later crewed the Black Pearl alongside his companions during the battle around Calypso's maelstrom, which he ultimately survived, remaining aboard the ship throughout.[11]

New Horizons[]

"Mr Gibbs, any particular reason why my ship is gone?"
"The ship? We're on the ship. Jack! The ship's gone!"
"Really?!
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
Jack and Gibs

Jack and Gibbs in Tortuga.

With the battle won, and Lord Beckett killed, the pirates were free to continue their freedom-loving ways. As they cheered, Jack Sparrow gave Gibbs permission to throw his hat, and Gibbs did so cheerfully. After the hat landed somewhere on the Pearl, Jack ordered Gibbs to go and get it, to the latter's dismay. Gibbs returned to Tortuga with Jack, who intended to take Scarlett and Giselle for a ride on his ship. Gibbs took a nap at the docks, thus failing to stop Barbossa from commandeering the Black Pearl a second time. Gibbs was awaken by Jack who berated Gibbs, but appeared content to sail without his precious ship, for now. He and Gibbs exchanged their customary farewell, and Jack set sail to find the Fountain of Youth. Gibbs headed into Tortuga with Scarlett and Giselle, while starting the discussion of sea turtles.[11]

"Tell me ladies, what do you know of sea turtles?"
―Joshamee Gibbs to Scarlett and Giselle[src]

Search for the Fountain of Youth[]

News and rumors[]

"What happened to you, Gibbs? I thought you were employed elsewhere or otherwise engaged."
"Aye. But I always listened like a thief for news of the
Black Pearl. Nobody's seen where she might next make port. Then I hear a rumor. Jack Sparrow was in London, with a ship, and looking for a crew."
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]

For the next few years after the War Against Piracy, Gibbs would try and be up on news listening for news of the whereabouts of the Black Pearl. But no such news came on the Pearl, not even where she docked or next make port. However, Gibbs would catch some news of Jack Sparrow's quest for the Fountain of Youth came through, including a rumor that Jack himself was in London recruiting a crew in a pub called the Captain's Daughter. At first, Gibbs found it odd, but then thought that Jack's never been the most predictable man he's met. And so Gibbs sailed to London to find his longtime comrade.[12]

London[]

"Joshamee Gibbs. The crime of which you have been found guilty of, is being innocent of being Jack Sparrow. I hereby commute your sentence and order that you be imprisoned for the remainder of your miserable, moribund, mutton-chopped life."
Justice Smith[src]
GibbsGuiltyofBeingInnocent

Joshamee Gibbs put on trial.

After arriving in London, Gibbs started making inquiries as to the whereabouts of Jack, only to find himself arrested. Being mistaken for Jack Sparrow, Gibbs was to be brought on trial in the Old Bailey. Gibbs was forcibly taken by a Jailor into the courtroom, which was filled with an angry mob that wanted him hanged. A mysterious Judge Smith, actually Jack Sparrow himself in disguise, took over the case. Though Gibbs recognized him, he didn't want to give away his identity and get them both into more trouble. At the end of the trial, much to the surprise of Gibbs and the crowd, he condemned Gibbs to life in prison, rather than a hanging. Gibbs was then ordered to be transferred to the Tower of London under minimum security.[12]

GibbsDrinkingInCarriage

Gibbs with Jack Sparrow inside the prison carriage.

Jack joined Gibbs in a prison carriage, whose driver he bribed to transport them to shore. Gibbs informed Jack about the rumors of him recruiting a crew, which Jack renounced as completely false, and quite insulting. Seeing the Mao Kun Map in Jack's coat, Gibbs then asked Jack of his search for the Fountain of Youth, in which he responded that it was temporarily postponed and vowed that he would taste the waters of the Fountain.[12]

"All part of the plan, yes?"
[Jack gets whacked by a guard's rifle] "...No.
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]
Gibbsallpartoftheplan

Gibbs and Jack captured at St. James's Palace.

