Robin Hood has been a folk legend for such a long time, it seems like he’s been around forever. Is there some truth to the stories of the Prince of Thieves or is he just a figment of someone’s fertile imagination? Robin Hood has been gracing both the silver screen and the books that people read for so long that it is difficult to ascertain if he is based on fact or fiction.

Robin Hood in Books and Tales

Where did the story of Robin Hood originally come from? Is he merely an English folktale that began in the medieval period or is he based on a real person? In most of the stories that have emerged about this folkloric hero of the 14^th to the 15^th century, he has always championed the poor by stealing from the rich. Some say that they can trace Robin Hood’s history to as far back as the late 1100s, while there are those who say he was born sometime in the early 1200s. He is also featured in the Ballads of Robin Hood where he is said to be born of noble blood. Others say that he is a commoner who gives to the oppressed what he and his band of “Merry Men” gain from the rich and the powerful. This is the general legend that follows Robin Hood and it is a common thread in most stories about him.

Here are some of the stories and legends about Robin Hood:

• Robin Hood Outlaw Legend of Loxley: Almost everything you want to know about Robin Hood.
• The Robin Hood Pages: More versions of the Robin Hood tale.
• Robin Hood and His Adventures: An e-text by Paul Creswick.

Robin Hood in TV and Movies

Aside from the books, Robin Hood has also found himself immortalized in television shows and movies. On film, Robin Hood is portrayed by a number of different actors, giving him many different faces. Some of the more memorable movies or television shows featuring Robin Hood include:

• Robin Hood and His Merry Men (1908): Directed by Percy Stow, this is Robin Hood’s first outing on film.
• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): Perhaps the definitive Robin Hood film, it starred Errol Flynn in a role-defining performance, superbly supported by Anita Louise who played Maid Marion.
• Robin Hood (1953): Known to be Robin Hood’s first television appearance, this BBC One production has Patrick Troughton in the title role.
• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955-59): This 140-episode TV series by ITV featured Richard Greene as Robin Hood.
• Walt Disney’s Robin Hood (1973): The foxiest Robin Hood to date, it’s sure to thrill the kids and young adults.
• Young Robin Hood (1991): Produced by Cinar and Hanna-Barbera, this animated TV series traces Robin Hood’s adventures as a teenager.
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): Portrayed by a brooding Kevin Costner, there’s nothing much to be “Merry” in this version.
• Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993): Directed by Mel Brooks, this is a hilarious spoof starring Cary Elwes as Robin Hood.
• Robin Hood (2006 – present): Ongoing popular TV series by BBC One, this one has Jonas Armstrong giving a fresh interpretation of Robin Hood.

Over the years, there have been many incarnations of Robin Hood on film:

• The Bold Outlaw: Outlines Robin Hood’s onscreen history.
• Wikipedia: A comprehensive list of Robin Hood films and television series.

Whether Robin Hood is a mere fictional character or a real person from the past, his legend lives on in the many stories and movies.