In this article, we are going to learn about the famous historical story of “Braveheart” and meet the real William Wallace. Certainly, it dazzled viewers when it first came out in 1995, and it gives some shiny academy awards for best picture and best Director for Mel Gibson, the actor, and the director.
However, almost any historian or scot will remind you, the movie version of William Wallace, Medieval Scottish rebel and continuous shouter of “freedom” while donning blue face paint, isn’t accurate.
However, almost any historian or scot will remind you, the movie version of William Wallace, Medieval Scottish rebel and continuous shouter of “freedom” while donning blue face paint, isn’t accurate.
The True Story of Braveheart
The concept of Braveheart was accepted by the historians and it is fully based on the battle of Stirling Bridge, as far as William Wallace‘s story, which peaked the proportions in Scottish history. There are few points in his history on which everyone agrees, and Braveheart tends to overlook them. For example, Wallace is shown as a farmer and highlander in the film, but he was actually a member of the gentry, a respectable position in socialism. Further, the Scots’ rebellion began a year after England invaded, although, in the film, the Scottish people have been under English domination for a long time.
The Inaccuracies Within the Film
The U.K publication “the times” (Caroline white) says Braveheart is the second most historically inaccurate movie every time. She particularly mentioned the use of kilts in the movie. It is an object of clothing that wasn’t introduced before the 16th century but after the release of Braveheart.
The Movie Is Filled With Fables
In the movie of Braveheart, Wallace and Princess Isabelle have a romantic relationship. Isabelle would have been a kid at the period of Wallace’s rebellion, not an adult committing adultery with the man who is leading a revolt against her father-in-law. The braveheart also includes the practice of Prima Noctis which historians think to be a fable but which is claimed to have existed.
The Fact and Fiction Death of Wallace
Here is what caused Wallace’s death is one of the most significant contrasts between fact and fiction?
Well, the movie Braveheart depicts Wallace being taken and turned over to the English during the height of the Scottish rebellion, whereas the real Wallace’s death was less heroic. The military of Wallace's reputation was damaged after the battle of Falkirk in 1298, a devastating defeat that resulted in the lives of thousands of scots. Wallace then stepped down from his power, and something is known about his activities during the next seven years.
Well, the movie Braveheart depicts Wallace being taken and turned over to the English during the height of the Scottish rebellion, whereas the real Wallace’s death was less heroic. The military of Wallace's reputation was damaged after the battle of Falkirk in 1298, a devastating defeat that resulted in the lives of thousands of scots. Wallace then stepped down from his power, and something is known about his activities during the next seven years.
Wallace was caught and transported to London by a Scottish spy working for the English in 1305. He was tried and convicted of treason at Westminster Hall. Wallace was unable to defend himself. According to History Today, “despite managing to scream that he was traitor since he had never vowed devotion to the King who had convicted and sentenced him”. Wallace’s head was placed on London Bridge as a warning to other insurgents after he was killed and other parts of his corpse were spread and shown around the empire.
The Main Issue
Finally, the main concept of Braveheart is men battling to win their freedom in the face of adversary. William Wallace’s heroic sacrifice spurs other Scotsmen to fight for their freedom at the Battle of Bannockburn. In the year of our lord 1314 famished and outnumbered, patriots of Scotland attacked the fields of Bannockburn” says the last voiceover.
The war of Scottish independence was just one of many examples of England’s centuries-long mistreatment of Scotland, and for some, the Scottish struggle continues to this day. The end of Braveheart was far from the end of Scotland’s was for freedom. , no matter how heroically Mel Gibson portrayed Wallace’s sacrifice.