A Beginner's Guide to Robin Hood

Introduction

by Allen W. Wright

Welcome to Sherwood

Greetings! Has it been a while since you've read a tale of Robin Hood? Is it possible that you've never read a Robin Hood story?

This page is for you. A lot of the information on my website is very detailed. Here's a quick refresher course on the basics of the outlaw, his friends, foes and other general information.

There are lots of different Robin Hood stories out there. Storytellers continue to add new stories and new characters to the legend. For example, the early stories say Robin Hood was not a nobleman. Now he often is one. Marian and Tuck weren't in the earliest tales. This page summarizes some of the most common elements of the legend, taken from the earliest ballads to the most recent books and films. Many of the stories here contradict each other.

The Recommended Reading and Favourite Films page lists some of the books, films and TV shows I used in drafting this section.

Start your journey

NEXT: Robin Hood

 Robin Hood

Learn about the heroic outlaw - his different origin stories, his adventures and more.

The Merry Men

Learn about Robin Hood's outlaw band. Detailed profiles of Maid Marian, Little John, Friar Tuck and more.

Sherwood, Barnsdale and Nottingham

Learn about the settings behind the Robin Hood legend. Includes maps and a look at the Forest Laws.

The Villains

Learn about Robin Hood's arch-enemies. Detailed profiles of The Sheriff of Nottingham, Guy of Gisborne and more.

Kings, Queens and Princes

Learn about King Richard the Lionheart, the dastardly Prince John and the other royals that have met Robin Hood.

Recommended Reading and Viewing

Want to learn even more? Here are links to Robin Hood scholarly books, children's tales, modern novels, movies and TV shows.

Character Profiles

  • ROBIN HOOD - The heroic outlaw and skilled archer
  • THE MERRY MEN - Robin Hood's outlaw band
  • LITTLE JOHN - Robin Hood's right-hand man
  • MAID MARIAN - Robin Hood's romantic interest
  • FRIAR TUCK - A religious ally, but also fond of food and beer
  • WILL SCARLET - Sometimes a dandy; other times an angry fighter
  • MUCH THE MILLER'S SON - Part of the Merry Men from the earliest tales
  • ALAN-A-DALE - Robin Hood's minstrel ally
  • THE OTHER MERRY MEN - Lesser ballad characters such as Will Stutely, David of Doncaster and Arthur-a-Bland; also the Muslim characters in modern Robin Hood movies and television shows
  • THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM - Robin Hood's chief nemesis, the corrupt representative of the law
  • GUY OF GISBORNE - Sometimes a vicious bounty hunter; other times a powerful knight
  • OTHER ENEMIES - Includes classic clerical bad guys such as the Abbot of St. Mary's and the Bishop of Hereford
  • KINGS, QUEENS AND PRINCES - The mighty King Richard the Lionheart, his scheming brother Prince John and more members of the royal family
Want to know even more about Robin Hood?
Here are some articles that may appeal to you.

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© Text Copyright 2023 Allen W. Wright - All Rights Reserved
Robin Hood statue and locations photos © Copyright 2023 Allen W. Wright - All Rights Reserved
Robin of Sherwood photos are courtesy of Christine Alexander at Spirit of Sherwood and used with permission


This site is part of Robin Hood - Bold Outlaw of Barnsdale and Sherwood