Stories of Robin Hood

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

46190

Title

Stories of Robin Hood

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in medieval England under Norman rule, this tale follows Robin Hood, a brave outlaw who defends the poor against greedy lords and corrupt officials. With his loyal band of Merry Men, he uses wit and archery to redistribute wealth, uphold justice, and champion the oppressed in Sherwood Forest.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1912 as part of the Instructor Literature Series, Bertha E. Bush's *Stories of Robin Hood* presents a collection of adventures centered on the legendary outlaw and his band of Merry Men. The narrative opens by establishing the harsh social climate of England, where Norman lords and churchmen oppress the Saxon common people. Robin Hood, inspired by childhood indignation at the unjust hanging of Peter the Ploughman, vows to redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor. He gathers a band of skilled archers and fighters who operate from Sherwood Forest, living simply in bark shelters and feasting on venison. The book features several classic episodes. In "Winning the Sheriff's Golden Arrow," Robin disguises himself as a ragged beggar to compete in an archery contest rigged by the Sheriff of Nottingham to trap him. Despite the Sheriff's suspicion, Robin wins the golden arrow, revealing his identity only after the contest. In "How Little John Joined Robin Hood," the story details the legendary contest between the giant Little John and Friar Tuck, which ends in mutual respect and friendship. Another chapter, "Robin Hood and Allen-a-Dale," depicts Robin intervening to stop a forced marriage, allowing the true love between Allen-a-Dale and Ellen to flourish with the help of Friar Tuck. Further adventures include "Robin Hood and the Sorrowful Knight," where Robin and his men rob a greedy bishop to help a knight facing foreclosure on his estate, illustrating the group's code of redistributing ill-gotten gains. In "Robin Hood and the King," King Richard the Lionheart disguises himself as a friar to visit the forest; Robin and his men treat him with hospitality and test his archery skills, even playfully punishing him for missing the target. Throughout the text, Bush emphasizes Robin's high moral standards: he never harms women, burns haystacks, or robs the poor, distinguishing his "robbery" as a form of social reform rather than mere crime. The stories celebrate Robin's bravery, kindness, and loyalty, portraying him as a beloved figure who stands for justice despite his outlaw status.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg46190.epub

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2026-08-14 04:08 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction