Robin Hood

In the early stories of Robin Hood, Robin doesn't live in the time of bad Prince John, or the crusades, doesn't lead a large and merry gang, and never robs the rich to give to the poor

In the early stories of Robin Hood, Robin doesn't live in the time of bad Prince John, or the crusades, doesn't lead a large and merry gang, and never robs the rich to give to the poor

When do we find the first reference to Robin Hood in English literature?

outlaw = criminal

medieval period or Middle Ages the period in Europe from the 5th to the 15th century

assassinations the murder of important people, often for political reasons

dismembered bodies bodies that have been cut or torn into pieces

trickster someone who deceives or cheats people

operate on your own terms do what you want according to your own rules

he wore green tights...

He was good at archery

Heroically fighting against injustice and corruption?

why do you think the stories of Robin Hood have lasted from the Middle Ages through to the modern day? I suppose it's got appeal on lots of levels – action, adventure – there's some comedy stuff there with the merry men.

Children are appealed to the toys in this supermarket.

But Robin is always a trickster, and a man with a bow in a wood.

So what's so appealing about this man with a bow?

What he represents I think is a kind of strong and forceful masculinity that operates on its own terms and for its own interests and that's I think what we admire in these stories.

masculinity means the qualities typical of a man

The first reference occurs in the English poet William Langland's book Piers Plowman written between 1370 and 1390.