Myth Busters
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is one of this country's greatest legends. A fallen nobleman who, aided by a band of outlaws, lived in Sherwood Forest and robbed from the rich to give to the poor, while at the same time defying a corrupt sheriff and a king who many felt had no right to rule England. But what do we know about him? Did he even exist?
Folk Hero
Sadly, the answer is probably not. Not at least, in the form that we come to know and love. He is essentially an archetype, a symbol of freedom against tyranny. His legend has endured for centuries because he is a timeless symbol of a noble, selfless individual who brought their own brand of justice to the people.
As with many folk tales, from the Greek writings of Aesop and Homer to the tale of King Arthur, his legend is one of social commentary. In this case Robin Hood represents the redressing the imbalance between the haves and the have-nots. It has also helped boost Nottingham's tourist industry for years!
However, the first mention of an alleged historical Robin Hood can be found in Andrew of Wyntoun's Orygynale Chronicle, written about 1420, referring to “Lytil Jhon and Robyne Hude”, interestingly bringing up the debut of his second in command, known to millions nowadays as Little John.
The next reference worth mentioning comes in the work of Scottish chronicler John Fordun, writing between 1377 and 1384. To give it a historical context, Robin appears when Fordun is writing about 1266, the year after the failed attempt to challenge Henry III by Simon De Montford. However, Fordun is less than complimentary:
“Then arose the famous murderer, Robert Hood, as well as Little John, together with their accomplices from among the disinherited, whom the foolish populace are so inordinately fond of celebrating both in tragedies and comedies, and about whom they are delighted to hear the jesters and minstrels sing above all other ballads.”
Sadly, the answer is probably not. Not at least, in the form that we come to know and love. He is essentially an archetype, a symbol of freedom against tyranny. His legend has endured for centuries because he is a timeless symbol of a noble, selfless individual who brought their own brand of justice to the people.
As with many folk tales, from the Greek writings of Aesop and Homer to the tale of King Arthur, his legend is one of social commentary. In this case Robin Hood represents the redressing the imbalance between the haves and the have-nots. It has also helped boost Nottingham's tourist industry for years!
Outlaw or Murderer?
The legend goes back to medieval times, with the oldest references being found not in terms of a historical character, but merely as allusions in various writings. From the early 13th Century several English justices across the country referred in their written records to the names 'Robinhood', 'Robehod' or 'Rabunhod' and it seems to be used as a form of shorthand to any fugitive or outlaw.However, the first mention of an alleged historical Robin Hood can be found in Andrew of Wyntoun's Orygynale Chronicle, written about 1420, referring to “Lytil Jhon and Robyne Hude”, interestingly bringing up the debut of his second in command, known to millions nowadays as Little John.
The next reference worth mentioning comes in the work of Scottish chronicler John Fordun, writing between 1377 and 1384. To give it a historical context, Robin appears when Fordun is writing about 1266, the year after the failed attempt to challenge Henry III by Simon De Montford. However, Fordun is less than complimentary:
“Then arose the famous murderer, Robert Hood, as well as Little John, together with their accomplices from among the disinherited, whom the foolish populace are so inordinately fond of celebrating both in tragedies and comedies, and about whom they are delighted to hear the jesters and minstrels sing above all other ballads.”
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