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William Shakespeare, the legendary playwright, was renowned for his ingenuity, but many of his works were rooted in pre-existing stories, myths, and real-world events. He often took these tales and transformed them, adding his own flair and characters. His remarkable adaptations of historical figures and legendary tales contributed to his status as a literary legend. Some plays, like Richard III, were based on the lives of real historical figures, while others, like Hamlet and King Lear, were inspired by stories intertwined with folklore that later gained a sense of historical authenticity.
10. Hamlet
Shakespeare had a particular fondness for royal tales, and Hamlet stands out as one of his finest examples, drawing inspiration from a real Viking prince believed to have truly lived. The prince’s story appears in the chronicle of Denmark’s kings, written by historian Saxo Grammaticus in Deeds of the Danes, around 1200—nearly 400 years before Shakespeare created The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark between 1599 and 1601. The play follows Hamlet’s tragic journey as he seeks revenge for his father’s death, discovering that his uncle Claudius is the murderer who has claimed the throne and married Hamlet’s mother.
While the play is inspired by the historical figure Amleth, the real prince’s fate differed from Hamlet’s. Instead of meeting his end in a duel like Shakespeare’s character, Amleth killed his uncle by setting fire to his hall and then succeeded him as king. He was later killed in battle by the man who took his place. This legend was passed down through various cultures orally, and Shakespeare most likely found inspiration in a performance of an earlier version of the story that had been staged in England.
9. Richard III
Although some of the kings and queens William Shakespeare depicted might be fictionalized, there is no doubt that the protagonist of Richard III, written around 1592-1593, was a real historical figure, a British monarch from the 15th century. Nevertheless, historical events can often be portrayed in various ways, particularly when political interests influence the narrative.
The historical Richard III is often remembered as a ruthless and ambitious villain, reportedly responsible for the deaths of his nephews to secure the throne. However, many have suggested that this portrayal was shaped by his enemies' propaganda, particularly those loyal to Henry Tudor, who succeeded Richard after defeating and killing him in battle.
Yet, we cannot ignore the impact of Shakespeare's play Richard III in perpetuating this image over the centuries. Shakespeare often portrayed the Tudor family in a favorable light, likely influenced by Queen Elizabeth I, a significant patron of his works, whose grandfather, Henry Tudor, defeated Richard.
Even today, some continue to see Richard as a villain who committed heinous acts, while others, including the vocal Richard III Society, dispute this view. The 2022 movie The Lost King, which centers on the discovery of Richard III’s remains after more than five centuries, presents both the Shakespearian view of the king and the perspective of his supporters.
8. Macbeth
Originally known as The Tragedy of Macbeth, this gripping Scottish drama, brimming with betrayal, suspense, and the supernatural, was penned between 1606 and 1607. It incorporates real historical figures while also showcasing how Shakespeare altered historical events for dramatic effect. One of the most striking deviations from history is the method by which Macbeth murders King Duncan. In the play, he assassinates Duncan in a castle rather than killing him in battle as the real Macbeth did.
In the play, Macbeth is driven to murder the king by a prophecy delivered by three witches, which foretells his own ascent to the throne. As the Royal Shakespeare Company states, "madness born of ambition sets in, and he and his wife seize power by all possible means, leading to murderous consequences." Historically, Macbeth's reign lasted much longer than the one depicted in Shakespeare's play, and he had a much stronger claim to the throne.
7. Timon of Athens
Likely written between 1606 and 1608, Timon of Athens is a satirical tragedy based on a true story from antiquity. It tells the tale of a wealthy nobleman, known for his disdain for humanity. The play, possibly co-written by Thomas Middleton, begins with Timon being a generous benefactor, only to turn bitter after sinking into debt from his lavish spending. His disillusionment grows as the so-called friends he helped abandon him in his time of need.
In response to the hypocrisy of those around him, Timon hosts a banquet for these insincere individuals, but instead of a feast, he serves nothing but hot water and stones. After expressing his disdain for Athens, he withdraws from society and retreats into the wilderness. Later, as Athens faces imminent invasion, Timon offers some of the gold he has discovered to the city's enemies. The character of Timon has been depicted in works by renowned figures, including the historian Plutarch.
6. Antony and Cleopatra
As with many other historical figures he wrote about, William Shakespeare played a significant role in immortalizing the tragic love story of Antony and Cleopatra through his theatrical interpretation. The passionate and dramatic romance between Julius Caesar's esteemed general, Marc Antony, and Caesar's former lover, Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, became an ideal narrative for the stage.
Shakespeare's play was based on Plutarch’s 'The Life of Antony.' While Plutarch sought to present a balanced account, his notably negative portrayal of Cleopatra suggests a certain bias. Rebecca King, from the Washington University in St. Louis podcast 'Hold That Thought,' observes that Plutarch’s depiction 'betrays his Roman sensibilities.'
Shakespeare emphasized the romantic tragedy of Cleopatra’s suicide, intensifying its emotional impact for the audience. Although Cleopatra believed she would be reunited with Marc Antony in the afterlife, it seems that the deep humiliation she endured as a prominent prisoner was a more pressing factor in her decision to end her life.
