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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Hades from Greek Mythology

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

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

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

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 

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 

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

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

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

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

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!”

This thread inspired this post.

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