Robin Hood;: Being a Complete History of All the Notable and Merry Exploits Performed by Him and His Men on Many Occasions

In Short

This volume presents a compact, historical account of Robin Hood, tracing his life from a privileged youth in Nottinghamshire to his eventual life as a forest-dwelling outlaw. Through a series of merry exploits and clever ruses, the narrative explores themes of justice, class, and the tension between lawless freedom and social order. By focusing on his generosity toward the poor and his peculiar code of conduct, the book preserves the enduring appeal of the legendary archer, culminating in his peaceful return to the service of the King.

The Story

The narrative begins in the village of Locksley, where a young Robin Hood enjoys a comfortable upbringing. His life takes a pivotal turn when he visits his uncle, Squire Gamewell, who promises to make Robin his heir. However, following the Squire’s illness, a cunning monk from Fountain Abbey manipulates the dying man into signing over his entire estate to the convent. Left penniless and homeless upon his uncle's death, Robin finds himself adrift. With no trade to rely on, he gathers a group of like-minded, impoverished young men and retreats to the wilds of Sherwood Forest.

Once established in the forest, Robin and his band turn to highway robbery to survive, though they maintain a strict moral code. They prey only upon the wealthy and the corrupt, particularly targeting the clergy, whom Robin blames for his own misfortune. Despite being outlaws, they earn the loyalty of the poor by sharing their spoils and shielding the weak. Robin’s life becomes a sequence of lighthearted gambits—outwitting the Sheriff of Nottingham, rescuing the young lover Allen-a-Dale from a forced marriage to an elderly knight, and engaging in spirited contests of skill with a brawny friar.

Throughout these years, Robin’s notoriety grows, fueled by his rivalry with the Bishop of Hereford, who repeatedly attempts to capture him. Robin consistently evades justice, often through elaborate disguises and the aid of those he has previously helped. Yet, despite his fame and the "merry" life he leads in the greenwood, a sense of weariness begins to take hold. Robin finds himself longing for a quiet, settled life in his home village.

Seeking a path toward legitimacy, Robin sends a valuable gift to Queen Eleanor, hoping to gain her favor. This connection eventually leads to an opportunity for him and his men to serve as the Queen’s champions in a royal archery match. Their success wins them the King’s admiration, though their true identities are revealed. King Richard, impressed by their skill and their reputation for generosity, resolves to see the outlaw for himself. Dressed as a monk, the King enters the forest, where he encounters the very man he seeks. After a candid conversation, Robin confesses his exhaustion with his lawless existence and his desire to be a faithful subject. Recognizing the band’s potential for service rather than plunder, King Richard pardons them all, marking the end of their life as fugitives and their transition into the King’s employ.

How It Unfolds

The displacement After being cheated out of his rightful inheritance by a manipulative monk, a young, destitute Robin takes to the woods. This initial injustice shapes his lifelong distrust of the clergy and drives his decision to survive by plunder.

The forest life Robin organizes a disciplined, uniformed band of archers in Sherwood Forest. He establishes a routine of raiding the wealthy to redistribute riches to the impoverished, creating a sanctuary for those marginalized by society.

The merry pranks Robin engages in a series of colorful confrontations, from outwitting the Sheriff at a market to interrupting a forced wedding to save a maiden. These encounters highlight his wit, his flair for performance, and his commitment to his own brand of rough justice.

The search for peace As the years pass, the thrill of the forest wanes, and Robin begins to desire a return to normal society. He strategically appeals to Queen Eleanor, viewing his archery skills as a bridge toward an official royal pardon.

The royal encounter King Richard infiltrates the forest in disguise, ultimately confronting Robin face-to-face. After a sincere dialogue about the burdens of his life, Robin receives a royal pardon, formally transitioning from a notorious outlaw to a protected servant of the Crown.

The People

Robin Hood acts as the moral center of the story. While he is initially driven by resentment toward the church, he matures into a leader who values honor and integrity. He is defined by his generosity to the poor and his desire to eventually reclaim a respectable place in society. His right-hand man, Little John, serves as his loyal lieutenant and the primary executor of his plans. Little John’s cleverness and skill in "gambols" match Robin’s own, making them an inseparable pair.

The Sheriff of Nottingham and the Bishop of Hereford serve as the primary antagonists. Both represent the rigid, grasping authority that Robin opposes. The Sheriff is driven by greed and a desire for control, while the Bishop is motivated by institutional power and personal vendettas. Their constant failure to capture Robin underscores his superiority in wit and skill. Finally, King Richard appears as the ultimate arbiter of justice. He is portrayed not as a vengeful monarch, but as a discerning judge who values courage and loyalty, ultimately recognizing that Robin’s potential as a subject outweighs his history as a thief.

In Its Own Voice

“He never loved to rob any body but people that were very rich, and that had not the spirit to make good use of their riches.”

This line captures the core of Robin’s moral philosophy regarding his targets, distinguishing his actions from common theft.

“I am an outlaw, and my name is Robin Hood; and yonder is the bishop of Hereford, with all his men, who wants to bring me to the gallows.”

Robin explains his precarious situation to an old woman in a cottage, setting the stage for one of his most daring escapes.

“I am tired of the lawless life that I lead: I never loved it.”

During his final meeting with the King, Robin admits that his life as an outlaw was an unwanted necessity rather than a chosen ambition.

What It's Really About

At its heart, this history explores the concept of "noble" crime. It poses a difficult question: can one break the law to uphold a higher, more personal standard of fairness? The book argues that laws are only as just as the men who enforce them, and when the powerful (like the greedy monk or the corrupt Sheriff) use the system to victimize the weak, Robin acts as a necessary, if unconventional, corrective force. Yet, the story also acknowledges that such a life is inherently unsustainable. It suggests that a man, no matter how clever or generous, cannot live indefinitely outside the social contract. The ultimate desire for a "quiet dwelling" reveals the profound human need for belonging and legitimacy that transcends even the most thrilling life of adventure.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy classic folklore and brisk, action-oriented narratives will find this volume deeply satisfying. The prose is clean and efficient, focusing entirely on the action without unnecessary ornamentation. It feels like a campfire story, designed to be read quickly and with genuine delight.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the stark moral binary of the period; the book holds a clear, often heavy-handed dislike for "popish" clergy, which reflects the historical prejudices of its time. The writing also maintains the 19th-century perspective on children's literature, which is direct, didactic, and occasionally blunt about the "badness" of theft, even when it is done for a good cause. You will not find the modern, multi-layered psychological depth of current historical fiction here. Instead, you get a pure, unvarnished look at the Robin Hood legend in its most classic, archetypal form. It is a story about the desire to do right in a world that often makes it impossible, and it stays with you as a reminder that even the most famous rebels eventually seek the comfort of home and the security of a recognized, peaceful life.