Will Turner possessed the distinctive gold Aztec medallion because it was a gift from his father, Bootstrap Bill Turner. This piece of cursed treasure played a crucial role in his connection to the pirate world and the events of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
The Origin of the Necklace
The golden medallion was given to Will by his father, Bootstrap Bill Turner, who was a member of Captain Barbossa's original crew. This crew famously plundered the cursed Aztec gold from Isla de Muerta. While Bootstrap Bill was part of the crew that cursed themselves by taking the treasure, he gave this particular piece to his son, Will, before the full extent of the curse and its consequences unfolded upon the crew. Will himself did not take the piece; it was a legacy from his estranged father.
Significance and Discovery
The necklace's presence on Will was significant, connecting him directly to the cursed treasure. When a young, shipwrecked Will Turner was rescued by the British vessel carrying Elizabeth Swann, she discovered the medallion around his neck. To protect him from being identified as a potential pirate, especially given the notorious reputation associated with such artifacts, Elizabeth quickly took the necklace from him and concealed it. Her quick thinking prevented him from being recognized as having ties to piracy at such a young age.
Key details about the necklace and Will's possession:
- It was given to Will by his father, Bootstrap Bill Turner, a member of Barbossa's original crew.
- The medallion was a piece of the cursed Aztec gold from Isla de Muerta.
- Elizabeth Swann took it from Will when he was rescued to prevent him from being recognized as a pirate and connected to the cursed treasure.
The journey of the necklace, from its cursed origin to its possession by Will and Elizabeth, highlights its central role in the narrative:
| Owner | Reason for Possession |
|---|---|
| Bootstrap Bill Turner | Member of Barbossa's crew; part of the cursed treasure. |
| Will Turner | Gift from his father, Bootstrap Bill. |
| Elizabeth Swann | Took it from Will to conceal his identity and pirate lineage. |
