WHO IS THIS CHARMING, MYSTERIOUS OUTLAW…
DID ROBIN HOOD ROB THE RICH TO FEED THE POOR?
The stories, tales and ballads of Nottingham’s Robin Hood and The Merry Men are numerous and widespread. The facts vary greatly making Robin’s adventures a firm favourite, with many books, films and dramas made.
English folklore states that Robin Hood’s ‘Merry Men’ were a ragtag band of rogues, outlaws and delinquents. Merry Man was originally a term for any follower or companion of an outlaw, knight or similar. To become one of The Merry Men, Robin must first be defeated in a duel of worthiness.
Stories of Robin Hood see these outlaws of society ‘robbing from the rich and giving to the poor’. Whilst also revolting against the rule of Prince John, while King Richard ‘The Lionheart’ fights in the Crusades. This refusal to obey sees Robin’s Merry Men facing Prince John’s deplorable Guy of Gisbourne. Not forgetting, of course, the vile Sheriff of Nottingham.
Main Players
Robin Hood
Robin’s adventures are an integral part of English folklore, with Robin now being a household name worldwide. Tales abound of this Sherwood shadow as both a skilled longbow archer and fearsome swordsman. Clothed in Lincoln Green, Robin is reputed to have ‘stolen from the rich to give to the poor’. Seeing him become the scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Little John
Known to be Robin Hood’s right-hand man, there was nothing little about John. Tales depict John as a huge, burly man who joined the Merry Men after sparring against Robin. The two fought across a river using nothing but quarterstaffs.
Will Scarlet
Rumoured to be Robin’s nephew, there’s little to nothing known about Will Scarlet. Weilding a sword Will was a true tour-de-force.
Friar Tuck
Known as ‘The Fighting Friar’, Robin and Tuck engaged in many a battle of cunning and wit. One such occasion saw Tuck piggybacking Robin across a river, only to eventually throw Robin in! A devout and religious man, the resident cleric is gracious and affable with a passion for fine ales!
Maid Marian
The enchanting love interest of Robin Hood, Maid Marian joined the Merry Men by battling Robin. The challenge took place with both of them disguised and ended in a standoff.
The Sheriff of Nottingham
Every story needs a hero and a villain and here’s the perfect villain. The Sheriff of Nottingham is a fanatical oppressor, subjecting Nottingham’s people to absurdly inflated taxes and fines. The Sheriff also has a distinctly lustful craving for Robin Hood’s beloved Maid Marian. Robin and The Merry Men defy the Sheriff’s demands. Choosing to continue stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. This soon became the signature act that made the legend so infamous.
