Wallace: Man and Myth

William Wallace is a name steeped in meaning. He is a symbol of freedom and courage too many but why? Well know for his part in the rebellion against English forces during the War of Independence William Wallace’s is thought of as more than just a leader of the Scots he is Scotland’s Guardian (pg3 fisher) hero of the realm but why is he remembered so well? The answer is the legend that has been perpetuated by writers of old such as Blind Harry and then continued by modern historians. To understand why he became so well know and his name so long lived one must first look at the historical context before, during, and after his time. Tensions between England and Scotland raged for centuries. In the thirteenth century that proceeded the War of Independence and Wallace, a Golden Age was kept by Alexander II and his son Alexander III according to John of Fordun in 1380. (Magnus) Though this was a relatively peaceful time in Scotland tension with the English continued over the lands of northern England that had previously belonged to the Scots. Some small battles were fought but with the death of King John of England and crowning of Henry the III the disputes were settled with the marriage of Henry’s elder sister Joan in 1221 and the Treaty of York in 1237. (pg 91-92 magnus) The marriage gave Alexander more royal standing among other sovereign nations but on the flip side one sees the close relationship between England and Scotland that will cause struggle over the line of succession in future years. The Treaty of York gave boundary lands from Tweed to Solway everything south of this belonged to England and everything north belonged to the Scottish. After this a relatively peaceful relationship resided between the Scots and the En... ... middle of paper ... ...om under Scottish rule passed on to him the responsebiility to protect that right and when the old Kings of Scotland died off and the countries sovereignty taken away he rose to reclaim the honor of his nation. Through tireless war he made his name known and even death was the stuff of legend. William Wallace is made legend not do to the man he was but for the man people have made him. His rebellion against the English gives him exactly the role model the Scottish people wanted. Years of tension and oppression from England made a hero much needed. Wallace is the blank slate that the characteristics of a hero can be etched on too his lack of personality know make him relatable to all who read or hear of him because they can assign whatever personality they want. He lives on in story even in modern times and is remember for his amazing acts of bravery and heroism.