Robin Hood and Edward "Ned" Kelly. Changes of National Heroes due to Adaptation to Societies' Needs over Time

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2014 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 3.0, University of Trier, language: English, abstract: 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.