Braveheart and the Historical Accuracy of William Wallace's Life

Braveheart, a highly popular and beloved film, feels like a dramatic recount of William Wallace's life and the Scottish struggle against English control. However, its historical accuracy has been a subject of much debate among scholars and critics. One of the key points of contention is the film's portrayal of Wallace's birth in the context of Henry III's reign, which is not entirely accurate. This article explores this historical inaccuracy and more, aiming to provide a clearer picture of William Wallace's life and the events surrounding his rise to fame.

Henry III and the Reign of Incompetence

The claim that William Wallace said his whole life Scotland was under England's control at the time of his birth, aligning with the reign of King Henry III, is a clear misreading of historical facts. In reality, Henry III had passed away by the time Wallace was born in 1270, and the reign most associated with Scotland's struggle was that of his son, Edward I.

The True King Edward I and His Campaigns

Contrary to the film's depiction, it wasn't until 1296, during the reign of Edward I (1274—1307), that England's influence in Scotland began to grow significantly. Edward was asked to oversee the succession of the new King of Scots after the death of Alexander III and his heir and granddaughter, Margaret. This led to a situation where Edward eventually claimed overlordship over Scotland in 1296, paving the way for the Scottish Wars of Independence. By the time Wallace was reportedly 29, this key event had already occurred, making it inaccurate to claim his entire life was under English control.

Braveheart: A Popcorn Film, Not a Historical Flick

One of the biggest criticisms of Braveheart is its portrayal of historical events and figures. For instance, the film's portrayal of King Henry III as an incapable ruler who tried to conquer Scotland is far from the truth. Henry III was more focused on dealing with the Barons' Wars and his unsuccessful attempt to regain parts of France, making it highly unlikely he pursued a campaign to conquer Scotland at the expense of his other pressing concerns.

Edward I's Involvement and the Battle of Scotland

The film's focus on Edward I comes into sharp relief with the film's depiction of the Battle of Falkirk. While Wallace did participate in this battle, the portrayal is heavily dramatized and not entirely historically accurate. The film portrays a clash between an enthusiastic and occasionally undisciplined Scottish army and a well-trained English army, which arguably oversimplifies the complexities of the historical events.

The Role of Robert the Bruce

Another key point worth noting is the famous line in the film that attributes the fight for Scottish independence to Wallace. However, it was actually King Robert I of Scotland, more accurately known as Robert the Bruce, who led the successful fight for independence. Bruce, unlike Wallace, won the war and established Scotland as an independent kingdom.

Robert the Bruce: The True Hero of Scottish Independence

While Robert the Bruce is portrayed as a heavily idealized and clean-cut noble character in the film, historical records paint a much more complex picture of him. Bruce was known for his cunning, betrayal, and even his role in the slaughter of Scottish prisoners of war. However, his ultimate success in defeating the English and securing Scotland's independence makes his actions historically significant.

Entertainment vs. Historical Accuracy

The film Braveheart has become synonymous with Scottish independence and William Wallace. However, it is essential to understand that Braveheart is primarily an entertainment film, not a historical document. The inaccuracies in the film range from the portrayal of historical figures to the depiction of battle strategies and the cultural aspects of Scotland. This does not necessarily make the film bad, but it is important to view it in the context in which it was meant to be consumed—beyond the realm of historical fact.

The Criticism and Controversy

Braveheart is infamous for its inaccuracies, especially in the realm of historical fact. Critics point out that the film portrays a dichotomy between a virtuous and heroic Scottish side and an evil and cruel English side. This portrayal, while compelling, is often seen as trite and unfaithful to the complex historical realities. The film's depiction of Scotland as predominantly kilt-wearing and face-painting (which was not common in Wallace's time) and the English as wearing the same armor as every army at the time is an over-simplification that fails to capture the historical nuances.

The Verdict: Go for Entertainment, Not Historical Fact

While Braveheart is undoubtedly a highly entertaining film, it should not be taken as a source of historical fact. When watching the film, it is advisable to turn off any need for historical accuracy and embrace it for its entertainment value. It is not a serious historical epic but rather a popcorn film that aims to entertain and inspire. Even if the inaccuracy bothers you, it can still be enjoyed purely for its dramatic and emotional impact.

In conclusion, while Braveheart is a beloved film, it should not be used as a source of historical fact. By understanding the historical context and known inaccuracies, viewers can appreciate the film for what it is—a highly entertaining and dramatic take on the life of William Wallace and the Scottish struggle for independence, rather than a historically accurate recount of the events.