The carriage then abruptly stopped, making Jack believe they've made their stop. But instead to the shore, the carriage brought Jack and Gibbs to the St. James's Palace, where they were surrounded by the British Royal Guards, who have also bribed the driver. Gibbs asked if this was part of the plan, and Jack simply told Gibbs "No", as he got hit by one of the guards. While Jack was forcibly taken into the palace to meet with King George II, Gibbs was put into prison as was planned.[12]

OSTGibbsBarbossaJackbeheaded

Gibbs with Hector Barbossa at the Tower of London.

After Sparrow's escape from the palace, Hector Barbossa, who has managed to become a privateer and a trusted advisor of the King's Court, visited Gibbs in the execution courtyard inside the prison. He threatened to hang Gibbs if he doesn't give him some useful information about Jack's whereabouts and plans. Gibbs suggested that he go with them, as he was a loyal crewmen, but Barbossa refused otherwise and commenced preparation of Gibbs' hanging. Worried about his life, Gibbs revealed to be in possession of the Mao Kun Map, which he secretly stole from Jack before they were captured. Though Barbossa asked for the map, Gibbs took a lantern and burned it before the eyes of Barbossa and his men. Fortunately, Gibbs stated that he had enough time to memorize the map, including every route to the Fountain of Youth, which forced Barbossa to recruit him as his navigator aboard the HMS Providence.[12]

Back to the Navy[]

"I had just enough time to study those infernal circles. Every route, every destination. All safe...In here."
"Welcome back to His Majesty's Navy, Master Gibbs!
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa[src]

As the navigator aboard the Providence, Gibbs was at Barbossa's mercy. As the journey progressed, one of Barbossa's officers, Theodore Groves, brought Gibbs before Barbossa to provide a heading. Before Gibbs took a look at the ship's charts, he turned to Groves and asked for a gulper. Barbossa himself denied that request, saying that as privateers, they should behave as such. Gibbs begrudgingly agreed to that as he looked at the charts. After a few seconds with the map, Barbossa impatiently asked Gibbs if they were on the right course, in which Gibbs said he was sure they were. As proof, he pointed to three galleons of The Spaniard's fleet.[12]

"Be we on the proper course, Gibbs?"
"Aye, it be proper. There's your proof!"
[Barbossa looks through the spyglass]
"The Spaniard!
"
Hector Barbossa and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
SB BarboFallenbehind

Gibbs with Hector Barbossa aboard the HMS Providence.

Realizing the fleet was in command of The Spaniard, Barbossa immediately ordered the crew of the Providence to get into battle stations. But before they could fire their cannons, the fleet simply passed by the Providence without fire. Gibbs commented about the Spaniard not even turning his head. Barbossa deduced that their mission to find the Fountain was why the Spanish didn't attack, and that they weren't worth the time to attack. Gibbs watched as Barbossa ordered to make more sail, determined to reach their destination.[12]

Whitecap Bay[]

"Aye, Whitecap Bay. Every worthless seamen fears the name, and rightly so. Though few know why or dare to ask."
"Be the stories true?"
"Say what robs you of your staunch heart Gibbs, or forever leave it to the whiter fields of fancy."
"...Mermaids, captain?
"
Hector Barbossa and Joshamee Gibbs[src]
GibbsMermaidscaptain

Gibbs asking Barbossa about mermaids.

At some point in the voyage, the crew became wary of their destination. Barbossa revealed their immediate course, Whitecap Bay. Gibbs came in to ask if the stories of the bay were true and, after Barbossa ordered him to say it, asked if the journey to the bay could involve mermaids. Barbossa revealed that they were indeed sailing there. The crew then started to fear the worst, even leading one of its members to jump overboard. However, Barbossa managed to inspire confidence into the men by asking if they were King's men, and had the Providence set sail for Whitecap Bay.[12]

"Your head, or my heading, I'll have one or the other, I don't care which."
Hector Barbossa to Joshamee Gibbs[src]
GibbsfacesBarbossapistol

Gibbs threatened by Barbossa at Whitecap Bay.

