The Legend of Robin Hood

The best-known feature of the legend of Robin Hood is the so-called ‘Robin Hood shot’.

Robin is said to have been able to shoot an arrow at another one already sticking in the target, which he thereby split in half.

A shot like this has definitively never occurred, simply because Robin Hood never existed.

This does not mean that such a shot is not possible. To the contrary, this can be seen quite often and usually happens just by accident. Therefore, a ‘Robin Hood shot’ only makes an impression if it has been done intentionally and the archer announces it beforehand.

If I spread around several arrows in the target area and another one subsequently hits and splits one of them, the result is also called a Robin Hood shot; although this was not done on purpose. In fact, it is rather a nuisance, because of the inevitable damage to the arrows.

The figure of Robin Hood is pure fiction. It has evolved over time, originating with a Common Highwayman, from there to acquire the title of Noble Patriot and finally became an early Advocate for Social Justice – ‘take it from the rich and give it to the poor’. Frequently reworked versions, which have been adapted over time, and additionally invented ballads, made him become a legend.

Owing to an entry in an administrative file, which was effected in the year 1225, the ‘authentic’ Robin Hood was just a simple good-for-nothing with the name affix ‘hobbehod’. Too bad, because during those times, there have been many entries with the same affix given to very different persons.

It is a well-known fact that ‘hobbehod’ is merely an old English synonym for a lawbreaker. The figure of Robin Hood would therefore only derive from a generally used medieval nickname for a thief or a r...

... middle of paper ...

...yet. With a special bow, capable of firing arrows 50 yards (45.7 meters) through the water, he went below the surface, aiming at sharks.

Complex technical studies in recent times have shown that one can split a wooden arrow with another, but that it will become stuck in the first shaft, seems nearly impossible. Nowadays, this would be an ‘honor’ more likely for archers who are using tubular shafts made of aluminum or carbon.

Contrary to Howard Hill, we can say about Robin Hood that he is only a fictional character and his famous adventures are just wild stories, made up by medieval rhymesters and exaggerated over time by traveling artists and modern Hollywood studios.

Nevertheless, I shall not fail to quote Robin Hood’s last words:

“Now raise me on my dying-bed,

Bring here my trusty bow,

And ere I join the silent dead,

My arm that spot shall show.”