Oral Tradition. An oral tradition is a body of works that are passed by way of mouth over generations. Stories of Robin Hood have circulated for hundreds of years. They first circulated as part of the oral tradition of England. Ballads about the adventures of Robin Hood began circulating as early as the 14th century. Like all stories that were passed orally, many versions of these stories exist. Later they were written down. These stories have even made their way to television and have become movies.
Hero. A hero is a character whose actions are inspiring and courageous. Robin Hood is a legendary hero.
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• Historians debate whether Robin Hood was in fact a real person. Various records mention men with the name Robin Hood, or something similar. Those who believe Robin Hood existed suggest that he lived during the thirteenth century. Not everything in the tales of Robin Hood support this theory, but that may be because of details added as the stories were passed through the ages.
• Robin Hood, the legendary figure, is perhaps best known as the leader of a bunch of merry men, including Little John, Friar Tuck, and Will Scarlet. This band of outlaws reigned in Sherwood Forest, in Nottingham, England. Robin and his followers were said to “steal from the rich and give to the poor.” They challenged a corrupt system of government and tried to help the less fortunate, who had few rights in the England of their time.
• Robin Hood is also linked romantically with Maid Marion. In one tale, Marion sets out in disguise to find Robin. He also is in disguise, so she does not recognize him when she finds him. They begin to fight. Marion is getting the best of him, until she hears him cry out and realizes who he is.
Make a chart to keep track of inspiring and courageous actions of Robin Hood. Next to the action, write his motivation, or reason for acting as he does.
What would you do if a friend was accused of doing something that he or she did not do?
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