Yes, according to certain narratives and interpretations of his life, Ned Kelly's mother did sell him. This particular event is portrayed as a significant turning point in young Ned's early life.
The Alleged Sale and Its Impact
In some accounts, the act of his mother selling him is depicted as a deeply impactful experience for Ned Kelly. It is suggested that he was "understandably a little miffed" by this event, which led him to distance himself from his family for a considerable period. This estrangement marked a transition for Ned from boyhood to manhood, during which he began forging his own path.
During this time of independence, Ned Kelly is said to have followed a "straightish and fairly narrow path," indicating a general adherence to societal norms, yet he was not above engaging in less conventional means to support himself. Notably, he reportedly earned money through participation in bare-knuckle boxing tournaments. This early period of self-reliance and earning a living through his own efforts, influenced by the alleged sale, contributed to the development of the man he would become.
The table below summarizes the key details regarding this alleged event and its immediate impact on Ned Kelly's life:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| The Event | Ned Kelly's mother selling him. |
| Ned's Reaction | He was "understandably a little miffed" by the action. |
| Immediate Consequence | Ned stayed away from his family ("kin") for a good long while. |
| Later Developments | He became a man following a "straightish and fairly narrow path," also earning money through bare-knuckle boxing. |
This aspect of Ned Kelly's early life provides context for his later actions and his complex relationship with his family and society, as presented in various retellings of his story.
