Billy Bones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy Bones |
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| Treasure Island character | |
Illustration by N. C. Wyeth for 1911 edition.
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| Created by | Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Information | |
| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Pirate |
| Nationality | English |
Billy Bones is a mysterious character from the famous adventure book Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. He is a former pirate who holds a big secret: a map to a hidden treasure!
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Billy Bones in the Story
Billy Bones first appears at the Admiral Benbow Inn, a small hotel by the sea. He asks to be called "Captain" and pays for a long stay. He is a grumpy and private man who spends his days watching the sea. He often sings old pirate songs and scares the other guests with his loud voice.
He pays young Jim Hawkins to watch for "a seafaring man with one leg". This shows he is worried about someone from his past. One day, a scary-looking man named Black Dog visits the inn. He and Billy Bones have a loud fight with swords. Billy Bones chases Black Dog away, but then he gets very sick.
Dr. Livesey helps Billy Bones. The doctor finds out his real name is Billy Bones from a tattoo on his arm. Billy Bones tells Jim that he used to sail with the famous pirate Captain Flint. He was Flint's first mate. This explains why he is so secretive and worried.
A few days later, a blind pirate named Pew arrives at the inn. Pew gives Billy Bones a "black spot". This is a pirate warning that means trouble is coming. Billy Bones is very scared and dies soon after.
The other pirates then come to the inn looking for something. They don't find the treasure map because Jim Hawkins now has it. But they destroy the inn, which causes problems for Jim's family. This is why Jim and his friends decide to go on a search for the treasure!
Billy Bones in Other Media
Billy Bones is a well-known character. He has appeared in many movies and TV shows based on Treasure Island.
Animated Appearances
- In Disney's animated movie Treasure Planet, Billy Bones is an alien. He is a wounded pilot who brings a map to Jim's home. He warns Jim about a "Cyborg" before he passes away.
- In the 1971 anime film Animal Treasure Island, Billy Bones is a one-legged cat. He is trying to escape from other pirates because he has Flint's map. He gives the map to Jim before he meets a sad end.
Live-Action Portrayals
- Billy Connolly played Billy Bones in Muppet Treasure Island.
- Tom Hopper played Billy Bones in the TV series Black Sails. In this show, his full name is William "Bones" Manderly.
Other Mentions
- In a 1967 episode of Lost in Space called "Treasure of the Lost Planet", pirates look for "Beelibones' treasure". This episode has many fun nods to Treasure Island.
- Billy Bones is mentioned in songs like "Time For Heroes" by the Libertines and "The Tomahawk Kid" by the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
- He is also the subject of the song "Billy Bones And The White Bird" on Elton John's album Rock of the Westies.
