Quote:
Originally Posted by XabbaRus
I meant was he a real historical character or not? Did he exist or is he an amalgam of several guys from that time in history.
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Part of the problem is that while the earliest mention of Robin Hood (
Piers Plowman, 1377) could place him as early as King Richard's reign, the earliest story which actally mentions a king (
A Lyttel Gest of Robyn Hode, 1510) makes it "Our good King Edward", meaning most likely Edward II (1284-1327), who wasn't even born until almost 100 years after Richard Lionheart died.
Little John is the only companion of Robin who is mentioned in any of the original ballads. Tuck, Marian, Will Scarlett - they all came along much later.
Many of the stories of Robin Hood's deeds are also told of other outlaws, men whose existence is verified in royal documents. No person by the name of 'Robin Hood' is ever mentioned in any official source.
I recently reread an old favorite covering the subject in detail, but as I borrowed it from a friend I can't remember the exact title or the author. I spent some time going back over the 'What Are You Reading Right Now' thread, but of all the many books I've read in the last four years, I forgot to mention that one.
But here is a good website:
http://www.robinhood.ltd.uk/