As a storm erupted, Gibbs accompanied Barbossa's landing party into Whitecap Bay, consisting of a handful of men, including his officers, Groves and Gillette. After the crew landed ashore, Gibbs looked around, shocked by the chaos that littered the bay. While Barbossa's men found mermaid corpses, Gibbs warned Barbossa to give up on the madness. Barbossa stated that he couldn't, saying that 'footsteps lie before him'. Gibbs soon witnessed the Providence come under attack by living mermaids and was horrified. Barbossa ordered Gibbs to provide a heading, while Groves strongly urged Barbossa to help the crew aboard, but Barbossa denied the idea while pointing his pistol at Groves. As Barbossa ordered Gibbs for a heading, Gibbs and the rest of the crew watched the Providence fell to its attackers and sunk beneath the waves. Barbossa pointed his pistol at Gibbs, saying he'll have his head or his heading. Gibbs hesitates before moving on, leading the crew through their next heading through an island.[12]

Reunion with Jack Sparrow[]

"Gibbs. This is the woman from Seville."
"Ah. You pretended to love her then you left her and broke her heart."
"Worse. I may have had, briefly, mind you...stirrings."
"What, like
feelings, you mean?"
"No, no, no, no, not quite all the way to feelings. More like...all right, feelings, damn you."
"And you left her still. Oh, that's low."
"...Thank you.
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]

While journeying through dark jungles, Gibbs and Barbossa complained about it being nice to have a map or a ship. Barbossa then saved Gibbs from a poisonous frog, which was about to touch his skin. A bewildered Gibbs stared as Barbossa added the frog to his jar-full of frogs. Sometime during Barbossa's travels to the Santiago by himself, he reunited with Jack Sparrow. Gibbs later met with Barbossa and Jack, who found the Spanish camp, where the Chalices of Cartagena were held. Gibbs and Jack had a brief reunion, where Jack flicked Gibbs for stealing his map.[12]

Gibbsbamboojungle

Gibbs with Jack in Palm Tree Grove.

As the crew journeyed to the Spanish camp, Jack and Gibbs discussed Jack's problem of rescuing Angelica, a damsel that he had feelings for long ago and left. Once the group was close to the camp, Barbossa ordered his men to stay back and wait for the signal. Both Jack and Barbossa managed to infiltrate the camp and stealthily steal the Chalices. However, after attempting to just walk out and fighting off some Spanish soldiers, the two are captured. After Jack and Barbossa successfully escaped from the Spanish, the crew went towards finding Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth.[12]

Freedom[]

"The compass led me straight and true."
"What of Blackbeard's men, guarding the ship?"
"I employed the selfsame maneuver we perfected in New Guinea."
"Oh."
"Seemed a shame to leave an entire fleet behind." [shows a sack full of ship bottles]
"Shame indeed.
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]
JackGibbsMyLoyalFirstMate

Gibbs, while holding down a boar, with Jack and Blackbeard.

In the middle of the jungle, Jack presented the Chalices, tied onto a wild boar held on a leash by Gibbs, to Blackbeard and Angelica. But he wasn't willing to give them away without a few conditions. Jack's conditions included the return of Jack's compass and the freedom of Gibbs. Blackbeard considered it done as Gibbs released the boar. Gibbs offered to tag along with them as he handed the Chalices to Blackbeard, who gave him no mind. As the others left to find the Fountain of Youth, Jack tossed his compass to Gibbs, telling him it would lead him to freedom.[12]

While Barbossa and his crew followed Jack and Blackbeard to the Fountain, Gibbs used the compass to find Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. There, he tried to retrieve the Black Pearl, which was put into a bottle. To get past Blackbeard's men who remained guarding the Revenge, Gibbs did a maneuver he and Jack perfected in New Guinea. With the help of Jack's compass, Gibbs was able to find the Pearl in a cabinet full of ships in a bottle and took them all and put them in a gunny sack. He was able to get away by the time Barbossa arrived to assume command as captain over the Queen Anne's Revenge.[12]

Beached on a sandy shore, Jack rejoins Joshamee Gibbs, who was lying on a piece of driftwood. Jack asked Gibbs about the profit in their cooperation, in which Gibbs revealed the Pearl in their possession, as well as all the other ships that Blackbeard had magically shrunk and bottled. Gibbs asked Jack if he had any idea to get her out, which Jack said that they needed a crossbow, an hourglass, three goats, and that one of them must play the trumpet while the other wiggles his fingers. Gibbs said that he knew someone with a goat, which made Jack immediately think he could be the one to wiggle his fingers.[12]

OSTJackGibbsNotknowwhichmomentmaybelast

Gibbs, holding a sack-full of ships, with Jack.

