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How to Maroon

December 10th, 2013 by Piper Smith

The act of marooning is the intentional abandonment of someone in a remote area, like an uninhabited island. The term “marooning” comes from the word “maroon,” meaning “fugitive slave.” It was usually a penalty for crewmen or the result of a mutiny. The pirates would leave the man on a mere sandbar or a place of shallow tide. He would be given some food, water, and a loaded pistol with just one shot (so he could pass on quickly if he wished). Surviving being marooned was possible. In fact, the infamous pirate Edward England (the origin of the Jolly Roger flag) survived being marooned.

Looks lonely doesn't it?

Looks lonely doesn’t it?