Was blackbeard a villain or hero?

Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, is often viewed as a villain due to his ruthless piracy and violent reputation during the early 18th century. He terrorized the American colonies and British ships, embodying the lawlessness of the Golden Age of Piracy. However, some may argue he was a product of his time, operating within a chaotic maritime environment. Ultimately, perceptions of Blackbeard vary widely, with him serving as both a notorious pirate and a legendary figure in popular culture.