Robin Hood - A Legend

The Legend of Robin Hood: Overview

Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw known for:

• "Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor"
• Fighting against tyranny and injustice, especially under corrupt officials
• Living in Sherwood Forest with his band of loyal followers known as the Merry Men

 Key Characters

• Robin Hood: The skilled archer and swordsman, often portrayed as a nobleman turned outlaw.
• Little John: His large and loyal second-in-command, ironically named.
• Friar Tuck: A jolly and rebellious monk who supports Robin's cause.
• Maid Marian: Robin’s love interest, often depicted as a noblewoman or someone who joins the Merry Men.
• Will Scarlet: A fiery and stylish member of the band.
• The Sheriff of Nottingham: The main villain, representing law and oppression. He enforces the rule of Prince John.
• Prince John: The usurper on the throne while King Richard the Lionheart is away on crusade.

 Origins and Evolution

• The earliest written records of Robin Hood go back to the 14th century, in ballads like "A Gest of Robyn Hode".
• At first, Robin was more of a yeoman (commoner) than a noble, and he wasn’t always the noble hero we know today—some early versions depict him as more of a rough outlaw.
• Over time, especially during the Tudor period, Robin was gentrified—made into a dispossessed nobleman (like the Earl of Huntingdon) fighting injustice.

 Historical Connections?

• There's no solid proof Robin Hood was a real person, but several historical figures may have inspired the tales. Candidates include:
• Robert Hood of Yorkshire
• Various "Robin Hoods" listed in medieval court records
• Possible ties to resistance against Prince John during the late 12th and early 13th centuries

 Cultural Impact

• Robin Hood has appeared in hundreds of books, plays, films, and TV shows, from Errol Flynn’s swashbuckling adventures to gritty modern retellings.
• He remains a symbol of rebellion, social justice, and the fight for the common people.