Davy Jones' Locker
The concept of
Davy Jones' locker - the underwater grave awaiting unlucky seafarers - was common to many sailors of the time. It's especially associated with stories of pirates because of their threats to send their victims straight there.
History & Legend
The idea of Davy (or Davey) Jones has been around since at least the mid 18th century. He was originally described as a "fiend" who ruled over the evil spirits that inhabited the depths of the ocean. He was a harbinger of ill fortune and according to Daniel Defoe was often:
"seen in various shapes, perching among the rigging on the eve of hurricanes, ship-wrecks, and other disasters to which sea-faring life is exposed, warning the devoted wretch of death and woe"
This view of Davy Jones has similarities with the Celtic idea of the banshee, whose wail foretold disaster. Arguably this makes Davy Jones a potential saviour rather than the one who generates misfortune - however an encounter with him remained one of the worst fears of all sailors, pirates or otherwise.
Origin
Where does the name "Davy Jones" originate? It's not clear. One theory is that there was a tale of an English publican who would lock drunken sailors in his ale locker then dump them on a passing ship. Another theory is that the name "Davy" originates from various names for the Devil whilst "Jones" refers to Jonah. The harvesting of souls was common to many legends and the demon of the sea could conceivably have stored such souls in some deep, dark "locker".
Movies
In recent years the spectacular
Pirates of the Caribbean movies have reinvented the legend of Davy Jones, making him the CGI enhanced captain of the
Flying Dutchman. Although this is fun it's a conflation of two different stories that appears to have no basis in the lore of the time.
