87 Braveheart Trivia Questions & Answers

Answer: The murder of Scottish nobles in MacAndrew's barn

"But it's our wits that make us men".

The movie begins with a meeting in a barn. Edward the Longshanks has called a meeting of the Scottish nobles in an attempt to stop the fighting after the death of the king. Young William's father, Malcolm, is concerned because their neighbor, MacAndrew, was to come by after the meeting, and is going to check on him. In MacAndrew's barn, Malcolm, William, and his brother, John, find thirty Scottish nobles and their pages hanging from the rafters. Malcolm calls a meeting at his home to discuss retaliation with his neighbors against the English; he and John prepare to leave the next morning, and William wants to go with them, telling his father that he "can fight".

In reality, it is very difficult to know the truth about Wallace's early life. Some historians do believe, however, that he was born to an aristocratic family - not impoverished farmers - and that he was a knight long before the Battle of Stirling, as depicted in the movie. It is certain, however, that Scotland was ruled by Alexander III in 1276, at the beginning of the film, and that the English and Scots had been at peace for quite some time. Alexander III did not die until 1296; at that time of his death, there was a period of uncertainty as his young heir, Margaret, died on her way to claim the throne. Edward the Longshanks was asked to mediate as several made claims to the throne, and John Balliol was eventually chosen as the next king.

Answer: Mel Gibson

Brian Cox plays his uncle Argyle Wallace. Sean Lawlor plays his father Malcolm Wallace. Sandy Nelson plays his brother John Wallace. Argyle comes for William after the funeral of father and brother and takes on educating William. Gibson, an action hero type actor known for his roles in "Mad Max" and "Lethal Weapon" movies, also directed this movie for which he won the Oscar for Best Director of 1995.

Answer: Stephen

Stephen is an Irishman joining Wallace's party shortly before the Battle of Stirling. At first, Stephen comes off as a bit insane but soon gathers the respect of Wallace after saving his life. Stephen says this quote to Campbell (Hamish's father) after he declares Stephen is an "insane Irish!"

Stephen is one of the more comical characters in the movie as he proclaims to be an equal with God and converses with Him regularly.

Answer: Randall Wallace

The writer of this film is possibly related to William Wallace. He went to Scotland and did research and learned quite a bit on the Wallace family. On his trip to Scotland he said that Wallace was the biggest talked about story hero in Scotland.

Answer: "I know. I know you can fight. But it's our wits that make us men."

These were the last words William's father said to him while still alive. Later in the film, young William had a dream in which he was lying beside his father's corpse on a table and his father turned to him and gave him more character-shaping advice.

Answer: We do not have to beat them, just fight them.

William's father was the one who planted the seeds of freedom in William's head. This quote was to gain support for their fight, but William's father ended up dying in the battle.

Answer: Randall Wallace

His screenplay 'We were soldiers' also stars Mel Gibson.

Answer: Mornay

Wallace kills Mornay for betraying him at the battle.

Answer: His childhood friend

All were at the wedding, and, much as he would have wanted to, he did not throw at the English Lord. Nor would he have thrown at the groom or father of bride. He threw at his childhood buddy, Hamish, who later said, "I shoudda remembered the rocks."

Answer: England and Scotland

The Scots were vastly outnumbered in this war but they were valiant fighters. The English merely wanted control over Scotland. There were also other rebellions besides Wallace's. One other famous rebellion leader and hero, as well as another great movie, was "Rob Roy".

Answer: Hamish

William and Hamish were best friends as children. They scuffled for fun near the stream in the early parts of the film. As a child, William showed immense talent in accurate stone-throwing, much to Hamish's dismay.

Answer: Wits

William thought he should go to the battle too, but he was only a child. His father explained to him that it takes more than strength to win a battle. This came in handy later in the movie.

Answer: The maid of Norway

She died on a Viking ship as an infant on her way to "claim" her right to the throne.

Answer: David O'Hara

Although the character Stephen was Irish, David O'Hara was born in Scotland.

Answer: Claymore

The real sword Wallace used was said to be 5 feet long!

Answer: "If we can't get them out, we'll breed them out".

"That should fetch just the kind of lords we want in Scotland".

When the grown William returns to his village, he finds the people involved in a wedding celebration. There is dancing, music, and food. He is reacquainted with his friend Hamish, sees that Murron is a stunning young woman, and witnesses the abduction of the bride by the English lord, who has been given the right by Longshanks, along with his land grant, to sleep with the bride on her wedding night. "The trouble with Scotland is that its full of Scots. If we can't kick them out, we'll breed them out".

While there appear to be many writings that speak of "primae noctis", there really isn't very much historical evidence to prove that the policy really existed anywhere, and was never used by Edward Longshanks during the time of William Wallace.

Answer: Thistle

William returns the flower to show his love for Murron and asks her to marry him. He proclaims that "he has always loved her and no other". The thistle is the national flower of Scotland.

Answer: Robert the Bruce

Wallace certainly has a way with words. He respects Robert as Robert respects him. Unfortunately, Robert betrays Wallace later in the film when he takes sides with Longshanks under his father's advice. In the final scene of the movie, disgusted with betrayal and disloyalty to his country, Robert finally leads the Scots to victory. His memorable final quote is: "You have bled with Wallace! Now bleed with me."

Answer: Hamish

Hamish is a very big strong Scot he is brave and fights beside his father. This Scot is a brawler. He often proves himself to Wallace with games. Hamish is a sensitive and caring man as well as a strong and smart warrior.

Answer: To see Murron

It was the first time in the film that William saw Murron, since she gave him the flower at his father's graveside, when they were children. Hamish obviously interjected, initiating the stone challenge. William and Murron would later wed.

Answer: Primae noctis was still in effect.

Primae noctis was a law that the Lord had "first night" rights to any common girl who was married on their lands. William didn't want to share Murron with an English lord so he married in secret. This ended up causing her death.

Answer: Argyle

He teaches William to use his mind before his weapons.

Answer: Nicolette

She claimed 'Englishmen don't know what a tongue is for'.

Answer: A lion

The English banner is the 3 lions but the Scottish standard is the red lion.