Dread Pirate Roberts

Myths and legends of the market The JC’s guide to the foundational mythology of the markets.™ Go Premium Index: Click ᐅ to expand: Mythology Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Requests? Insults? We’d love to 📧 hear from you. Sign up for our newsletter.

Fabled buccaneer, ambidextrous swordfighter, buddy to Inigo Montoya and defeater of giants, tricksters and evil princes in William Goldman’s magnificent The Princess Bride.

Also aspirant alter ego for the JC. Note to file: must work on fencing.

It is revealed during the course of Goldman’s story that Roberts is not one man but a series of individuals who pass the Roberts name and reputation when they are wealthy enough to retire.

When the time comes, the current “Roberts” and his nominee discharge their crew and hire a new one, the outgoing Roberts remaining as first mate and referring to his successor as "Captain Roberts". Once the crew grows accustomed to the new Roberts, the old JC leaves to enjoy his retirement.

Could happen.

See also

• Past, present and future