II.

Legend of Robin Hood

The stories of Robin Hood are typically set in England between the 1100s and the 1400s. Most of the events take place in or near Sherwood Forest. In the first stories about him, Robin appears as a simple highway robber trying to avoid capture. Later tales present him as a man wrongfully denied his noble title. The stories about Robin celebrate his courage, generosity, skill in archery, and comic flair. He does not hesitate to fight and steal from his enemies, but he always shows compassion for the poor, protects women and children, and offers assistance to anyone of honor.

The key members of the Merry Men are an enormous man jokingly known as Little John, a traveling priest named Friar Tuck, and the outlaw Will Scarlet. In many versions of the legend, Robin falls in love with a spirited young woman named Maid Marian. The main enemy of Robin’s band is the Sheriff of Nottingham, a dastardly and greedy law officer. The band clashes with dishonest local abbots as well.

Although Robin fights to overturn the power of rich landowners, church leaders, and government representatives, he and his band respect the authority of the ruling king, who in most stories is Richard I. In many stories, the king disguises himself and joins the Merry Men, intending to capture Robin. But the king then discovers Robin’s honorable ways and pardons him.