Heroes had always been there, but changed over time. They adapted to the needs of populations, societies and cultures, becoming sometimes national heroes. The best example of a changing and self-adapting hero would be Robin Hood. He is globally famous and his, probably, two best known attributes are: taking from the rich and giving to the poor, as well as being an outlaw. Not everyone might know that his real life existence is highly controversial. His legend, hence, varied from the location and the famous characters – Lady Marian and Friar Tuck – had to develop over time. Due to the change of the Hood myth in medieval times he could adapt from the society of the poor, working his way up, to the acceptance of high society. Always by adapting and changing the myth to the needs of the societies through the centuries, Hood could become the legend today’s people know.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Reconstruction of History
2.1. How the Legend of Robin Hood Came to Life
2.2. The Better True History of Ned Kelly
3. Modern Representation of Literature
3.1. The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood
3.2. True History of the Kelly Gang
4. Adaptations of Heroes to Modern Needs
4.1. Robin Hood’s Changes and Adaptaions
4.2 Ned Kelly’s Changes and Adaptations
4.3 Further Modern Adaptations
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines the thesis that national heroes evolve over time in response to the changing needs of society, which often leads to the adaptation of the hero narrative in the most beneficial way for contemporary interests. By analyzing the historical foundations of Robin Hood and Ned Kelly alongside modern literary interpretations, the research investigates how these figures are reconstructed and re-purposed to fit shifting cultural and political landscapes.
- Historical reconstruction and the emergence of legends
- The influence of postmodern historiographic metafiction on hero narratives
- Comparison between medieval Robin Hood ballads and Australian bushranger mythology
- The mechanisms of adapting historical figures for modern societal needs
- The role of media, technology, and commercialization in shaping national identity
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Heroes had always been there, but changed over time. They adapted to the needs of populations, societies and cultures, becoming sometimes national heroes. The best example of a changing and self-adapting hero would be Robin Hood. He is globally famous and his, probably, two best known attributes are: taking from the rich and giving to the poor, as well as being an outlaw. Not everyone might know that his real life existence is highly controversial. His legend, hence, varied from the location and the famous characters – Lady Marian and Friar Tuck – had to develop over time. Due to the change of the Hood myth in medieval times he could adapt from the society of the poor, working his way up, to the acceptance of high society. Always by adapting and changing the myth to the needs of the societies through the centuries, Hood could become the legend today’s people know. A more detailed historical review of Hood’s emergence will be developed in the first chapter.
Many movies and books about Hood exist and his name has become a label for someone who is noble and giving. Furthermore, just his name has become a metonymy and sign for giving money and making life easier for the poor. He is today one of the globally most famous heroes of the middle ages and became a national hero of Great Britain (Johnston 7).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the evolution of national heroes over time, using Robin Hood and Ned Kelly as primary case studies for how legends adapt to contemporary societal needs.
2. Reconstruction of History: This section explores the historical origins of both Robin Hood and Ned Kelly, examining the documentary evidence and the subjectivity inherent in the creation of their respective legends.
3. Modern Representation of Literature: The chapter analyzes modern literary works, specifically focusing on how Dobson and Carey utilize historiographic metafiction to re-interpret the traditional stories of these heroes.
4. Adaptations of Heroes to Modern Needs: This part investigates how modern societies, through literature, film, and digital media, continue to reshape these legends to reflect present-day cultural identities and political values.
5. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that while historical accuracy is often compromised, the persistence of these legends proves their essential role in constructing and maintaining national identity.
Keywords
Robin Hood, Ned Kelly, National Heroes, Historiographic Metafiction, Legend Adaptation, Mythology, Bushranger, Cultural Identity, Social Banditry, Postmodern Literature, Oral Tradition, History vs Fiction, Hero Narrative, Folklore, Society and Myth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
The study investigates how national heroes are re-invented and adapted over centuries to meet the shifting ideological and cultural requirements of different societies.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The central themes include the historical development of the Robin Hood and Ned Kelly legends, the literary theory of historiographic metafiction, and the intersection of cultural identity with myth-making.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The main objective is to demonstrate that national heroes are not static figures, but fluid narratives that change according to present societal needs, often prioritizing perceived truth over historical fact.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author employs a comparative literary analysis, examining both primary literary texts and secondary historical documents to trace the evolution of the hero-figures through various eras.
What content is explored in the main body?
The main body compares early ballads and historical reports with modern novels by Dobson and Carey, and further explores how digital culture and tourism sustain these legends in the present day.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include national heroes, historiographic metafiction, cultural identity, and the process of mythopoiesis within both British and Australian historical contexts.
How does Carey’s novel reconstruct the Ned Kelly story?
Carey utilizes a first-person perspective and specific stylistic devices, such as the framing of the narrative around the Jerilderie letter, to construct a version of Kelly that prioritizes reader empathy over rigid historical accuracy.
Why is the "Fitzpatrick affair" central to the Ned Kelly legend?
It serves as the critical turning point where historical accounts diverge significantly, providing the "outlaw" justification that shapes Kelly's image as both a victim of police corruption and a rebel figure.
- Quote paper
- Angelika M. Tank (Author), 2014, Robin Hood and Edward “Ned” Kelly. Changes of National Heroes due to Adaptation to Societies’ Needs over Time, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463906
