Ned Kelly: A Hero Or National Bush Hero?

Edward (Ned) Kelly was considered an outlaw within society in the late 19th century, due to his actions against injustices in society. However, in Australian history, the question was proposed whether Kelly was a bush hero or criminal. In recent times, the Australian media and culture has presented Kelly to become a national bush hero. The legend of Ned Kelly has changed overtime due to the historical recounts forming the Bush myth. Within this legend, the cultural identity of Australia was formed. Throughout many artworks, bushrangers have been depicted as either heroes and villains. In Sidney Nolan’s artwork “Ned Kelly”, it showcases Kelly as a hero due to his juxtaposition towards the bush. One of Kelly’s famous publications is the ‘Jerilderie …show more content…
In the article “Ned Kelly Died for Our Sins” by Deborah Bird Rose, his heroic characteristics are likened to Jesus Christ. The spirituality of Kelly characterizes him as an instrument in the formation of life. Similar to Kelly’s circumstances of marginalisation, the Indigenous communities were subject to the same problems. In this relationship, Kelly is remembered as a hero for “sacrificing his life” for the injustices. Even though Kelly was of European descent, he was not aligned to Captain Cook, as Kelly did not support the British. In the dreaming stories, Kelly’s prominence to the Indigenous culture forms the Legend of Kelly. Bird-Rose supports this symbolic remembrance stating: “Ned Kelly-man, myth-dream, and Aboriginal dreaming figure-provides a superb bridge between two cultures”. Jesus and Kelly share a similar motive in their lives as they supported the oppressed. This close comparison between the two “heroes” instills a special connection for the Indigenous who support the work of the individuals. Kelly is considered a bush hero to the Indigenous community due to his role for representing the …show more content…
His continuous crimes led to his execution on November 11 1880.In the West Australian article, it emphasises the details of his execution. At the time, people would have been satisfied in the descriptions; “The body fell about eight feet, and was brought up with a terrible jerk.” People at the time, would have supported this due to the crimes committed by Kelly. At the persecution of Kelly, all the information was focused on his crimes, especially the crimes at Glenrowan Inn and Jerilderie. The greatest impact of Kelly’s crimes were the deaths of police officers at Stringboard Creek, hence leading the foundations of his execution. Due to the involvement of police, Kelly was required to face the consequences of his actions. In the 21st century, Ned Kelly is viewed as a hero, however historians cannot ignore the Kelly’s vindictive