As they walked on the beach during a sunset, Gibbs asked Jack why he didn't choose to use the Fountain of Youth, even though he had all the items, saying that he could've lived forever. Jack told Gibbs that the Fountain tests you, and that it's better to not know your last moment. He also said that he would live forever being named as the discoverer of the Fountain. Jack and Gibbs were both determined to continue a pirate's life.[12]

"Jack, I have to ask. You had the Chalices, the water, the tear. You could've lived, maybe forever."
"The Fountain does test you, Gibbs. But better to not know which moment may be your last, every morsel of your entire being alive to the infinite mystery of it all. And who's to say I won't live forever, eh? Discoverer of the Fountain of Youth. [Gibbs chuckles] I have no say in it, Gibbs. It's a pirate's life for me. Savvy?
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]

Quest for the Trident of Poseidon[]

Hard Times[]

Marty Gibbs Scrum

Marty, Gibbs, and Scrum prepare to steal the vault.

"Face it, Jack. Bad luck dogs you, day and night."
"Now that is a blatant fabrication.
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]

A year after the battle for the Fountain of Youth,[13] Gibbs joined Jack as he led his new crew on the island of Saint Martin, a British colony in the Lesser Antilles. With their ship stranded on the shore and the entire crew starving, they made a plan to rob the new bank in the town of Saint Martin. While Jack got drunk and ended up in the bank vault passed out, Gibbs and the crew devised a plan to rob the bank. On horses the crew prepared to tear down the walls of the bank in the middle of its opening ceremony where Jack unintentionally stalled the citizens. The guards prepared to kill him but the bank was dragged away by his crew along with Jack whose leg was caught by a rope. Jack soon met up with his crew and they managed to escape.[14]

Dying Gull crew

The crew fed up with Jack.

At the ship, the crew prepared to reap the riches only to find that the vault empty (having lost the money along the way). The crew then became fed up with Jack for the lack of money and that his reputation was now insignificant to that of Hector Barbossa who now ruled the seas with his powerful fleet. The crew was further fed when Jack asked them to pay him and decided to leave his services including Gibbs who told his old friend that they have reached the end of the horizon.[14]

Saving Jack[]

We won't pay more than five

Gibbs argues with Jack about the price of saving him.

"I knew you'd come crawling back, traitor."
"The Turner boy gave us ten silver pieces to save your neck."
"Then I bestow upon you the honor of saving me. For a small donation.
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]

Shortly after their separation a young man named Henry Turner, the son of Will Turner, paid them ten silver pieces to save their ex-captain from the guillotine, as well as a young woman named Carina Smyth from being hanged. This led to a battle between soldiers and pirates, Gibbs explained to Jack that Henry paid them as Jack accepted this but demanded payment for his own rescue as Gibbs bitterly put a price before they fled the area. They made it back to the Dying Gull and finally had the ship set sail on the seas.[14]

Mutiny[]

Gibbs with hat

Gibbs as captain of the Dying Gull.

"Jack, the dead will not rest until they get their revenge."
"Dead? No, no, the dead were never part of this deal.
"
Henry Turner and Joshamee Gibbs[src]

The crew then continued the journey before seeing they were being tailed by the Silent Mary as the crew were angered by Jack withholding this information and threatened to kill him. Jack managed to persuade them to mutiny surrendering his captain position to Gibbs while he, Henry and Carina sailed off in a rowboat.[14]

Shortly afterwards, Gibbs discovered that the Essex were following their ship with the intent to arrest them. Wanting to avoid severe punishment, Gibbs lied to Scrum by stating that Jack had named Scrum as captain, and after a brief moment of joy the soldiers gave the unwitting Scrum a beating and locked the crew in the brig. However, the crew managed to pick the lock by using a toe nail torn from Scrum's foot, despite his protests.[14]

Reunion with the Pearl[]

Dying Gull crew Black Pearl

Gibbs boards the Pearl.

