Author Commentary

“The Seven C’s” or “Why I like Robin Hood”…

Some folks have asked me why I am so taken with the Robin Hood legend, so I am writing this non-fiction essay as an answer. As with Charlemagne and King Arthur, the legend of Robin Hood is woven into the fabric of Western Civilization, dwelling near the core of our cultural identity and the height of our aspirations. Following are seven specific aspects of the legend that I find particularly interesting and exciting.

1. Constraining Evil

In most versions, Robin Hood battles the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and his sponsor, the usurper Prince John, who has seized the throne in the absence of his crusading brother, King Richard the Lionheart. In this sense, Robin is not an outlaw at all, but rather a loyalist to the legitimate king. Robin fights to uphold what is right and true, until the Lionheart returns and sets things back in proper order.

This, of course, is reminiscent of the biblical narrative. In the temporary physical absence of the legitimate King (Jesus Christ), a usurper (Satan) has seized control of the realm and is causing widespread distress. Robin Hood is therefore a role-model for all Christians. We must do our part to uphold truth, justice, goodness and right until the return of the King. The temporary physical absence of Jesus Christ is no excuse for anyone to deny or ignore His authority.

2. Caring for the Poor

One of the primary ways that Robin makes a difference in his community is by redistributing wealth from areas of overabundance to areas of dire need, that is, by robbing the rich and giving to the poor. Does this sound uncomfortably like socialism? Well, let’s think this through before we panic.

Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham (the government) were the ones hoarding wealth, along with other disloyal aristocrats that were collaborating with them against King Richard. By forcibly resisting such ultra-leftwing totalitarianism, and by rallying the common man to the banner of the king, Robin Hood was actually fiercely anti-socialist. Keep in mind that Robin was actually a noble.

Again, the legend provides a timeless example for us to follow. Of course, robbery is not acceptable behavior. Wealth can still be redistributed to those in need, however, by creative fundraising. After all, most wealthy people are good and generous folk. All you have to do is ask!

3. Courage in the Face of Danger

Robin Hood’s bravery is both notable and necessary. It is notable because of all the great deeds he was able to accomplish as a result. Standing up against oppressors; rescuing friends from the gallows; climbing castle walls; chasing away the local constabulary; going head-to-head with a much larger “Little” John – these are not tasks for one that is faint of heart.

His courage was necessary because these accomplishments and all the rest would not have come to pass if he had cowered behind a tree in Sherwood Forest, wringing his hands and waiting for King Richard to ride in and save him. The lesson for Christians is clear in this aspect as well. While we can look forward with assurance to Christ’s coming, and accept that only then will things be made truly right, we do have a responsibility in the here and now to act with courage.

If we do not, people around us will suffer unnecessarily, just as the people of Nottingham would have been found in a much worse state upon King Richard’s return if Robin had not kept up the fight as best he could.

4. Chivalry toward Women

I love women. Yes, my wife and daughters hold unique and special status in my heart, but all women and girls are, if you want my opinion, amazing parts of God’s creation that deserve a particular kind of respect. This includes honoring their contributions to society, protecting them from harm, and within reason, working diligently to make sure they are comfortable and happy.

Does this bother you? Do you think I am anti-feminist or behind the times? Well, I don’t care. If you are very upset, go write your own essay about it.

Yes, Robin paid special attention to Marian because of his romantic feelings for her, but he also stood up for the widows, the orphans, and any damsel in distress he may have encountered. It’s simply the right thing to do; always has been, always will be.

5. Cleverness against Adversity

This is one of the most exciting parts of the legend, because it separates Robin Hood from other heroes that succeed through strength alone. For certain he was strong, brave, fast, and skilled with both blade and bow, but he was also blessed with a quick and sharp mind. The best victories are those that require no bruising or bloodshed, and there is also something very pleasing about seeing the slow-witted bad guys fall to their own stupidity.

The Disney cartoon version, not surprisingly, gives some of the finest examples. Robin and the Merry Men’s use of disguises, subterfuge, careful planning, and taking full advantage of the enemy’s weaknesses are all commendable. After all, part of what makes the good guys good is that they do not actually desire to hurt anyone.

While violence can become necessary to protect the innocent, a real hero always tries to find another way. And the best heroes do.

6. Celebrating Life

Again, it’s worth taking a moment to recall the classic 1973 cartoon version. The music, dancing, feasting and celebrating that happens in Sherwood Forest is inspiring. This is what it’s all about!

If all that happened in the stories was fighting and battles and rescues and escapes, what would be the point? There has to be something worth fighting for. Robin and the other heroes show an important aspect of their characters when they kick off their boots, lay down their bows and arrows, and have a rip-roaring good time.

This is another thing that separated the good guys from the bad. Just say for a minute that Prince John and the Sheriff had won and succeeded in oppressing the people of Nottingham indefinitely. What good would it do them? Would they be happy sitting inside the castle, counting their pieces of silver and watching the misery outside their walls? Of course not! They were blinded by greed and power-lust all along!

Robin and friends knew what was truly important. That’s why they gave their money away. What did they need with a pile of gold? They already had the greatest wealth of all – good friends, a little music, a little ale, and love in their hearts for God, king and their fellow man.

7. Coming Home

Thank you and congratulations if you’ve swum this far in my river of words. I just want to mention one more aspect of the legend that I feel is important, and that is its distinctive British character.

Now, much has been made of the horrible things done by white Anglo-Saxon Protestant males during their brief so-called dominance of the world. I agree that poor choices were made and great harms were done, and on behalf of my forefathers, I humbly apologize. Nevertheless, we also did some good and perhaps we even still have something to offer the world.

My genetic heritage is largely British, and for this fact I will not apologize. But even beyond my sturdy and resilient genes, I feel connected to a wonderful heritage of ideas and institutions that we, those of us fortunate enough to be Americans at least, inherited from the old Brits.

Our beautiful language, our system of law and justice, countless stories and legends, the frying of potatoes, the Beatles, James Bond, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Love Actually; for all of these and so much more, we owe thanks to the mighty yet soft spoken people of that green and pleasant little group of islands just off the coast of Europe.

We, the United States and the United Kingdom, have stood together and prevailed against the greatest tyrants of the age. I hope that my Song of Sherwood stories might in some small way be an honor to these distant cousins back across the sea.