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THE LEGEND
Robin Hood lived in the 1100's during the reign of Richard I. He is best
known for his bravery and agility in his fight for justice, for the poor
and oppressed. |
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HIS HOME
Robin Hood roamed Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire as an outlaw in
order to avoid being captured by the Sheriff. During this time, it was
one of England's finest royal forests, reserved exclusively for the
King's hunting. |
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THE ORIGINAL TALES
Only 5 tales are known to have existed before 1500: 'Robin and the
Monk', 'Robin Hood and the Potter', 'A Gest of Robin Hood', ‘Robin Hood
and Guy of Gisbourne' and 'Robin Hood, his death'. These tales are the
main source of evidence for his existence. |
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MAN OR MYTH
To answer the question "Who was he?" is very difficult. Apart from a few
references in medieval chronicles and court transcripts - there is very
little original evidence for his existence. Instead, most of the
information is derived from tales told before 1500 and ballads sung by
minstrels after 1600. These have been adapted for audiences throughout
the world in the form of films and stories. |
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HIS FOES
The Sheriff of Nottingham was Robin's arch-enemy throughout the tales -
a man to be hated and feared. As the King's representative, he
terrorised the people into giving him money for taxes. Surprisingly, The
outlaws respected the King and saw him as a source of justice. He even
eventually pardoned Robin and offered him his blessing for his wedding.
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HIS FRIENDS
Robin Hood was the leader of a band of fellow outlaws who helped in his
fight against the sheriff and were also his loyal friends. Little John
was Robin's right hand man and faithful companion. Don't be fooled by
his name - he was famous for his great strength and size. Robin was
romantically linked with the beautiful Maid Marian - legend has it that
they married at St Mary’s Edwinstowe Church on the outskirts of Sherwood
Forest. Friar Tuck - the jolly round friar who loved feasting and
fighting! Also mentioned in the ballads are Will Scarlet - Robin's
trusted friend, and Allan A Dale who entertained the group with his
songs and harp and lute playing. |