"The Black Pearl! She sails again!"
―Gibbs after spotting the restored Black Pearl[src]

The crew escaped the ship on a rowboat and put a good distance between them before Gibbs noticed the Black Pearl returned to its original state. He excitedly informed his comrades of this and they hurriedly made their way to the vessel.[14]

After they made it to the ship, they found that it was under attack by Armando Salazar and his crew of the undead. Wanting to sail on the ship again, Gibbs told the men to be brave to battle for it. Gibbs duelled a fearsome ghost sailor in a swordfight, and managed to hold his own. The crew fought off the undead before they arrived at Black rock island forcing Salazar to retreat.[14]

Sailing under Jack again[]

"Master Gibbs!"
"The ship is yours, captain."
"I thank you.
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs[src]

After the destruction of the Trident of Poseidon, the walls of the sea began closing putting Jack's group in danger of drowning. Gibbs took to the helm and sailed the Black Pearl to their location as the crew let down the anchor with Barbossa on it to help the trio climb up. As the group climbed, they were pursued by Salazar but Barbossa let go of the chain and stabbed Salazar in the back, sacrificing himself to save his daughter in the process.[14]

Wheel Gibbs Jack

Gibbs follows Jack into another adventure.

Jack's group soon returned to the surface where Gibbs and the crew celebrated their victory however, they realized Barbossa's actions. Despite their rocky past, Gibbs placed his hand on his chest and joined the crew as they mourned the loss of Barbossa. Very soon, the crew dropped Henry and Carina home. With the Pearl restored, Jack reclaimed captaincy of the vessel, an act Gibbs approved of which was joined by the other crew members. Having learned to believe Jack again, the once again loyal first mate asked Jack what their heading was as Jack told him they would follow the stars, an order that he happily carried out by throwing out the map. With that the Black Pearl set sail again.[14] His further fate is unknown.

Legacy[]

At some point in his life, presumably after his many adventures with Jack Sparrow, Gibbs authored a book called The Pirates' Code Guidelines: A Booke for Those Who Desire to Keep to the Code and Live a Pirate's Life. This tome included letters addressed to Gibbs from Jack, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, as well as Gibbs' own notes and drawings. The book was found many years later, perfectly preserved in the wreckage of the RMS Titanic.[15]

Personality and traits[]

"Mother's love! Jack. You should know better than to wake a man when he's sleeping. It's bad luck."
"Ah, fortunately, I know how to counter it. The man who did the waking buys the man who was sleeping a drink. The man who was sleeping drinks it while listening to a proposition from the man who did the waking."
"...Aye, that'll about do it.
"
―Joshamee Gibbs and Jack Sparrow[src]
Joshamee Gibbs

Joshamee Gibbs

Practical, down-to-earth, and occasionally sensible, Joshamee Gibbs was everything Jack Sparrow was not. In his life, Gibbs was a superstitious man, having worried about pirates during his time with the British Royal Navy, then later of more supernatural entities. He was particularly superstitious of the Black Spot, and performed a short ritual at the time when he saw it. He was also highly knowledgeable of pirate lore, and kept to the Pirate Code of the Brethren the majority of the time though he did break it at least once in order to rescue Jack Sparrow from Fort Charles. Despite being superstitious about many things, Gibbs appeared to be skeptical of the existence of the Kraken and mermaids. However it was likely that he was just trying to convince himself as well as his companions that the creatures were only legend, for few to encounter them actually lived to tell the tale. This was seen when he was horrified to see both things actually existed and the horror they had brought.

