R is for — Robin Hood, legendary outlaw and hero of Sherwood Forest
When someone mentions Robin Hood, my first thought is of the 1938 movie with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. I love their portrayals of Robin and Maid Marian, and there’s enough action and sword fighting for a rousing good time. Heroes of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and his Merry Men battle the evil Prince John and his thugs, Guy of Gisbourne and the cowardly Sheriff of Nottingham, protecting the weak and stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
As much as I love the movie, I like the book even more. I read Paul Creswick’s 1917 edition, which differs quite a bit from the movie and gives an in-depth portrayal of Robin of Locksley’s life from a young boy, through adulthood, to his sad end. The rich details and background make his story that much more compelling. The reader gets to see what made him the man he was.
According to the legend, Robin of Locksley lived during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart, who ruled England in the Middle Ages, during the twelfth century. It’s not known for certain if the legend is based on fact or fancy, but it’s the kind of story that everyone wants to believe in — where good triumphs over evil and tyranny is thrown down.
I’ve enjoyed many versions of the Robin Hood story over the years, from books, movies, and even cartoons. The most outlandish adaptation was Rocket Robin Hood, a Canadian cartoon that aired in the late 1960s and had Robin and his merry band fighting Prince John in outer space on the New Sherwood Planet Asteroid in the year 3000. My favorite version, and by far the funniest, is the 1958 Warner Brothers Merrie Melodies Robin Hood Daffy, with Daffy Duck in the title role and Porky Pig as Friar Tuck. I’ve seen it a thousand times, and it still makes me giggle like I did when I first saw it as a kid. For those who like cartoons, here’s a link to it.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
We used to live in Nottinghamshire – there’s not much of Sherwood Forest left these days, but it does still exist. We’ve also visited something that was allegedly Little John’s grave in Derbyshire. Allegedly!
LikeLike
We visited Nottingham when we were in England. We saw the Nottingham castle/museum and the Tales of Robin Hood Center and got lost in a parking garage (very long story). Then we drove to Sherwood Forest and took a walk. There was supposed to be a gigantic tree there somewhere but we didn’t find it. This was back in 1995.
LikeLike
The Sherwood Oak. Yes, I’ve seen that too but also a long time ago – as far as I know, it still survives.
LikeLike
Yes, that was it. Thanks!
LikeLike
Love that Robin Hood Daffy. Happy to have discovered your blog.
Visiting from A to Z Challenge Drusilla
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by!
LikeLike
I love Robin Hood. Good choice.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
I’ve never read the book. But he was a favorite character growing up.
LikeLike
I liked the book because it told so much more of the story. There are several different books, though, with variations of the story. I haven’t read the others.
LikeLike
Robin Hood is one of my favourites. When I was younger I really wanted to be Robin. (I think this might have had something to do with my last name!) The Errol Flynn movie was great fun. I also loved the British series from a while ago called Robin of Sherwood, which had Ray Winstone in it. (It featured some great music by Clannad.) The actor who played the Sheriff of Nottingham in that series was sublime. There’s also a book I love by Jennifer Roberson called Lady of the Forest, which tells the story from Maid Marian’s point of view. Thanks for reminding me of one of the greats!
LikeLike
I saw a few of the episodes from the TV series. They were good, and I love Clannad. I have Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson, about Scottish clans, but I don’t have Lady of the Forest. I’ll have to look that up. Thanks!
LikeLike
Ho, ha ha, guard, turn, parry, dodge, thrust!
LikeLike
Love that cartoon!
LikeLike
Pingback: A to Z 2015 Theme Reveal: More Fictional Favorites! | Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams