The movie “Braveheart” is a cinematic masterpiece that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. The story of William Wallace, his fight for Scottish independence, and his eventual betrayal and execution has become a cultural icon. However, it is important to note that the movie is not entirely historically accurate. In this article, we will identify and explain the differences between the movie “Braveheart” and the real history of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the battles for independence of Scotland from England.
William Wallace
The movie “Braveheart” portrays William Wallace as a charismatic leader of the Scottish rebellion against the English. However, in reality, little is known about Wallace’s early life. It is believed that he was born around 1270, and he may have been a minor Scottish noble. Wallace’s first significant victory was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, which is depicted in the movie. However, the movie inaccurately portrays Wallace as leading the battle alone. In reality, he was part of a larger Scottish army led by Andrew de Moray.
Another major inaccuracy in the movie is Wallace’s relationship with Isabella of France, the wife of Edward II. In the movie, Wallace has a romantic relationship with Isabella, which leads to her betraying her husband and helping the Scots. However, there is no historical evidence to support this. In fact, Isabella was only a child at the time of Wallace’s rebellion, and she did not meet Edward II until many years later.
Wallace was eventually captured by the English in 1305 and executed for treason. In the movie, his execution is portrayed as a heroic sacrifice, with Wallace shouting “Freedom!” as he is executed. However, in reality, Wallace was hanged, drawn, and quartered, which was a gruesome and brutal execution method.
Robert the Bruce
Robert the Bruce is another key figure in the Scottish fight for independence, and he is depicted in the movie as a traitor who initially sides with the English before switching sides to support Wallace and the Scottish rebellion. However, this is not entirely accurate. Robert the Bruce was a member of the Scottish nobility, and he initially supported the English King Edward I. However, he eventually became disillusioned with the English and began to support the Scottish rebellion.
One major inaccuracy in the movie is the depiction of the Battle of Bannockburn. In the movie, Robert the Bruce leads the Scottish army to victory against the English, thanks in part to a speech he gives to his troops. However, in reality, the battle was won due to a combination of factors, including the Scottish use of pikes and the English cavalry charging into a marshy area.
King Edward I
King Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks, is a key figure in the history of Scotland’s fight for independence, and he is portrayed in the movie “Braveheart” as a cruel and tyrannical ruler who is determined to subjugate the Scottish people. However, while Edward I was certainly a strong and determined leader, his actions towards Scotland were more complex than the movie portrays.
After Balliol’s abdication, Edward I appointed his own officials to govern Scotland and imposed English laws and customs on the Scottish people. This led to widespread resentment and resistance, culminating in the Scottish rebellion led by William Wallace.
The movie “Braveheart” portrays Edward I as a cruel and ruthless tyrant, who orders the execution of Scottish rebels and refuses to negotiate with them. However, while Edward I was certainly a strong and determined leader, he was also a skilled politician who recognized the importance of compromise and negotiation.
In 1304, Edward I offered the Scottish nobility a chance to surrender and negotiate a peaceful settlement. This offer was accepted by many Scottish nobles, including Robert the Bruce. However, William Wallace refused to surrender and continued to lead the rebellion, which ultimately led to his capture and execution.
Edward I died in 1307, and the Scottish rebellion continued under the reign of his son, Edward II. The battle for Scottish independence would continue for several more decades, with Robert the Bruce eventually emerging as the leader of the Scottish forces and winning a decisive victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Battles for Scottish Independence
The movie “Braveheart” depicts a series of battles between the Scottish and English armies, including the Battles of Stirling Bridge and Falkirk. While these battles did take place, the movie exaggerates the size of the Scottish army and the brutality of the fighting.
The movie also portrays the English King Edward I as a ruthless tyrant who is determined to crush the Scottish rebellion at all costs. While Edward I was certainly a strong and determined leader, he was also a skilled politician who recognized the importance of compromise and negotiation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the movie “Braveheart” is a powerful and inspiring story of Scottish independence, it is important to recognize that it is not entirely historically accurate. The movie takes significant liberties with the lives of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the battles for independence. It is important for viewers to understand the differences between the movie and the real history in order to gain a more accurate understanding of this fascinating period in Scottish and English history.