Prompt Cast
The Real Story of Robin Hood: A Combination of Multiple People and Historical Events
TLDR Robin Hood is not set in the medieval era, but rather the Tudor era in Sherwood Forest. The legend of Robin Hood is likely an amalgamation of multiple people who served as role models for the character, and the forest setting was significant because it was a place where outlaws could hide out due to the unpopularity of the forest laws.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss the misconception that Robin Hood is set in the medieval era, when in fact it is typically set in the Tudor era in Sherwood Forest.
04:43
There are historians who believe that there was a real Robin Hood in the 13th century, but it is more likely that he is an amalgamation of multiple people who served as role models for the character.
09:48
The ballads about Robin Hood may have been created to commemorate real people or events, and the forest was a significant setting because it was a place where outlaws could hide out due to the unpopularity of the forest laws.
14:36
The people who lived in the forest during the time of Robin Hood were at war with the king and his officials, which is why the forest served as the backdrop for the Robin Hood legends.
19:20
The forest is a historically logical setting for the Robin Hood legends because it was where outlaws operated, and while the original ballads mention the king only once, Richard the Lionheart and King John are the kings most associated with the Robin Hood legend, with Robin Hood frequently helping Richard regain his throne from King John.
24:33
King John, known as the worst king England ever had, was a heavy taxer who took from both the rich and the poor, and his reign created fertile ground for the development of the Robin Hood legend as an outlaw hero in opposition to the corrupt law.
29:47
The legend of Robin Hood had to have been around prior to 1262 and in circulation for long enough that it had spread, as evidenced by a court record from that year referring to a man as a "robahood" or outlaw.
35:12
Robin Hood and Eustace the Monk both shared the character trait of using disguises, which is a significant aspect of the Robin Hood legend.
40:16
Brian Benison, author of the book "Robin Hood: The Real Story," claims that Robin Hood is a nickname for a man named Roger Godbird or Gobert who lived in the 13th century and was a friend of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Reginald de Grey.
45:03
The early ballads and stories of Robin Hood depict him as battling the Sheriff of Nottingham and local church officials, hating the clergy but loving God, and engaging in acts that were not necessarily altruistic; the idea of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor came later, thanks to Scottish historians, and the character of Maid Marion was added to the stories as a strong and equal partner to Robin Hood.
49:51
Robin Hood was killed by a treacherous prioresse who purposely over bled him and refused to bury him properly, instead erecting a stone to let travelers know they no longer had to fear being held up.
Categories:
Society & Culture
