Samuel Salt, captain of the ship Crescent Moon, is the most famous mariner of the Nonestic Ocean.

Description

He is six feet tall and an imposing physical presence, with a fierce beard. He sometimes wears a scimitar, and occasionally carries it in his teeth. He dresses flashily when the occasion warrants, though aboard ship he likes to dress casually in his red shorts.

History

He first gained fame as a pirate captain, though he always preferred exploring and making discoveries to plundering. His crew abandoned him and stole one of his two ships. He decided to plunder an island for men and supplies and then pursue, but instead he found King Ato, whose men had also deserted him. Salt, Ato, and Roger the Read Bird left on the Crescent Moon to pursue both groups of departed men. During their adventure, they met Peter Brown and were instrumental in saving Oz from Ruggedo. Salt then fully reformed and became an official explorer for Oz.(Pirates in Oz)

Captain Salt had the Crescent Moon refitted by Jinnicky the Red Jinn, and then launched on his mission of exploration with Ato and Roger. They also found a new cabin boy in Tazander Tazah, or Tandy for short, who they discovered as a captive on Patrippany Island. They discovered many new islands for Oz, including Tandy's homeland of Ozamaland. All of these countries were conquered for Oz, but only with their consent, of course. (Captain Salt in Oz)

Salt was later present for Ozma's birthday celebration in the Emerald City, when Jenny Jump arrived. He was still in the city soon after, when it was attacked by Heelers. (The Wonder City of Oz)

He was also present for the Wizard's unveiling of Scalawagons at Glinda's palace, and he received one of his own. (The Scalawagons of Oz)

Quotations

"Shiver my liver and shatter my shins, I'll goosewing your topsails for this!" (While practicing a fierce pirate personality on his voyage with Peter.)

Background

Captain Salt is often named as one of Ruth Plumly Thompson's most memorable Oz-related creations. While his title role Captain Salt in Oz entered the public domain prematurely in 1965, the continued copyright of Pirates in Oz has limited his use by other authors. It is expected to expire in 2027.

In chapter 14 of Pirates, Salt says "I wouldn't trade this ship or this ocean for all the treasure in Christendom." This may indicate an Earth origin for the character, like Polacky the Plunderer.