The Man on a Mission

       

         Do two wrongs make a right? Stealing from the rich to give to the poor; is this ethical? One may pose these questions when examing the life of the legendary skilled woodsman, Robin Hood. Yet, when one looks into the motivations of this societal outcast, one may find themselves believing the thievery of this bandit to be well justified. People of noble blood who did nothing to merit wealth were the ones whom Robin Hood felt oppressed by and eventually stole from. Corrupt men who were rich because they stole from the poor, stripped all freedom from the citizens of Britain in this outlaw's day. And it was to these powerful elite that Robin Hood directed his anger.

         Banished to Sherwood Forest by these rulers after being caught killing deer in the King Richard the Lionheart's forest, this bandit's wrath grew and eventually morphed into actions. Other outlaws joined Robin Hood on his mission to give back to the poor what was rightfully theirs.As this legend has evolved through the years, this tale "took on political undercurrents as Robin Hood became and unjustly accused and tormented rebel, who fought against evil authority figures and lived out his merry existence with his band of outlaw brethren (Lombardi)."  With no one to hold them accountable, the vile officials of Britain were able to hold the poor in the tyrannical grip of their greedy hands. These undemocratic rulers levied high taxes to essentially render undeserved money into their own pockets. So when heroic figure, Robin Hood and his band of Merrymen "stole" the money back from these elitists, was it morally wrong? These funds

originally belonged to the oppressed citizens in the first place (Van Der Galien).

        While this hero's dealings may seem utterly romantic, some may answer the question of morality with the view that stealing is stealing and it is unacceptable. Others may adopt a utilitarian way of thinking, stating that Robin Hood's actions produced the greatest good for the greatest number. While many readers simply do not know what stance to take because the subject matter is not clearly black and white, but rather an undefined grey.

        While I do not believe that the banditry in this tale was necessarily right, I am confident that this story's protagonist acted with noble intentions. I do not believe that he too was corrupt, but perhaps simply misunderstood by some critics. "No epic work has been created for the legend of Robin Hood, but we do see him as a man of the people, marginalized in Sherwood Forest as he stands for everything that is rebellious and politicized in society (Lombardi)." Even though two wrongs do not make a right, Robin Hood will always be viewed as hero, I believe. Despite the changes faces of this outlaw throughout literature, there is an edge and swagger to this forestman that pulls readers in with a seemingly magnetic force. As human beings, we crave adventure and this rebel definitely delivers that and more. Siding with this oppressed man, makes readers feel a part of something. A part of a mission beyond ourselves.

Works Cited

Lombardi, Esther. "Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography". About.com: Classic Literature. 2010. Web.

        20 November 2010. <http://classiclit.about.com/cs/productreviews/fr/aafpr_robinmyth
       
         _2.htm>.



Van Der Galien, Michael. "Robin Hood: A Conservative Hero". News Real Blog. 2010. Web.

        19 November 2010. <http://www.newsrealblog.com/2010/05/24/robin-hood-a-conservative
     
         -hero/>.

The Man as a Symbol



          A symbol of justice, charity, and freedom from the tyrannical grip of oppressive authorities, Robin Hood is a literary hero whose popularity will always endure. People view this outlaw as a relatable figure perhaps because of his humble lifestyle or for the way he helped the poor. Either way, this character has been revered in literature for many years.

        This man can be traced throughout history, appearing in poems, stories, and ballads. The ballads were one of the earliest elements of the Robin Hood legend. Written from the perspective of poor farmers and artisans, these works were simple and at times violent. The archetypal character we all know and love evolved from these early writings. These ballads were sung to common people, yeoman, and artisans. "'For centuries Robin Hood was a symbol of independence, of resistance to authority in church or state. This concept is central to the whole saga and particularly prominent in the early ballads'" ("Robin Hood").

        However, over the years what Robin Hood represents has differed. "Robin Hood, for centuries a symbol of popular independence and resistance to authority, was quickly pressed into service. As part of the Cornonation celebration at Nottingham in 1661 a short play was enacted in which Robin's traditional loyalty to King Richard was carefully exaggerated..." ("Robin Hood"). This outlaw underwent a process of gentrification and his social status was upgraded as a result. Reflecting the social changes of that time, this heroic figure was described as a nobleman. However, even as the ennoblement of Robin was in full swing, it proved to be impossible to completely separate him from his popular origins. In fact, though his image was cleaned up a bit, he did become a purely aristocratic hero. In fact, he evolved into the archetypal 'social bandit', as Eric Hobsbawm has described it, a noble robber hated by tyrants and authority, but loved and protected by the people ("Robin Hood").

        Despite the changes this character underwent, the bravery and swagger Robin Hood exhibits is unchangeable. Even if portrayed as a nobleman, this outlaw has a certain edginess that draws readers to him. Robin Hood will always symbolize bravery and heart. Attributes such as those are completely unforgettable.

Works Cited

Cox, Judy. "Robin Hood: Earl, Outlaw, or Rebel?". International Socialism. 1998. Web. 20

         November 2010. <http://pubs.socialistreviewindex.org.uk/isj78/cox.htm>.

