Gone Medieval: Legends of Robin Hood History Hit | Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In the "Legends of Robin Hood" episode of Gone Medieval, hosted by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega from History Hit, the focus shifts to one of England’s most enduring and enigmatic figures: Robin Hood. Joined by Stephen H. Rigby, Emeritus Professor of Medieval Social and Economic History at the University of Manchester, the discussion delves deep into the origins, evolution, and societal significance of the Robin Hood legend.

Origins of the Robin Hood Legend

The conversation begins with an exploration of the earliest references to Robin Hood. Stephen Rigby outlines that the legend likely originated in the mid-13th century. For instance, in 1262, a William Rob Hood or Rope Hood is mentioned, suggesting that the name was already associated with outlawry by then. Rigby states:

“[...] the legend is there at quite an early date, from the mid 13th century onwards.”
[08:08]

He further explains that while surnames like Robin Hood appeared early, place names bearing his name emerged later, predominantly in the 14th century and beyond. Notable examples include Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire, first recorded by 1377.

Early Medieval Ballads and Manuscripts

Rigby discusses the scarcity of surviving medieval ballads about Robin Hood, emphasizing that only a few manuscripts from the mid to late 15th century provide detailed narratives. He highlights three primary ballads:

1. Robin Hood and the Monk
   This story recounts Robin's attempt to attend mass in Nottingham, his betrayal by Little John after a bet, and his eventual capture by the Sheriff, only to be rescued by Little John and Much the Miller’s Son.

2. Robin Hood and the Potter
   Here, Robin disguises himself as a potter to infiltrate the Sheriff’s household, leading to a cunning escape that humiliates the Sheriff.

3. The Jest of Robin Hood
   The most elaborate of the trio, this ballad intertwines multiple subplots, including Robin aiding a poor knight, confronting the Sheriff, and ultimately being pardoned by the king before returning to the greenwood.

Rigby notes the long gap between the legend's inception and the surviving stories, suggesting a rich oral tradition with many untold tales.

Evolution of Supporting Characters

The episode delves into the development of Robin Hood’s supporting cast. Rigby points out that characters like Little John and Friar Tuck became integral to the stories through plays and parish revels in the 15th and 16th centuries. Maid Marian, a later addition, first appears in 1509 and wasn’t central to the ballads until much later, gaining prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries.

“These stories of Robin Hood correspond to various social groups and purposes, making him a figure with multifaceted appeal.”
[52:12]

Robin Hood's Role in Medieval Society

The discussion moves to Robin Hood’s societal impact. Rigby introduces Eric Hobsbawm’s concept of the "social bandit," describing Robin as a noble robber who, despite his outlaw status, is admired for his virtues and resistance to wrongful authority. Robin embodies qualities like courtesy, skill, and moral righteousness, allowing various social classes to identify with him.

“Robin Hood, he represents fellowship, freedom, abundance. It's sort of a utopian vision of life in the greenwood.”
[47:09]

Variations and Regional Adaptations

Robin Hood's legend is not confined to a single locale. Rigby explains that while early stories place him in places like Barnsdale and Sherwood Forest, his tales were popular nationwide. Different regions adapted the stories to their local contexts, leading to a variety of settings and adversaries, primarily the Sheriff of Nottingham, who remains Robin’s primary antagonist across versions.

The Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood's Enemies

A recurring theme in the ballads is the antagonistic relationship between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rigby notes that this hostility lacks a clear origin in the stories, distinguishing Robin from other folk heroes whose motivations are often rooted in personal injustices. Instead, the conflict serves as a symbol of resistance against corrupt local authorities.

“It's never really explained why he's an outlaw, and the hostility to the Sheriff is never explained.”
[34:07]

Malleability and Enduring Appeal of Robin Hood

The flexibility of Robin Hood's character is highlighted as a key factor in his lasting popularity. Rigby emphasizes that Robin’s ability to embody various traits—be it the noble robber, the trickster, or the pious outlaw—allows different audiences to project their values and ideals onto him. This adaptability ensures his relevance across different eras and societal changes.

“Robin is very flexible. [...] He means lots of different things we've mentioned as well, the revels there where he becomes this sort of a character in the Revels.”
[51:49]

Conclusion and Insights

The episode wraps up by reflecting on Robin Hood's significance as a cultural icon. Rigby suggests that while the historical figure (if one existed) remains elusive, the legend of Robin Hood serves as a mirror to the societal values and aspirations of successive generations. His enduring legacy lies in his representation of justice, camaraderie, and resistance against tyranny.

“Because they're quite vague, the stories, they're about injustice, they're about resistance to authority. In a sense, anyone can identify with those ideals.”
[53:37]

Matt Lewis concludes by acknowledging the depth and adaptability of the Robin Hood stories, ensuring their place in both medieval and modern consciousness.

Further Exploration

For those interested in delving deeper into the history and evolution of Robin Hood, Stephen H. Rigby’s edited volume, Historians on Robin Hood, provides comprehensive insights. Additional episodes of Gone Medieval also explore related topics, such as medieval performances and legendary tales comparable to Robin Hood’s adventures.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen H. Rigby:
  “Robin Hood, he represents fellowship, freedom, abundance. It's sort of a utopian vision of life in the greenwood.”
  [47:09]

• Matt Lewis:
  “It's fascinating that he can move across such a broad span of time... he fits into moments almost of crisis.”
  [40:59]

• Stephen H. Rigby:
  “Robin is very flexible. [...] He means lots of different things we've mentioned as well, the revels there where he becomes this sort of a character in the Revels.”
  [51:49]

Listen to the Episode

To explore the legends and lore of Robin Hood further, tune into the "Legends of Robin Hood" episode of Gone Medieval available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.