29/06/2025
The Legend
The idea of Ned Kelly uttering "Such is life" just before his hanging has become a popular and enduring part of his story.
The Reality:
Accounts from the time vary. Some reporters present at his ex*****on in Melbourne Gaol on November 11, 1880, claimed he said "Such is life". However, other witnesses recall hearing "Ah well, I suppose" or something mumbled and indistinct.
The Source:
One account from Monash University says a journalist condensed Kelly's actual last words, which were more of a sigh or resignation, into the more impactful "Such is life".
The Impact:
Despite the uncertainty, the phrase "Such is life" has become a powerful and resonant part of Australian folklore, often associated with a sense of stoicism and acceptance in the face of adversity.
Check out Tick Aff’s post.
