William Wallace: The King of the Rebels

Rebel, Hero, Freedom-Fighter, Martyr. These are just a few of the words that race through our minds when we hear the name of William Wallace. Over the past few hundred years popular culture has raised Sir William Wallace from the bloody battlefields of Scotland to a place on a pedestal among the greatest heroes of history. In this ascent, the line between the man and the myth has become blurred. So who was William Wallace? In my research I have found many conflicting theories, each historian or author to delve back into the past returns with a slightly different interpretation then those before him. However, one thing remains certain and that is that William Wallace was a game changer.

Like many historical figures prior to 1500 C.E, the definite facts of Wallace’s life are few and far between, the first detailed accounts of his life are not seen until a century after his death. Little about Wallace is known prior to his rise in 1297 C.E, however it is generally agreed upon that he was born to some minor nobility, possibly descended from Richard Wallace, who was one of the first to arrive in Scotland, likely from Wales. Wallace’s exact birth date is unknown and his place of birth is often thought to be Elderslie, though this is disputed. He is thought to be well educated as a child, the popular theory being he was schooled at a monastery in Dunipace, possibly by his uncle, who may have been a priest there.

It is very likely that Wallace had prior experience in the military. His exploits during the rebellion show strong leadership and a powerful military mind, unlikely of which were taught to him in a monastery. Where, when and for who he would have served is not clear. However it is commonly believed he served as an archer, ...

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...efused, even when what may have been the most painful death imaginable awaited him. His persevering dream for a free Scotland carried him through a life and death of great suffering, and elevated him from the status of a man to arguably the greatest symbol of freedom in history.

So who was William Wallace? William Wallace was a barbarian, a hero, a rebel, an unwavering idealist and most importantly a man. A man who lived as a slave to his unwavering belief in freedom, despite pain torture and death he remained stalwart refusing to change his belief for neither kings nor death itself. His ideals were so strong that they survived his life of immense suffering and turmoil and have lived for over seven hundred years past his death, greatly impacting our culture, and inspiring people across the world. Who was William Wallace? William Wallace was The King of The Rebels.