The LEGO Pirates theme be riddled with mysteries…
Like how merchant Steve swapped trade for treachery and suddenly appeared onboard the 6286 Skulls Eye Schooner.
Although fans haven’t been short of ideas for patching that hole.
Another untold tale be the origins of Eldorado Fortress and the purpose behind that enigmatic sealed letter…
The Secret of Eldorado Fortress
YouTuber Ironhook Films weaves a compelling tale, outlining the origins of Eldorado Fortress and its mysteries within.
This stop motion brick film chronicles the fortress from its initial construction as depicted in set 6276. Followed by the blue coat Soldier invasion, their upgrades to set 10320, and beyond, towards the ever-shiftin’ tides of conquest and fortune…
Captain Valiant was the Imperial Armada’s commanding officer at Eldorado Fortress
The film also unravels the story behind the hidden passageway and sealed envelope; and lays bare how Broadside was usurped by the now seemingly incumbent governor.
Governor Broadside in chains aboard The Cutter
Ironhook Films writes:
Ahoy me Hearties! I bring you another story from the golden age of piracy. It is about discovery, conquest, treasure and deceit. The Lego Eldorado Fortress (10320) is filled with hidden details, such as the trapdoor in the prison, the wine cellar, and the secret letter. It inspired me to tell a story that begins with the question: how came that the bluecoats own a fortress with a Spanish name? I hope you enjoy it.
If bugs have usurped yer browser, watch the video upon YouTube.
The Name Eldorado Fortress
“Eldorado” be Spanish in origin, yet the fortress has been occupied by blue coat Soldiers ever since the LEGO Pirates theme debuted in 1989.
Always occupied by Soldiers? Or has it?
The Soldiers have officially entered the record as being “based upon” the French navy and marines of the colonial era.
A screenshot from an article on LEGO.com
Regardless, the name “Eldorado” hints that the fortress was perhaps constructed by the Imperial Armada prior to occupation of the Soldiers.
Real World History
While readin’ these articles, Classic Pirates believes yer should learn a thing a two about what inspired the content.
Kind of like school;
Yer’ll never use what yer learn, but at least here it’s somewhat interesting…
Spanish Arrival in the Americas
The Spanish arrival in the New World changed the tides of history forever!
A scene from Apocalyptic, 2006
In the fateful year of 1492, when Christopher Columbus’s landed upon Caribbean shores under the the flag of Queen Isabella I of Castile. This voyage was the catalyst in a grand conquest, opening the floodgates for Spanish exploration and conquest of the Americas!
Following Columbus, Spanish conquistadors such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro led expeditions that resulted in the fall of powerful empires like the Aztecs and Incas.
Spanish galleons arriving in the New World
The Spanish Empire expanded rapidly, claiming vast territories across North, Central, and South America, forming what became known as New Spain.
The Spanish crown implemented administrative and religious structures to govern these lands, while explorers continued to push further inland in search of gold, silver, and other resources.
“Hernando Cortes Arriving In The New World” by Severino Baraldi
The Origins of Eldorado
The name Eldorado originates from the Spanish term “El Dorado,” what means “The Golden One.”
It was first used during the 16th century to describe a mythical city built from gold, supposedly located somewhere in South America.
“Fundacion de Santiago” by Pedro Lira, 1888
Spanish conquistadors searched for this land filled with riches beyond their reckoning.
The legend stemmed from the Muisca people of modern-day Colombia, who performed a ritual to proclaim a new ruler.
Where the magic happened – Lake Guatavita, Colombia 📸 Miguel Angel Riaño
To offer tribute for divine blessing over his reign, “The Gilded One“, was covered in a sticky layer of resin upon which fine gold dust was blown. The outcome was a radiant figure clad in sparkling gold – truly a “gilded man.”
A depiction of “The Gilded One” made from pure gold really stirred the imagination
The raft, made from reeds, and laden with gold and emeralds, was rowed to the lake’s centre.
The defining moment arrived as horns blared and attendants cast gold and jewels into the waters, joined by offerings from the crowd. The ceremony reached its peak when the Gilded One himself leapt into the waters — emerging cleansed of gold, now ruler of the Muisca.
Discovery of Pre-Columbian gold jewellery fueled the legend of Eldorado even further
Aye, the promise of such treasure led many a foolhardy soul to chase shadows across the jungles of the Americas. Yet, not a soul has ever laid eyes upon this fabled city of gold.
Throughout the ages, the name Eldorado came to symbolise wealth, prosperity, and an unattainable paradise.
Eldorado be more than just a place, yer see! It be a dream! A fool’s paradise where wealth and glory be ripe for the plunder.
To this very day, the name stirs the hearts of those who long for untold riches.
About the Creator
Ironhook Films be a YouTube channel known for its crafty stop-motion animations.
“Ironhook Films” YouTube Channel
It be early days, with a small but loyal crew of around 720 subscribers, the channel showcases storytelling and animation skills through a handful of videos.
So if yer enjoy stop-motion brick films and LEGO Pirate themed stories, Ironhook Films be well worth a look… and subscribe!
Video Credits
Small version of the Black Sea’s Barracuda based on a design by Veyniac.
LEGO Book 260 sailboat and mini Black Seas Barracuda by Veyniac
Voice over by Peter Baker as the Narrator and Captain Redbeard.
Music from Pond5, songs include; “Spanish Ladies”, “Wellerman“, “Rolling down to old Maui” and” Don’t forget your old shipmate”, “Pirate theme (funny sea shanty)“
Sound effects from freesound.org, ElevenLabs, and Pond5.
What Do Yer Think?
Has “The Secret of Eldorado Fortress” successfully bridged the divide between the two versions of Eldorado Fortress?
Did the film sufficiently explain why it bears a Spanish name despite the Soldier occupancy? And what of the revelation of the sealed enveloped?
Eldorado Fortress occupied by the Imperial Armada
Or do yer feel the story could have been told differently? What be your ideas?
Let us know in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group.
