Into the Forest discussion

Nottingham, England has historic and literary importance. Charles I raised his standard there, and Edward III was rescued from the castle. It even has a connection to Byron. But everyone really knows what is important about Nottingham.
Robin Hood.
Robin Hood is attractive legend with staying power. He might be the most famous folk hero of them all. A story about a South Korean protestor brings Robin Hood to mind and not only because he uses a bow.
It isn’t even a question of who your generation’s Robin Hood is, for most generations have more than one. Sean Connery, Jason Connery, Errol Flynn, Michael Pared, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, and a fox are among those who have played Robin Hood.
What makes Robin Hood and his Merry Men so popular? And why exactly are they so Merry when they lack indoor plumbing?
Robin Hood first came to us though ballads, though there is a Robin Hood figure that dates from ancient Rome. There is a debate whether Nottingham or someplace further north is his true home. We know that Tuck and Maid Marian were later editions, though Little John has been present from the start. In fact, when Robin Hood is killed by an abbess seeking revenge for the death of Guy of Gisbourne, he dies in Little John’s arms.
A tourist can visit not only the church where Robin and Marian wed, but Little John’s grave. Sherwood Forest is still there, though much reduced in size. It has a huge oak where traditional has it Robin and his men hide. It is being cloned.
Robin was known for his skill with the bow, of being loyal to the rightful king, of helping lovers, and of giving away gold. We see Robin Hood in such comic book characters as Hawkeye (Marvel) and Green Arrow (DC). IN the modern age, his legend has been moved to modern times, to outer space, and Robin has become a girl. We see the introduction of other characters. Little John is joined by a Sacren (first used in Robin of Sherwood). Guy of Gisbourne becomes the Sheriff’s Right hand and sometimes Robin’s brother (ROS again). As the world becomes more global so does Robin Hood, despite his English origins.
Perhaps it has to do with sticking it to the tax man. Who doesn’t wish to hold up the tax man? And that might explain why he seems to become very popular during times of a slow economy. He is a force against the government, perhaps who we wish we could be.
What is your favorite Robin Hood? Or do you root for the Sheriff?

I've always loved the Robin Hood character! My favorite film version is without doubt Kevin Costner and oh no! I would never root for the Sheriff! Is there a particular retelling you would recommend?

If you haven't read the ballads yet, you should. Simon Green wrote the novelization for the Robin Hood movie with Costner. The first retelling I read was Howard Pyle's, which will always remain a favorite. Robin McKinley did The Outlaws of Sherwood, which is pretty good.

Speaking of rooting for the Sheriff: for some reason I can't access "My Books" - but I think this is it: The Sheriff Of Nottingham is written from the Sheriff's point of view, as the hero. Didn't like it, but because of the writing, not the POV. The BBC's recent series almost had me on his side simply because the show was, overall, so godawful bad and the actor playing Vaisey (Keith Allen) was a huge over-the-top really fun ball of camp.

ETA: Michael Cadnum's In a Dark Wood is also pro-Sheriff.

I think Robin McKinley's version is my favorite written adaptation of the story; I love her anyway, and that is one of my favorites among her books. David Gemmell's Morningstar is also a great retelling.

Michael Praed (NOT Jason Connery) is "my" Robin Hood, I suppose, in that I grew up watching him - and of course the good old classic Errol Flynn movie too. Praed was cuter, though, for my teenaged self. (I'm fond of the fox (also cute) - haven't seen that in years...) I'm kind of meh on Costner; I think I liked it but, again, it's been forever.

Another good retelling: Jennifer Roberson's Lady of the Forest. Obviously from the title, it concentrates on Marian.

I was doing cartwheels when Robin of Sherwood came out on DVD.

I'm almost afraid to watch it - I loved it as a kid, and what if I hate it now?

It actually holds up pretty well, as long as you except the new age magic things.

My favorite Robin Hood adaption is Hood.

This version of the tale turns Robin Hood from a 'do good' thief to a Celtic prince whose kingdom was stolen from him by the English. Robin [or Bran, as he is called here] is still stealing, but he is fighting the injustice of the English king in order to take back what is his and take care of his people.

