Facts about Robin Hood

During the medieval times, the lords and knights used to offer the common man protection in return for their labor. The labor involved toiling day and night on the fields of the masters and living a hand-to-mouth existence. Around this time, legend has it that an outlaw, Robin Hood and his friends made Sherwood Forest their home. Robin Hood was in love with a maid, Marian. This is probably the reason why the forest's proximity to the village was capitalized on by him.

His Munificence Lives On
Legend has it that he led a band of fellow outlaws and together they were called the Merry Men. Their notorious attempts to rob those with plenty, to provide justice to the poor, robbed villagers, have been highlighted in a number of stories and films. He was known as 'tormentor of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham'. There has been little doubt that Robin Hood is a creation from a loose resemblance to a real person who lived in the medieval.

The earliest reference to this Prince of Thieves dates back to the 14th Century. This is indicative of the possibility that if at all the legendary hero did exist, then it was possibly during the century prior to that. He has been referred to as Robert Hod and even Hobbehod. There has been a reference to a son of a forester Adam Hood called Robert Hood, in the 1850s. The record states that he was born in 1280. His wife's name on record is Matilda and they lived in Yorkshire. This revelation only makes the tale all the more exciting and real.

Research has also revealed that in 1261, one William de Fevre was declared as an outlaw and in time, he took on the nickname Robin Hood. In fact, the records reveal that the name 'Robin Hood' actually became generic for outlaws.

Whether or not the legend is fact or fiction provokes deliberation even to this day. To children and rebellious youth, Robin is a consistent source of inspiration and a history they so badly want to prove real. However, the historical evidence on this legendary character is pretty elusive. The limited and diverse claims on his true identity and the persistent search for definitive answers is what fuels the lamp of the legend to this day.

The tales woven around Robin Hood tell of the age-old 'triumph of good over evil', but it is his rebellious nature that is most appealing to the world audience. The fact that amidst the vigilance of the knights and feudal lords the relationship between Robin and Marian blossomed, he was able to pursue his lifestyle defying authority and the bonding between fellow outlaws, is what makes the tale so enigmatic.

The legend of Robin Hood adds earthy hues to the otherwise surreal medieval imagery. His home of the magical forest and tree top dwellings counter, the exploitative imagery of castles, knights and court rolls. The popularity of this character can be best observed from the screen appearances by Errol Flynn, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery, in the title role.

The facts pointing to the possibility of Robin Hood being the product of vulpine medieval society, account for his defiance and rebelliousness against exploitation. Young men such as he, during the year, preferred to live as outlaws, rather than put up with intimidation.

The legend of Robin Hood revolves around the exploits of the outlaws to ensure that the commoner got the justice he deserved. However, whether or not the real Robin Hood, de facto, functioned from the greenwood still evokes controversy.