This affable ne'er-do-well did have some faults—he was prone to rum-drinking and idleness. He had even been found sleeping in a pig pen.[4] Joshamee loved the drink so much, having often drank it from a leather flask, that he was reluctant to use it as a substitute for gunpowder but he knew that staying alive was more important than having a drink that he enjoyed. The expression on Gibbs' face at that time showed that he was considering death instead and was in pain to see the rum be exploded as the alternative to a most horrifying death.

"And thirdly, Mr. Beard, there are times, not very often, when I do reflect upon my heinous misdeeds. Chief among them, I note how poorly I have treated Mr. Gibbs, my loyal first mate."
"Aye, now you bring it up—"
"Left him to rot in jail, I did. Didn't care. Still don't. But, point being, you must let him go free.
"
Jack Sparrow and Joshamee Gibbs to Blackbeard[src]

Every captain needed a reliable first mate, and Gibbs was Jack Sparrow's first choice. They made a great team, but they did have a habit of getting each other into trouble. Gibbs was an old friend of Jack's, having supposedly known him since his childhood. It was Jack who persuaded Gibbs, a sailor of the Royal Navy, to turn pirate.[4] He was willing to break the Code in order to help Jack as proven when he rescue him from Fort Charles. Joshamee greatly admired Jack for his quick thinking and surprisingly honorable personality, although Joshamee himself was also more honorable than most pirates. During a few of Jack's adventures, Gibbs also befriended Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, the latter being able to recognize him after approximately eight years apart.

Joshamee Gibbs was immediately recognizable from his ruddy complexion from life on deck,[4] his portly build, and his distinctive "muttonchops" facial hair. Gibbs' clothing was typical of warrant officers of the Royal Navy, though it was torn and tattered in places, namely his coat, which had its sleeves torn off.

Equipment and skills[]

Humble Joshamee Gibbs had no truck with newfangled or fancy weapons. Like many pirates, Gibbs had a cutlass, with a clamshell-style hilt, which he wore on a sheathless leather swordbelt plundered from a previous adventure. Gibbs also kept an antique pistol, with a steel trigger guard, for sentimental reasons.[4]

Gibbs Teddy

Gibbs with his teddy bear.

In his pirate career, Gibbs was handy with a sword, but hardly used it in battle as much as he used a pistol. Like many pirates, Gibbs drank rum. He loved the drink so much, he carried a leather flask, which also often contained whisky,[16] on his person. Gibbs was also known to have owned a teddy bear that he slept with on occasions.[11]

At times, Gibbs was shown to be quite adaptive and quick-thinking in situations. Despite having destroyed the Mao Kun Map, Gibbs kept its details locked in his memory, having every route and destination safe in mind.[4]

Behind the scenes[]

"I think Gibbs is the one character who's continuously loyal to Jack Sparrow. Gibbs is the one shining beacon of hope for humanity."
Terry Rossio[src]

Appearances[]

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The Pirates of the Caribbean Wiki has a collection of quotes related to Joshamee Gibbs.

Non-canon appearances[]

Sources[]

External links[]

Notes and references[]

  1. The Pirates' Code Guidelines, p32-33.
  2. Estimation based on Kevin McNally's age during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and the fact that the timeline sets the events of The Curse of the Black Pearl around 1728.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Complete Visual Guide, p38 "A Motley Crew"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: The Visual Guide, p10-11: "Joshamee Gibbs"
  5. Jack Sparrow: Sins of the Father
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
  7. @exkevinmcnally Kevin McNally on Twitter
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Not a lot's known about Jack Sparrow before he showed up in Tortuga with a mind to go after the treasure of the Isla de Muerta. That was before I'd met him. Back when he was captain of the Black Pearl.
    Originally, Jack was mutinied on the Black Pearl before meeting Gibbs.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
  10. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Storybook and CD, p44.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
  12. 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
  13. As evidenced by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales: Movie Graphic Novel, the events of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales are set in 1751.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 14.9 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
  15. The Pirates' Code Guidelines: A Booke for Those Who Desire to Keep to the Code and Live a Pirate's Life, p1.
  16. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (junior novelization), p.8
  17. 17.0 17.1 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003 junior novelization)
  18. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow
  19. 19.0 19.1 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (video game)
  20. 20.0 20.1 Pirates of the Caribbean Online
  21. Disney Infinity
  22. Kingdom Hearts III
  23. Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Life
  24. Wordplayer.com: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio
  25. Keep to the Code - View topic - Curse of Black Pearl question- Mr. Gibbs
  26. User blog comment:Mrcharlton/YJS books may not be canon/@comment-Angelica Teach-20110528205758
  27. Wordplayer.com: WORDPLAY/Archives/"Walking the Plank" by Terry Rossio
  28. Kevin McNally on Twitter - February 24 2015
  29. Dead Man's Chest 2006 production draft
  30. Interview: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio on 'At World's End' - Box Office Mojo
  31. Pirates of the Caribbean DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES Screenplay by Terry Rossio
  32. Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned
vdeCrew of the HMS Dauntless
Captain: Unknown captain
HMS Dauntless
Lieutenant James NorringtonJoshamee Gibbs