It has been a while since I read the book, but I remember it being very good, with believable characters and an interesting [if slightly slow] storyline.
Basically, the author tried to take Robin Hood out of myth and legend and place him in a relevant historical setting [after much research] while still keeping the essence of the story.

Just read and enjoyed a juvenile/YA book The Forestwife which looks at the beginnings of the Robin Hood legends from the perspective of Maid Marian. Particularly liked the emphasis on women's place in this time period. Very realistic view of what might have led to the legends.

Siareen wrote: "My favorite Robin Hood adaption is Hood.

This version of the tale turns Robin Hood from a 'do good' thief to a Celtic prince whose kingdom was stolen from him by the English. Robin [or Bran, as he..."

I love that book too. Have you read the 2 sequels?

i read the second one. im still waiting to get the third :P

This discussion so far is resulting in lots of new ideas for my TBR list :) (and for some film viewing as well!) As far as I can recall right now, the only book I've ever read in which Robin Hood was a character was Ivanhoe, and he was not a main character in that story.

I see another book "out there" (in Goodreads listings) that must concentrate on Marian's perspective:
Maid Marian by Elsa Watson.
Has anyone here ever read it?

Hawksmaid: The Untold Story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian by Kathryn Lasky
is now popping up too; how about that one?

Thanks!

Phair wrote: "Just read and enjoyed a juvenile/YA book The Forestwife which looks at the beginnings of the Robin Hood legends from the perspective of Maid Marian. Particularly liked t..."

In one of the reviews for The Forestwife the reviewer mentions an analysis of the Robin Hood tales:
Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography, in which apparently, some recommended retellings are listed, including Forestwife.

There's a fairly new YA Scarlet
set in the Robin Hood story where Scarlet is a girl, It looked interesting.

I grew up with the old Richard Greene Adventures of Robin Hood TV series which definitely colored (even in black and white) my ideas of Robin Hood. That theme song still plays loud and clear in my memory and I can recall not a few Halloweens where I donned the green tights and feathered cap.

Much, much later I liked the BBC series as well but it never entered my psyche like that childhood exposure, cheesy as it was. I take that back- there was one character in the BBC show that fascinated me- think he only showed up a time or two: Herne, the forest spirit played by John Abinieri, complete with antlers on his head. Gave me chills.

Are there any novels that focus on Herne the Hunter?

Phair wrote: "There's a fairly new YA Scarlet
set in the Robin Hood story where Scarlet is a girl, It looked interesting."

LOL - I've seen pictures (in passing) of that book cover, and here I was thinking that it was another new novel about Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind. I guess the lack of the double 't' should have been a clue :)

Listopia list of Robin Hood retellings - Fictional Robin Hood

Currently reading Outlaw by Angus Donald which so far is a good historical fiction version of Robin Hood- more in the line of the gritty Russell Crow type rather than the "Merry Men". The book is told by the elderly Alan Dale who had joined Robin's outlaws as a teenager when he was caught stealing food and was in danger under law of losing his hand.

Also bought a DVD Robin Hood starring Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman that I found in the $5.00 bargain bin. Never saw that one.

I sorta liked the Bergin one. It came out the same year as the Costner version. I think they were going to releash it in the theatres, but then since because of the Costner one, they just showed it on tv.

I got a copy of The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. I noticed it got quite mixed reviews!

Jalilah wrote: "I got a copy of The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. I noticed it got quite mixed reviews!"

Really? Huh. I guess I've never looked at the reviews out there. I loved it - it's due for a reread, someday when I have time.

I really can't imagine robin McKinley ever writing anything bad! I think the objections were because Robin Hood is not the main character in the Outlaws of Sherwood. In any case I am looking forward to reading it.

Finished Outlaw and I rather liked it. Quite realistic historical fiction - a little gory in places with lots of fighting/battles. A bit similar to Bernard Cornwell's books. Most of the traditional Robin Hood characters appear. The book does end in a way that sets us up for the next book which will deal with the Crusade.