Introduction
Who could imagine that a young girl in Ireland could become one of the most famous pirate queens known to man? Grace O'Malley was one of the most remarkable women in Renaissance history. Her bravery and achievements have inspired many people to believe that no matter who you are, you can be a leader, and a freedom fighter.
Grace O'Malley's Early Childhood
Grace O'Malley was extraordinary even during her childhood years. Born in 1530 in County Mayo, Ireland Grace was a sea lover from the start. During her early life, Grace insisted that she hunt among the flocks of sheep instead of following her mother's orders of staying a home and learning to become a proper lady. One day when Grace was away, she cut her hair extremely short so she looked like a boy. Her parents then gave her the nickname, 'Grace the bald.' Finally when she was about five, her father let her come along on his ship, because he had just become the captain of the O'Malley clan. Grace instantaneously took a liking to sailing, and soon could sail around, and around encircling her territory very skillfully. Her persistence of sailing, and hunting came in use during her later life, as a pirate queen.
Grace O'Malley's Adulthood
Grace's experiences in her adulthood continued to expand her confidence in pirate life, and pirate customs. Grace became a pirate when her father died, and the ship was handed into her responsibility. When she was fifteen she married Donal of the Battles. Soon after her marriage she had her first child, followed by two others. After her last child was born, her ship was besieged by Turkish pirates. Although she was ravenous for rest, she still siezed a bayonet, and fought the pirates off. When Donal was killed, in 1558, Grace remarried to Iron Richard Bourke, and they had one additional child. However, a tragedy soon came upon Grace's life. Not too long after her last child was born, he was abducted by the British. With her son in prison, and Queen Elizabeth I now ruling Ireland, Grace decided that she needed to see Queen Elizabeth I herself. Grace O'Malley died in 1603 for all we know, at the bottom of her own ship. Grace O'Malley had a very successful life and no one will forget her determination to accomplish her goals in life as a pirate queen.
Ireland Throughout Time
Grace O'Malley, had a major impact on Ireland's history with Britain. Ireland's beautiful, lush, green, and geographical landmasses formed during the Ice Age. Ireland had many rulers, two of them were British rulers that ruled during Grace's life time. They were King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Grace deeply despised Henry VIII, but she was scared to visit him while he was ruling because he was such a gruesome king.When Queen Elizabeth I started ruling, Grace decided to see her in person. Grace, and Queen Elizabeth I were immensely different, and when they met it was a whole different story. When Grace sent out to confront Queen Elizabeth I, she agreed to the meeting. Although the two differed greatly they were still able to share a few phrases and words in their commonly shared language, Latin. Queen Elizabeth I was amazed at Grace's courage, and also frightened at Grace's skill in battle. By the end of their conference, Grace convinced Queen Elizabeth I to let her son go free, and not to send any ships to attack Ireland. Queen Elizabeth I convinced Grace O'Malley to attack Spanish ship instead of British, because at that time, Queen Elizabeth I hated any Spanish citizens. With this news Ireland was very proud of their very own Grace O'Malley, and her name is still remembered throughout Ireland. Ireland's independence date is, January 21, 1919. Which came way after Grace O'Malley's time, however some people believe that what Grace O'Malley's action was essentially Ireland's first independence day. Grace O'Malley's courage to set out to see the queen made Ireland, during that time, very well known.
Conclusion
Grace O'Malley's bravery and amazing courage, are a reason why we still remember her today. If Grace O'Malley never had lived, the tension between Ireland and Britain would have been much greater. Although she had a few younger years that discouraged her greatly, she was still able to push through and make her way to be known as, "The Pirate Queen of the West."