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>.