William Wallace

From International Robin Hood Bibliography

By Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2013-07-15. Revised by Henrik Thiil Nielsen, 2022-05-27.

William Wallace (1272-1305) is a Scottish national hero who was given the title of Guardian of Scotland after he led Scottish forces to victory over an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge (Sep. 11, 1297). Wallace was captured and executed by the English in 1305. His deeds are celebrated in the Middle Scots poem The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace, written by Henry the Minstrel aka Blind Harry (c.1440-1492), and often called Blind Harry's Wallace. Essentially describing Wallace as a guerilla leader this poem bears similarities to the Gest and other early outlaw literature as to themes, motifs and overall tone.

Primary sources: literary works

Gude Wallace (Child 157)

Scholarly and literary editions

Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace

Translations

English

Studies and criticism

Brief mention