The missionary, Philip Swift, is captured by Blackbeard but later falls in love with a mermaid named Syrena.
In the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” Philip Swift is a young missionary captured by the infamous pirate Blackbeard and his crew. Despite being a prisoner, Philip is treated relatively well due to his medical skills and compassionate nature. Throughout the film, he encounters a mermaid named Syrena, with whom he develops a deep connection. This relationship becomes central to the plot when Syrena’s tears are needed for the ritual to find the Fountain of Youth.
Philip’s kindness leads to Syrena developing feelings for him, which is significant as mermaids are generally portrayed as dangerous to humans. After a series of events, including Syrena being captured and used by Blackbeard to retrieve the chalices needed for the Fountain’s ritual, Philip attempts to free her. He is gravely injured in the process, but Syrena is able to save him by giving him a kiss, which allows him to breathe underwater, and she takes him to safety.
The film leaves their fate somewhat open-ended, but it is implied that Syrena’s kiss has healing properties, and there is a sense of hope for their future together. The relationship between Philip and Syrena adds a romantic subplot to the adventure and provides a contrast to the film’s darker themes involving piracy and the supernatural.
