Throughout time, many individuals have come from ancient writings and lore passed down. In many of these stories, there’s some truth to who they were as people. Here are some historical truths behind some legendary characters.
Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient story from Mesopotamia. The Gilgamesh from the story was the real king of Uruk in 2700 BCE. It was said that he has particularly impressive strength and was an amazing leader. This lead to the stories being written about him.
Hercules
When people think of Hercules, they think of a demigod. But Hercules was actually based on a real hero. Despite his amazing feats, the Hercules the demigod was based on definitely didn’t have any supernatural powers.
King Arthur
The legend of King Arthur is a story that many people know. The real King Arthur was most likely a leader of Britain in the 5th or 6th century who fought the invading Saxons. The round table and mythical quests could be embellishments made in his honor.
Robin Hood
The tale of Robin Hood is a story that’s had adaptations in films and series alike, but with how old the tale is, it’s hard to tell what’s fictitious about it and what isn’t. We don’t know the extent to which the historical Robin Hood would have gone to feed the poor and if he really did rob the rich, but he’s most likely based on social justice beliefs and bandits.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is an awe-inspiring female heroine who is very much real. The peasant girl commanded a French army to finally win the Hundred Years’ War. She became a martyr and turned into a legendary and divine figure.
Vlad the Impaler
Vlad The Impaler was such a brutal leader in Wallachia in the 15th century that he inspired the legends of Dracula. His reign of terror inspired fear in enemy soldiers and villages alike.
Pocahontas
Pocahontas has many legends and stories surrounding her. Although she was very much real, the established story most people have heard has some embellishments. She did help establish peace between the Native Americans and English settlers, but she never established a romantic relationship with John Smith.
Sargon of Akkad
One of the first empires ever established was by Sargon of Akkad all the way back in 2334 BCE. Many stories portray him as a divine ruler with embellished origins and accomplishments.
Alexander the Great
While Alexander the Great was a real leader who had some amazing accomplishments, after his death, unlikely stories of his divine heritage and inhuman abilities started circulating. He’s still considered one of the most brilliant military leaders of his time, just without supernatural elements.
Hercules’ Twelve Labors
The Twelve Labors of Hercules may reflect real challenges faced by ancient warriors or laborers. These tales symbolize human perseverance and strength against overwhelming odds, rooted in the experiences of actual historical figures.
Imhotep
Imhotep was an ancient Egyptian polymath who served as the chief architect, physician, and advisor to Pharaoh Djoser during the 27th century BCE. He is often credited with designing the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, one of the earliest monumental stone structures. Over time, Imhotep became deified and was revered as a god of medicine and healing, blending historical achievements with mythological reverence.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity, but historical accounts suggest he was a real person who lived in Judea during the 1st century CE. While many miraculous stories surround his life, such as walking on water and resurrection, they likely evolved from his teachings and actions as a charismatic leader who challenged societal norms and inspired followers, leading to the creation of a vast religious tradition.
Uncover more fascinating moments from history — and hit Follow to keep the stories flowing to your feed!
Don’t miss more incredible stories from the past! Tap Follow at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest historical discoveries. Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your perspective!