5. King Lear
The five-act Shakespearean tragedy *King Lear*, written between 1605 and 1606, centers on the familial strife of an aging monarch, who faces a battle for his kingdom's inheritance among his daughters. The size of each daughter's portion is determined by how much love she claims to have for Lear. Regan and Goneril, eager for their share, deliver heartfelt yet hollow declarations of affection. Cordelia, the only daughter who genuinely loves him, refuses to participate in this pretense but remains loyal to her father. Meanwhile, her sisters turn against Lear, leading him to the brink of madness.
Although the dramatic twists of *King Lear* may seem purely imaginative, it is based on the real-life story of an ancient British king. Often referred to as Leir of Britain, his tale is recounted in historical records, notably in the second edition of *The Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande* by Raphael Holinshed, which likely served as a primary source for Shakespeare. While historians debate the accuracy of the account, many believe the story is grounded in reality. Shakespeare's creative additions to the story include Lear’s descent into madness and the invention of his loyal court jester.
4. Henry VIII
*Henry VIII* is considered one of Shakespeare's lesser works, with one of the challenges being the potential conflict of interest in writing about the family of Elizabeth I. The portrayal of Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn (referred to as Anne Bullen in the play), was unusually sympathetic compared to other depictions, as she was often vilified in historical accounts. The play also weaves in political intrigue. Even though Elizabeth had passed away 10 years before Shakespeare collaborated on this play with John Fletcher in 1613, he likely still felt indebted to her for the support she had given to his career.
The play chronicles the tumultuous romance between Anne and Henry VIII, which ultimately leads to their infamous and tragic marriage following his divorce from his first wife. At the play’s conclusion, Anne gives birth to Princess Elizabeth, whose greatness is prophesied by the Archbishop.
3. Othello
Shakespeare's five-act tragedy *Othello*, written in 1603, delves into themes of love, jealousy, revenge, and interracial marriage, making it one of his most iconic plays. The story follows the controversial marriage of Desdemona, a Venetian lady, to Othello, a military commander of Moorish descent. When Othello is passed over for a promotion in favor of Cassio, the villainous Iago seeks revenge by convincing Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio. Consumed by jealousy, Othello kills his wife and later takes his own life upon discovering Iago’s deceit.
For many years, it was believed that the plot of *Othello* was based on a novel by Italian author Giraldi Cinthio. However, a significant discovery in the late 19th century revealed that this intense tragedy was inspired by a real-life event.
An article published in 1898 in the *Ann Arbor Argus* suggested that Shakespeare might have used information from the Venetian embassy in London to fuel his creation of *Othello*. The key difference between the play and reality is that the real Othello did not murder Desdemona, whose actual name was Palma. Instead, he severely beat her.
2. Cymbeline
Set in ancient Britain before the Roman conquest, Shakespeare’s play *Cymbeline* draws inspiration from the story of the real historical figure, King Cunobeline. A powerful Celtic king, Cunobeline ruled over parts of Essex and later Kent. His reign was marked by prosperity, and he maintained friendly relations with the Roman Empire, even agreeing to pay tribute to Rome, though he had the option to avoid doing so.
According to Raphael Holinshed’s 1587 *Chronicles*, Cunobeline’s eldest son, Guiderius, ceased paying tribute to Rome, angering Emperor Claudius and prompting an invasion of Britain. In Shakespeare’s adaptation, written between 1608 and 1610, a significant departure from the historical account occurs, with Cymbeline himself taking the stance of refusing to pay tribute.
Shakespeare’s *Cymbeline* also incorporates elements from Giovanni Boccaccio’s *Decameron*, a story about a man who wagers on his wife’s loyalty. In the play, this plot involves Cymbeline’s daughter, Imogen, and her husband, Postumus. After secretly marrying, Postumus is banished to Rome, where he places a bet on Imogen’s faithfulness. The man he wagers against is Giacomo, who plans to seduce her. Despite the complications, the play concludes with a happy resolution for both the romantic couple and the kingdom.
1. Coriolanus
Shakespeare was not only exceptionally talented but also remarkably versatile in the topics he explored, engaging with a broad spectrum of genres. While his romantic plays and melodramas may enjoy the most fame today, he also delved into themes of war, particularly in *Coriolanus*, often referred to as 'Shakespeare’s war play.' This play is inspired by the Roman figure Gnaeus Marcius Coriolanus, a distinguished military leader turned politician, whose life was chronicled by the historian Plutarch in *Parallel Lives*.
*Coriolanus*, famous for its intense battlefield scenes, takes place during the early days of the Roman Republic, a period marked by severe class conflict. In the play, the noble Coriolanus fails in his bid for the highest elected office due to his open disdain for the common people, leading to his banishment from Rome. Although he initially seeks revenge, Coriolanus ultimately chooses to spare the city, bringing a time of peace. Yet, like many historical figures in Shakespeare’s works, his story ends tragically.
