Robin hood story summary

1. Biography of Robin Hood
2. Early Life and Legend
3. Historical Context
4. Characteristics and Legacy

Biography of Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a character from English folklore, known as a skilled archer and warrior from Sherwood Forest. He robs the rich and gives his plunder to the poor. It is believed that his name is derived from the word 'hood', meaning a hood or other headgear, rather than the word 'good' as commonly believed. There is no evidence of a real-life prototype for the legend of this noble outlaw, but over the centuries, Robin Hood has become one of the most popular elements of English culture.

Early Life and Legend

Robin Hood is often accompanied by a band of loyal followers who live with him in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. In the earliest sources, he is portrayed as a yeoman, a free peasant, but later versions depict him as an aristocratic exile, unjustly deprived of his lands by a scheming sheriff. There are various claims about his birthplace, with one suggesting Loxley near Sheffield, and another linking him to Skellow in South Yorkshire.

The first references to Robin Hood's adventures in ballads date back to the late 14th century, but the ballads themselves were not written down until the 15th and 16th centuries. In these ballads, Robin Hood hails from the common folk, worships the Virgin Mary, excels in archery, despises churchmen, and opposes the Sheriff of Nottingham. His band includes Little John, Will Scarlet, and Much the Miller's Son, while Maid Marian and Friar Tuck are later additions to the legend.

Historical Context

In popular culture, Robin Hood is often considered a contemporary and supporter of King Richard the Lionheart, placing him in 12th century England. However, the ballads themselves do not provide concrete evidence of the time period. The name Edward is mentioned in some ballads, but there were multiple kings with that name, ranging from Edward I in 1272 to Edward III who died in 1377. From the 16th century onwards, Robin Hood is often portrayed as a nobleman, with the Earl of Huntingdon being the most popular association.

Characteristics and Legacy

Regardless of the time period, Robin Hood embodies the archetype of a noble outlaw. He collects tribute from wealthy merchants, knights, and corrupt churchmen, inviting them to share a meal of poached deer. However, payment for the feast typically comes in the form of the guest's purse. There are exceptions to this rule, such as when Robin Hood helps a knight pay off a debt to an avaricious abbot. Robin Hood is depicted as young, tall, attractive, and intelligent, despite his humble origins. He and his followers often dress in green, which helps them blend into the dense forest.

Interestingly, the ballads portray Robin as the strict leader of his band, and they kneel before him as their lord, highlighting the hierarchical social structure of medieval tales. Historians suggest that the legend of Robin Hood was cultivated mainly among the gentry, and it would be a mistake to see him as a symbol of peasant rebellion. He upholds the values of generosity, piety, and chivalry, while despising greedy, decadent, and uncouth adversaries.

In later adaptations, Robin Hood becomes associated with May Day festivities, and a romantic connection with Maid Marian is introduced. It is commonly believed that Robin and Marian eventually marry and leave the forest, returning to a wealthy and civilized life. The Victorian era presented its own version of Robin Hood, portraying him as a philanthropist who robs the rich to give to the poor. In the 20th century, Robin Hood transformed from a jolly outlaw into a national hero of epic proportions, bravely defending the English throne against unworthy and corrupt lords.