The story goes:
* William Tell, a Swiss archer, refuses to bow to an Austrian governor's order to wear a hat on his head as a sign of allegiance.
* As punishment, the governor forces Tell to shoot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow.
* Tell succeeds, but the governor, suspicious of his intent, attempts to arrest him.
* Tell fights back, kills the governor, and sparks a rebellion that leads to Switzerland's independence.
It's important to note that:
* The historicity of the story is debated. There's no concrete evidence to prove Tell's existence or the events as they're recounted.
* However, the story has been a powerful symbol of Swiss freedom and independence, shaping their national identity.
The legend has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and music.