Robin Hood is one of the most famous heroes of classic literature. Originally written in medieval times, the story has been loved by people, old and young, throughout the world for many years. It is a great account of honor and friendship. But who are the characters, did they actually exist, and where are they from?

At only eighteen years of age, the young Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest accidentally became an outlaw, not knowing of the many merry adventures to come.  

The merry band of outlaws that followed Robin Hood is filled with fascinating characters. John Little – or as he is better known, Little John – is the second-in-command. He is the only man bigger than Robin, said to be seven feet tall. Will Scarlet is another member whose name was Young Gamwell before he joined the group. He is either Robin’s nephew or cousin, depending on the ballad or story. In certain depictions he is an ex-mercenary with a hot temper; in others he is a musical gentleman who wears scarlet clothes.

Allen a Dale is a less frequently used character who is very similar to Will Scarlet. Sometimes he is portrayed as the narrator. He dresses in scarlet and often provides musical entertainment for the group. And, of course, one can’t forget Friar Tuck. The friar was recruited specifically to help rescue Allen a Dales’ true love. They crash her forced wedding to a wealthy man, and Tuck marries Allen and her. Maid Marian appears as either a noblewoman or a villager who helps Robin Hood, usually in love with him. In some interpretations she is Robin’s love interest after they meet in adulthood, but others portray her as his childhood sweetheart and a strong fellow outlaw. This female warrior or damsel proves to be an asset on more than one occasion.

Consider the villains of this bold tale. The Sheriff of Nottingham is the primary cause of Robin Hood’s problems, hiring people to hunt him. For example, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, wearing a horse’s hide, is sent to find and kill Robin. He manages to injure him, but is himself killed. At one time, while King Richard is away on one of the Crusades, the corrupt Prince John takes the throne. He is a greedy ruler, raising taxes and making living conditions horrible for the lower class. In some stories he conspires with the Sheriff of Nottingham in pursuit of their shared enemy. Although these crooked people are cunning in their attempts to end Robin Hood’s shenanigans, it is his cousin, the Prioress of the Kirklees Nunnery, who finally defeats the formidable foe. An aging Robin goes to see her for medical assistance. Unfortunately, she has a plan to leave him bleeding instead of draining the proper amount of blood, ultimately leading to his death.

With such a rich history and undying popularity, is it possible that Robin Hood really existed?  Is he more than a legend? This is a question that is asked by many fans and historians. Some researchers believe that the character Robin Hood may have been based on a real man who lived in medieval times when the story was first written.  If he did live long ago, evidence suggests it was most likely in the 12th or 13th century. According to some records, different variations of the name Robin Hood were used by vigilantes and criminals in the 13th century. Some of these include “Robehod” and “Rabunhod”.  It is unknown what inspired these names; they may have been changed from a real man’s name or are personal adaptations of the character sung about in verses and ballads of the time. The hero in those songs was the original Robin Hood that led to the current fictional figure that people know and love today.

Yet, more proof of Robin Hood’s existence lies in two historical men who appear in his story: King Henry and King Richard the Lionheart. Both kings ruled in real life, medieval England. King Richard was the ruler during the merry band’s golden age and King Henry was his predecessor. In interpretations with further detail, King Henry is the ruler at the beginning of Robin Hood’s story. While King Henry is away, the Sheriff of Nottingham takes over Sherwood. King Henry is overthrown by Richard and King Philip II in England in 1189, introducing King Richard as a new character in the tales of Robin Hood.  

At the end of many adaptations, King Richard comes back to Sherwood and reclaims the kingdom from the Sheriff. A lesser known part of the story is when King Richard returns; he meets Robin and brings him, Little John, Will Scarlet, and Allen a Dale and his wife to London to be royal rangers and grants the entire band full pardon. Robin Hood and Allen a Dale remain in the King’s service for many years, but after about a year, Little John goes back to Sherwood and Will Scarlet goes home. After he finishes serving the King, Robin Hood also leaves to see Sherwood Forest one last time and dies in his hometown.

Sherwood Forest, the famous location that held most of Robin’s adventures, was preserved by the kings of medieval times as a hunting ground. Just as in the story, they were very protective of their deer which were kept mainly as targets.  After the kings stopped using the land for hunting, people started to build establishments in the forest. Some built homes, mills, or shops, and others built farms and pastures for their livestock and crops. In order to bring this land back to its natural form, a nonprofit fund called the Sherwood Forest Trust was created.  The Sherwood Forest Trust is meant to preserve the remaining land and fix the land that has been built on or destroyed. In 2002 the forest became a National Nature Preserve. About 400,000 people visit this celebrated attraction yearly, and they come not to see the trees but to see the place were Robin Hood may have lived a long time ago.

The story of Robin Hood has drawn the interest of innumerable readers all around the world.  It has been sung, read, recited, and performed by many. It is an inspiring story of good friends, loyalty, and honesty.  This tale has lovable characters, a mysterious background, and interesting locations. The outlaw known as Robyn Hode, Robehod, Rabunhod, and Robin Hood will go down in history as a well-liked figure whether he was real or only a fairytale.