The Man in Love

        Literary character and lover of the legendary mystery man, Robin Hood, Maid Marian was introduced as the sweetheart of this outlaw in the late sixteenth century. Earlier depictions of this tale paint this bandit as a gruff and rugged woodsman. One with whom a female companion would have been out of place. Yet in later versions, Maid Marian who was associated with the May Games Festivities and being the Lady of May Day, became Robin Hood's beloved flame. Appearing in many writings, plays, and even films, this female lead has become a central figure in this tale ("Maid Marian").

        Perhaps derived from the French tradition of a shepherdess called Marian, or from the Virgin Mary, Maid Marian was also associated with archery and the forest like her beau. However, this skilled woman was not always thought of as Robin Hood's darling. "Clorinda the Queen of the Shepherdesses" is viewed as this hero's love interest in some versions. However, some critics believe Clorinda to be an alias of Maid Marian.

        Adapted to fit the social ideals of women of the time, this woman has been portrayed as a submissive partner who recieved the fairy tale ending; marriage and a life with Robin Hood in an aristocratic civilized life away from the woods. But in the 20th century during the Feminist Movement, Maid Marian was shown as an independent adventure-seeking female who could truly keep up with the boys. Also, this woman was portrayed as a lusty figure in some depictions, fitting the ideals of the Lady of May Day. Yet in the majority of the modern retellings, Maid Marian is a virginal woman of virtue and chastity who antagonizes Robin Hood initially because of her disdain for robbery. She has been described as a woman of Norman nobility, and also an orphaned Saxon, a half-Saxon, and a half-Norman.

   

        Despite the variety of ways Maid Marian has been characterized, one thing remains the same, Robin Hood loved her. The romance of these two characters has become an integral part of the later versions of this legend. Their dynamic relationship truly resonates with the hearts of readers. The passionate love found between this legendary theif and fair maiden has enthralled audiences for years. Who doesn't enjoy a good love story?

           

Works Cited

"Who was Maid Marian?". Wisegeek. 2010. Web. 14 November 2010. 

        <http://www.wisegeek.com/who-was-maid-marian.htm>.

The Man Defined



        Hero of the common people and defender of the poor and needy, Robin Hood was a well-loved English outlaw that has become the subject of countless ballads and stories.This legendary figure, along with his band of Merry Men, stole from the rich to give to the poor. In the more romantic version of this tale, Robin of Loxley, later known as Robin Hood, was outlawed for poaching deer in the time of Richard the Lionheart.

During these days, the law stated that all the deer belong to the King and killing one was an offense punishable by death. Fighting the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham on this issue, this hero became a symbol of "right against might". 

          Taking to the Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, this outlaw and his band of followers began stealing from the rich and distributing the bounty among the poor in the area. His greatest comrades included Friar Tuck, Little John, and Maid Marian. Truly embodying the title of "Merry Man", Friar Tuck was a plump, lighthearted priest.

Contradictory to what his title implies, Little John actually stood seven feet tall and was known for his top-notch skills in archery.

Maid Marian was Robin Hood's long-time sweetheart.

        Despite the crafty efforts of the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, this hero avoided capture until the return of King Richard from the Crusades brought about a full pardon and the restoration of Robin's lands ("Robin Hood").

        According to The World Book Encyclopedia, "No one knows whether the character of Robin Hood was based on a real person. According to one traditional story, he was actually the earl of Huntingdon, and his real name was Robert Fitzooth. But many scholars believe Robin Hood is a fictitious character." Referenced in early writings, this altruistic figure has been the subject of many early folk tales handed down from one generation to the next. Some believe he was an aristocrat, while others say he was just a simple yeoman who was viewed as an Average Joe.

        Either way, this folktale has been a popular hit among audiences since the 1300s. This idea of "sticking it to the man" causes readers to relate to this figure, whether he is historical or purely fictional. Robin Hood resonates with the everyday man, cementing his position in the world of folktales.

Heroism never goes out of style.

Works Cited

"Robin Hood". The World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago: World Book, Inc. 1994. Print.

Man of Mystery

Robin Hood. Typically when one hears this name it evokes some type of response. It may bring an image of a guy in tights with bow and arrow in hand,or one may think of the furry and friendly fox in the Disney depiction. Either way, this historical figure is something to talk about.

I chose this particular archetype because I have always had an interest in Robin Hood. This figure holds some sort of mysterious quality for me. There is something about this legendary archer that has intrigued me through the years. As a kid, I watched the Disney film. It was definitely a childhood favorite. In this depiction, Robin Hood is a lovable fox who defeats Prince John, a bumbling baby of a lion. He does this in order to help the poor and needy. Sounds noble, right? Over the years, I have heard other theories of who this character actually was. Some historians believe this figure was inspired by real outlaws and that it was not merely a legend or creation of the fictional imagination. Speculations have arisen that if this outlaw was indeed real, that he was actually a thief. Stealing not only from the rich but also the poor. Was he truly a hero? Or did he simply masquerade as one when in reality he was a thief?

The knowledge I possess of this character is currently very limited. However, through the exploration of facts, theories, and interpretations, I hope that Robin Hood will come alive to me. Then, I will be able to determine for myself what his true motivation was. Altruism or greed?