12 Facts About Sandokan

Sandokan is a fictional late 19th-century pirate created by Italian author Emilio Salgari.

Paco Ignacio Taibo II has published a recent "Sandokan" novel entitled The Return of the Tigers of Malaysia.

Sandokan is the son of Kaigadan, the last Prince of Borneo, whose parents were killed by the East India Company in a bid to seize the throne.

Sandokan later has to help Tremal-Naik again, when his daughter is kidnapped by Thugs, Kali-yug's worshippers, a sect of killers commanded by Suyodhana, the "Tiger of India".

Sandokan character is inspired by the Spanish naval captain Carlos Cuarteroni Fernandez.

Sandokan is described as tall, charming, very muscular, slender, and attractive, with cold, black eyes, a fierce and severe look, and a big turban on his head.

Unlike his troops, who are described as mostly half-naked, Sandokan always wears fine oriental clothes, generally red silk with embroidered gold, and long, red, leather boots.

Sandokan is a formidable fighter, brave, and ruthless with his enemies, but kind, generous, and faithful to his friends.

Sandokan has absolute leadership over his men, and is often shown as having no fear, with Yanez playing as a sort of counterweight to his impulsive nature.

The first Sandokan films were made in 1941 in Italy with Luigi Pavese as Sandokan.

Carole Andre was cast as Lady Marianna Guillonk, Philippe Leroy played Sandokan's trusted friend and lieutenant Yanez De Gomera.

The TV series theme song, "Sandokan", was composed by Oliver Onions, and made the top 10 in many European countries, albeit mostly in the translated English version.