Misconceptions About Mel Gibson’s Scottish Hero in Braveheart

When discussing historical fiction in cinema, the 1995 film Braveheart immediately comes to mind. Yet, the film is often criticized for its inaccuracy, particularly in portraying Robert the Bruce. However, this article will focus on the Scottish hero Mel Gibson depicted in the movie—William Wallace—and dispel some common misconceptions around him.

Who Was William Wallace?

William Wallace, often mistaken for the main character of the film, was a real historical figure and one of the famous Scottish leaders who fought for Scottish independence from English rule in the late 13th century. Born around 1270, he became a well-known figure in Scottish history for his role in leading the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Wallace was a skilled warlord and military strategist who gained prominence for his successful raiding campaigns against the English, which initially supported Scottish men’s freedom from the oppressive rule of King Edward I of England. He was executed by the English in 1305, and his story has become an iconic symbol of Scottish nationalism through various writings and media portrayals.

Mel Gibson’s Portrayal in Braveheart

Mel Gibson, known for his charismatic and powerful performances, played the role of a fictionalized version of William Wallace. It is crucial to understand that the character of Wallace in Braveheart is not an entirely accurate portrayal of the historical figure. Instead, it represents a creation based on elements from various sources, including the fictional account by Blind Harry.

Arcadia Films, the production company behind the film, combined different elements to create a dramatic and epic storyline. Gibson’s portrayal of Wallace is a blend of elements from several sources, with the historian and author Randall Jones pointing out that the beginning of the film is far from the real Wallace's story, but rather a combination of various figures and events for the sake of dramatic impact.

Braveheart: A Blend of Fact and Fiction

It is important to recognize that Braveheart is a work of cinematic fiction, and its version of Wallace is largely a fictionalized version of the historical figure. While the film aims to inspire awe and national pride, it often diverges from historical facts in the interests of drama and narrative.

The film’s depiction of Wallace as an unstoppable force led by divine guidance, alongside the romanticization of his blossoming relationship with the fictional character Murron, does not align with the historical record. Historical accounts of Wallace suggest that he was not a religious zealot but rather a pragmatic military leader with a clear understanding of the strategic and political aspects of his battles.

Blind Harry and the Wallace Poem

A key element in the film is Blind Harry’s poem, which translates the real historical figure into a version that served to criticize and attack the Scottish monarchy. The Wallace poem, created in 1488 to satirize the then-reigning King James III, is a blend of truth, half-truths, and fiction. Blind Harry, a blind Scottish abbot, combined various tales and legends to provide a narrative that served his political and ideological purposes at the time.

Historical analysis reveals that while Wallace did play an important role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, his actions were more grounded in strategic military and political matters, rather than the fantastical elements portrayed in Braveheart. For instance, Wallace is credited with forming merchant links with Northern German states, which was a significant contribution to the Scottish economy at the time.

Conclusion

In summary, while Mel Gibson’s portrayal of the Scottish hero in Braveheart has captivated audiences and sparked a resurgence of interest in Scottish history, it is crucial to separate the historical figure of William Wallace from the cinematic character. The film, while an impressive box office success, ought to be regarded with a critical eye when it comes to historical accuracy. Understanding these differences helps in appreciating both the historical figures and the storytelling efforts of filmmakers.