Today we’re going to look at ten notorious “bad guys” in history who, as it turns out, may not have been all that bad. From misunderstood Greek gods to uncredited dentists, we’re diving into the stories behind some of history’s most vilified figures. Here are who folks from a popular online community volunteered as “not the bad guys.”

1. Robert the Bruce From Braveheart

Robert the Bruce in Braveheart
Photo Credit: Icon Productions.

Historical portrayals can always be contested for accuracy, and Braveheart’s case proves just that. For example, someone pointed out how Robert the Bruce was loyal to William Wallace, unlike what the movie showcases.

1. Robert the Bruce From Braveheart

Statue of Robert the Bruce
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

While sometimes events are rewritten for entertainment value, one person argued that the original story was more exciting and could’ve been portrayed as is. Someone should have told Mel Gibson to do his research.

2. Niccolo Machiavelli

Statue of Niccolo Machiavelli
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

History is full of stories about unfortunate, misunderstood men, and Machiavelli is one of them. As many pointed out, his name is wrongly muddled with vices such as dishonesty, manipulation, and lies.

2. Niccolo Machiavelli

Sketch of Niccolo Machiavelli
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In reality, The Prince was more of an observation about how governments are rather than a suggestion regarding how they should be.

3. The First Persian Empire From 300

Wall from Persian Empire building
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Okay, this is no longer about bad guys but bad empires. But hear me out. If you recall the film 300, you can remember how the First Persian Empire really got the short end of the stick. As someone mentioned, the movie was made from a Spartan point of view, making it a biased depiction.

3. The First Persian Empire From 300

Building from Persian Empire
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Of course, no empire was perfect, but it is always important to point out if a negative characterization is unwarranted. 

4. Captain Hazelwood of the Exxon Valdez

Exxon logo
Photo Credit: Johnathan Weiss / Shutterstock.

Finding someone talking passionately about Captain Hazelwood in immense detail was amusing. However, to cut it short, the man is often considered a drunk captain who couldn’t manage his ship.

4. Captain Hazelwood of the Exxon Valdez

Exxon oil tank
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.

In reality, Hazelwood was not even in command during the spill. The man just wanted a nap, and suddenly, he’s a drunken pirate? Give him a break!

5. William McMaster Murdoch From Titanic

Captain Murdock in the Titanic
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox.

I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t seen the film Titanic. Inevitably, most of us thought of Murdoch as a horrible person.

5. William McMaster Murdoch From Titanic

Photograph of the Titanic
Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.

It is often forgotten that he was a real guy who saved many lives during the incident.

6. Hades From Greek Mythology

Statue of Hades
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Hades wasn’t a bad guy, or at least not as bad as other Greek Gods. As one person mentioned, he was loyal to his wife (for the most part, at least).

6. Hades From Greek Mythology

Hades three headed dog
Photo Credit: xNick / Shutterstock.

He’s not as bad as everyone thinks. I mean, he named his dog Spot. That’s just too cute!

7. Tom From Tom & Jerry

Figurine of Tom from Tom and Jerry
Photo Credit: HI_Pictures / Shutterstock.

Let’s delve into the classic skirmish between Tom and Jerry. Controversial, I know! However, many folks think that Tom wasn’t all that bad. One person speculated that the duo was putting on a show to avoid getting kicked out by their owners.

7. Tom From Tom & Jerry

Tom and Jerry figurines
Photo Credit: moaarif / Shutterstock.

Of course, most episodes are disconnected from each other and portray vastly different versions of the relationship between Tom and Jerry.

8. William Thomas Green Morton 

Doctor giving patient anesthesia
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

William Thomas was an unfortunate dentist who did not get enough attention to discovering anesthesia. This may be because doctors at the time didn’t take him seriously.

8. William Thomas Green Morton 

Stock image of male dentist
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Many folks commented that his discovery is the only reason modern-day surgery is possible. It’s a shame he didn’t get the credit he deserved, but dentists and doctors have always been at odds.

9. Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover on coin
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Hoover won the 1929 elections and took office as the US President. Unfortunately, he was subject to too much criticism as the world faced a horrific economic depression shortly after his tenure began.

9. Herbert Hoover

Statue of Herbert Hoover
Photo Credit: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.

In reality, as someone commented, Hoover had brilliant administrative skills, which led him to win in the first place. However, a series of unfortunate circumstances brought forth a lot of criticism. 

10. Pharaoh Cleopatra

Drawing of Pharaoh and Cleopatra
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Contrary to popular belief, Cleopatra was not an exploitative ruler. She’s not just a pretty face, folks. She was intelligent and dedicated as a leader. So, let’s give credit where credit is due!

10. Pharaoh Cleopatra

Digital art of Cleopatra
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

In truth, one person mentioned how she was incredibly focused on the development and welfare of her nation. “You get a pyramid, and you get a pyramid, and you get a pyramid!”

Source: Reddit.

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Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

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Saad Muzaffar
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