When Scotland's future looked most grim, a hero arose of mythic proportions. William Wallace (1272?-1305) remains to this day the most revered national hero of Scotland, legendary for his courage, cunning, stature, wisdom, and military insight. Wallace, the landless second son of an insignificant nobleman, was able to unite the common people of his fractious country and win almost miraculous victories against the dreaded "Southrons." In an era when the natural leaders betrayed their country for their own selfish ends, William Wallace shines forth as the one man who never swerved in his devotion to Scotland and its liberty.
Braveheart garnered five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director honors for Gibson. The film is widely regarded as one of the finest of the 1990s. Read more about William Wallace in our Guides section.
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