Legend of Robin Hood

As we can see, the researchers and history have produced plenty of Robin Hoods. There are various Robin Hood representations which occasionally can defer to a great extent or can even be contradictory. It is essential to make distinction among these Robins. However, it is important to handle the various sources and facts about Robin Hood in their right place. His figure was represented differently throughout the centuries and parallel with the fact that his character shows a development which reflects the desire of the people. To understand fully this process we have to take the historical background of certain centuries into consideration, especially with respect to the political and social issues. We could see that the effect of the Forest Charter on folk life is also reflected in the peasants’ attitude toward Robin Hood. Their protest and objection against oppression can be detected in the development of Robin's character. The researchers of the legend put the emphasis on Robin Hood’s noble parentage in the fourteenth and fifteenth century and tried to attach and identify him as the hero of the gentry class who protects knightly and middle class interests. The following centuries produced a shift in the public attitude. His peasant origins were highlighted: he is the man who comes from the folk with unimpeachable character and valuable inner qualities and becomes the guardian of the oppressed poor against the all-time tyrant evil authority. Robin Hood is a universal hero.Bscanglisztik