Captain: Commodore James Norrington
HMS Dauntless
Lieutenant GilletteTheodore GrovesMullroyMurtoggSteersmanSailorSentry

[edit]


Motley Crew

Captain: Jack Sparrow
HMS Interceptor
AnamariaCottonCotton's ParrotCrimpDuncanJoshamee GibbsKursar
LadbrocMartyMatelotMoisesQuartettoTearlachWill Turner

Captain: Joshamee Gibbs
HMS Interceptor/Black Pearl
AnamariaCottonCotton's ParrotCrimpDuncanKursarLadbroc
MartyMatelotMoisesQuartettoElizabeth SwannTearlachWill Turner


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl
AnamariaCottonCotton's ParrotCrimpDuncanJoshamee GibbsLadbroc
MartyMatelotMoisesQuartettoTearlach


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl
CottonCotton's ParrotCrimpDuncanJoshamee GibbsHo-KwanJack the MonkeyLeechLejonMartyMatelotMoises


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl
CottonCotton's ParrotJoshamee GibbsJack the MonkeyLejonMartyPintelRagettiWilliam Turner Jr.


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl
CottonCotton's ParrotCrippled manJames NorringtonJoshamee GibbsIrish manJack the MonkeyLejonMartyPintelRagettiElizabeth SwannSkinny manSweepyVery old manWilliam Turner Jr.


Captain: Hector Barbossa
Hai Peng
CottonCotton's ParrotTia DalmaJoshamee GibbsTai HuangJack the Monkey
MartyPintelRagettiElizabeth SwannWill Turner


Captains: Jack Sparrow / Hector Barbossa
Black Pearl
CottonCotton's ParrotTia DalmaJoshamee GibbsTai HuangJack the Monkey
MartyPintelRagettiElizabeth SwannWill Turner


Captain: Hector Barbossa
Black Pearl
CottonCotton's ParrotJack the MonkeyMartyMullroyMurtoggPintelRagetti


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Dying Gull
BollardCrembleJoshamee GibbsMartyPikeScrum


Captain: Joshamee Gibbs
Dying Gull
BollardCrembleMartyPikeScrum


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Dying Gull
BollardCrembleJoshamee GibbsMartyPikeScrumCarina SmythHenry Turner


Captains: Jack Sparrow / Hector Barbossa
Black Pearl
BollardCrembleJoshamee GibbsJack the MonkeyMartyMullroyMurtoggPikeScrumCarina SmythHenry Turner


Captain: Jack Sparrow
Black Pearl
BollardCrembleJoshamee GibbsJack the MonkeyMartyMullroyMurtoggPikeScrum
[edit]
vdeCrew of the HMS Providence
Captain: Hector Barbossa
HMS Providence
Lieutenant Commander Theodore GrovesLieutenant GilletteJoshamee GibbsProvidence Sailor
[edit]
vdeCrew of the Dying Gull
Captain: Jack Sparrow
Dying Gull
BollardCrembleJoshamee GibbsMartyPikeScrum
Captain: Joshamee Gibbs
Dying Gull
BollardCrembleMartyPikeScrum
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