Religion and Superstition

Religion and superstition are deeply entwined in The Black Pearl. The Manta Diablo is believed to have originated over a hundred years ago when the legendary Father Lineares banished a malodorous, clawed, fork-tongued demon from the land forever, transforming him into a giant manta. Although Ramun does not initially believe in the legend, the Manta Diablo, or Devil Ray, is a symbol of evil from the start.

Ramun's father, Blas Salazar, is a deeply religious man. He insists that Father Gallardo bless the fleet before they sail, and he donates the Pearl of Heaven to the Madonna. Mr. Salazar's form of faith is highly akin to superstition. He believes that religion is a form of bribery, a quid-pro-quo where the priest's blessing ensures the fleet's safety. Blas Salazar has mixed motives for donating the Pearl of Heaven to the Madonna. He is inexplicably unable to find...