“Robin Hood and Allen a Dale” is a ballad that was passed from generation to generation, its author now unknown. No one knows for certain when the legend of Robin Hood first developed, although the legendary outlaw hero is mentioned in the poem Piers Plowman as early as 1377. It is quite likely that the legend is much older. In fact, it may have developed out of ancient Druidic or Teutonic rituals related to fertility gods, for Robin Hood in the ballads is invariably dressed in green and associated with the “greenwood,” or forest. Through many centuries, down to our own, Robin Hood and various figures associated with him were central characters in May festivals celebrating the coming of spring, and, again, this practice may be a survival from ancient religious rituals that are now lost.
By historical times, Robin Hood had become transmuted in the oral tradition into the outlaw hero familiar to most children in English-speaking countries. In the early thirteenth century, the heir apparent to the English throne, Richard the Lion-Hearted, went on a Crusade to the Holy Land. On his return from the Crusade, he was captured and held captive by the Holy Roman Emperor. During the period of Richard’s absence, his brother John ruled England. John was a terrible king who taxed his subjects heavily. Many of the Robin Hood stories and ballads are associated with this time. They tell of an outlaw, loyal to King Richard, who robs the wealthy to give to the poor. The historical record shows many outlaws in England throughout the Middle Ages who identified themselves with the Robin Hood of legend, but it is unknown whether there was, indeed, any single historical original on whom the legend is based.
As you read “Robin Hood and Allen a Dale,” complete the following sequence chart, tracking the significant events in the story.
When has someone with greater power or wealth taken advantage of you or treated you unfairly?
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