♣︎Robin ♣︎

Robin Hood is one of the most famous figures in English folklore, often portrayed as a heroic outlaw who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. His legend is set mainly in Sherwood Forest, near Nottingham, during the medieval period — though exact dates vary, with some tales placing him in the time of King Richard the Lionheart (late 12th century) and others in the 14th century. Robin is usually described as a highly skilled archer and swordsman, the leader of a band of outlaws known as the Merry Men. His closest companions include Little John (his loyal second-in-command), Friar Tuck (a jovial, rebellious priest), Will Scarlet (sometimes portrayed as hot-headed or flamboyant), and Maid Marian (his love interest, who is sometimes depicted as a noblewoman and sometimes as a fellow outlaw). The main villain in the Robin Hood stories is often the Sheriff of Nottingham, who enforces harsh laws and heavy taxes, oppressing the local people. In many versions, Robin opposes not just the Sheriff but also corrupt church officials or even Prince John, who rules England unjustly while King Richard is away on crusade. Robin Hood’s legend evolved over centuries, starting in medieval ballads where he was a rougher, less noble figure — simply an outlaw and skilled fighter. Over time, later authors and poets romanticized him, turning him into a nobleman wronged by the system, fighting for justice and fairness. By the 19th century, Robin Hood had become a symbol of popular resistance against tyranny and injustice. Today, Robin Hood remains a powerful cultural icon, inspiring countless books, movies, TV shows, and adaptations around the world.