A remarkable tale of heroism from Montenegro reached Melbourne, Australia, in 1849, illustrating the deep connections between distant lands during a time when global communication was limited. The story, featured prominently in the front page of The Melbourne Daily News, detailed the tragic events surrounding a young Montenegrin woman and her brothers, who faced a deadly encounter during a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Basil.
In 1849, Melbourne was still in its infancy, with a population of less than 20,000. Just a few years earlier, in 1847, Queen Victoria had granted the city its official status. The subsequent gold rush would soon transform Melbourne into a bustling metropolis, but in the late 1840s, it was still grappling with its identity.
The article titled “A Slavonic Tragedy” recounted the harrowing tale of four Montenegrin brothers and their 21-year-old sister. As they navigated a narrow rocky gorge, they were ambushed by seven Ottoman Turks. The initial gunfire resulted in the death of one brother and severely wounded another, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
The narrative was penned by Sir John Gardner Wilkinson, a renowned travel writer and archaeologist often referred to as the “father of British Egyptology.” His reputation lent credibility to the harrowing events he described. In 1844, Wilkinson visited Montenegro, and in 1848, he published a two-part work titled “Dalmatia and Montenegro.” His insights into the daily lives of the people he encountered were invaluable, making his recounting of this tragedy particularly poignant.
Wilkinson’s vivid descriptions illustrate the bravery of the Montenegrins. He wrote that the surviving brothers retaliated against their attackers, killing two Turks before one brother succumbed to his injuries. The sister, witnessing the carnage, took up arms to defend her family. In a moment of desperation, when she found herself out of ammunition, she feigned surrender, ultimately using a hidden knife to kill her assailant and throwing him over a cliff.
The dramatic climax of the story captures the essence of heroism and desperation. As Wilkinson concluded, the arrival of local shepherds was too late to save the family, but they were met by the young heroine, who had lost everything that day.
This account represents one of the earliest recorded testimonies of Montenegrin women in literature, showcasing their strength and resilience. Notably, it aligns with other narratives about Montenegro published in Australian media during this period. For instance, in September 1849, the same newspaper featured a piece by French Colonel Jacques Louis Viale de Sominjere, discussing the longevity and health of Montenegrins, underlining the fascination with this mountainous region.
While Wilkinson’s account was not the first mention of Montenegro in Australian press, it certainly highlighted the heroic spirit of its people. Prior articles, such as one from The Sydney Herald in 1838, detailed a visit by the Saxon King to Montenegro, showcasing the region’s growing prominence in European affairs.
As the 19th century progressed, stories of Montenegrins continued to capture the imagination of those on the other side of the globe. Reports of their bravery and struggles against the Ottoman Empire would resonate with readers, painting a picture of a proud nation striving for freedom and identity.
The historical significance of these accounts cannot be understated. They reflect the broader narrative of Montenegro’s fight for independence and the endurance of its people. As Australia evolved into a multicultural society, these early reports laid the groundwork for a lasting interest in Montenegrin culture and history.
This tale from Melbourne, published in November 1849, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world, where stories of courage and resilience transcend borders and time. The Montenegrin heroine’s legacy continues to inspire, embodying the spirit of determination that resonates through history.
