Chapter: 09. Robin Hood And Maid Marian
Literary Appreciation
“Robin Hood and Maid Marian” is a wonderful example of a folk tale, a special kind of story that has been passed down by word of mouth for hundreds of years, from parents to children and from storytellers to listeners. These tales are exciting because they often feature brave heroes who stand up for what’s right and help people in need. Our story brings to life the legendary Robin Hood, a hero from Sherwood Forest who shows us how courage and kindness can make a big difference, even when facing powerful challenges. Folk tales like this one teach us about fairness, bravery, and the timeless idea of helping others.
Summary of the Story
“Robin Hood and Maid Marian” tells the tale of Robin Hood, a kindhearted outlaw, and his childhood friend, Maid Marian. After Robin’s father is killed by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin is forced to leave his home and becomes an outlaw in Sherwood Forest, famous for taking from the rich to give to the poor. Years later, Marian, hearing whispers of this good-hearted outlaw, suspects it might be her old friend. She bravely disguises herself as a boy and journeys into the forest. There, she has an exciting quarterstaff fight with a hooded man, who turns out to be Robin Hood himself! Overjoyed to find each other, they decide to get married right there in the greenwood, with Friar Tuck’s help. They then live happily, continuing their mission to help the poor people of England.
Detailed Explanation of Each Scene
Here’s a closer look at what happens in each part of the story:
Scene 1: Childhood Friends in Sherwood Forest What happens: We first meet Robin as a young boy, the son of the Earl of Huntingdon, and Marian, Lord Fitzwater’s daughter. Their homes are near the beautiful Sherwood Forest. They often meet in the forest and become very good friends. Robin teaches Marian how to use a bow and arrow, and also how to handle a “quarterstaff” – a long, strong stick used as a weapon. This shows Marian is not just pretty, but also very strong and skilled! Why it’s important: This scene shows us how Robin and Marian knew each other from a young age and how strong their friendship was, setting the stage for their future reunion. Scene 2: Robin Becomes an Outlaw What happens: A sad event occurs: the Sheriff of Nottingham kills Robin’s father and takes over their castle, forcing young Robin to leave his home. Years pass, and Marian doesn’t hear from Robin. Then, one day, she overhears two men talking about a group of “outlaws” (people who live outside the law) in Sherwood Forest. These outlaws stop rich travelers, but they only steal money to give it to the poor. They never take from women, poor people, or good farmers. The men also say their leader, Robin Hood, is the best “bowman” (someone who shoots with a bow and arrows) in the country and a friend to all good country people. Why it’s important: This explains why Robin became an outlaw and introduces his famous reputation as a hero who helps the poor. It also sparks Marian’s curiosity to find him. Scene 3: Marian’s Brave Journey What happens: Marian thinks about what the men said and realizes the description of Robin Hood sounds exactly like her childhood friend, Robin. She decides she must find him! To be safe and to travel without being recognized, she puts on a boy’s clothes, including a blue hood that hides her hair and most of her face. She takes her bow and arrows and her strong quarterstaff, leaving her father’s castle without anyone seeing her go. Why it’s important: This shows Marian’s bravery and determination. Her disguise is key to the exciting scene that follows. Scene 4: A Hunt in the Forest What happens: A few days later, Marian is deep in Sherwood Forest. She’s very hungry and is happy to see a nice, fat deer. She quietly prepares to shoot it with her bow, hoping to get some food. Why it’s important: This scene sets up the unexpected meeting between Marian and Robin. Scene 5: The Confrontation What happens: Just as Marian is about to shoot the deer, a loud voice shouts, “Boy! What are you doing?” This scares the deer away! Marian quickly turns to face the man. He has a big quarterstaff but no bow or sword, and his face is hidden by a large hood. Marian is angry because he drove away her food. She “frowns” (makes an angry face) at him. The man tells her she mustn’t shoot the king’s deer and orders her to go away. Marian bravely says she won’t go and isn’t afraid of anyone who hides their face. Why it’s important: This is the dramatic first meeting between Marian and Robin (though they don’t know it’s each other yet!). It shows Marian’s fiery spirit and refusal to back down. Scene 6: The Quarterstaff Fight What happens: Marian drops her bow and picks up her quarterstaff, ready to fight. The man laughs and takes his own quarterstaff. They begin a “good fight!” The man is very strong, but he clearly doesn’t want to hurt the “boy” too much, so his staff only touches Marian lightly. Marian, however, is very “swiftly” (quickly) and skillful. Sometimes she’s too quick for him and manages to hit him hard on the head, which really amazes him! Why it’s important: This fight is exciting and shows off both Marian’s and Robin’s amazing fighting skills. It’s also how Robin truly recognizes Marian’s strength and bravery. Scene 7: Identities Revealed! What happens: Finally, the man says, “Let’s stop.” He apologizes about the deer and tells Marian he likes her, praising her as a fine fighter. He even asks if she would like to join Robin Hood’s merry men! At this, Marian throws back her hood, revealing her beautiful face and hair. The man stands completely still in shock. Then, he throws back his own hood, and Marian cries out, “Robin!” Robin Hood looks at the lovely woman, recognizing his little friend from long ago. Why it’s important: This is the big reveal! The reunion of Robin Hood and Maid Marian is a joyful and heartwarming moment, confirming their strong bond. Scene 8: Preparing for a Special Event What happens: Robin Hood and Maid Marian go to Robin’s camp under his “greenwood tree.” They find Will Scarlet, one of the outlaws. Robin asks where Friar Tuck (another of Robin’s men) is. Will Scarlet jokes that Friar Tuck went to pray but took his bow and arrows with him. Robin asks for Friar Tuck to be brought to them. Some men in green quickly find the friar and bring him back. Friar Tuck is a little annoyed that his prayers were interrupted. Why it’s important: This scene prepares for the very special event that is about to happen! Scene 9: A Wedding in the Greenwood What happens: Robin tells Friar Tuck, “Maid Marian and I want you to marry us. Here. Now.” Friar Tuck is confused, saying he doesn’t see a lady. Marian then throws back her hood again so everyone can see her beautiful woman’s head above the boy’s clothes. Friar Tuck and all of Robin Hood’s merry men shout in happy surprise! And that’s how Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married right there in the beautiful greenwood. They lived happily in the forest for many years, continuing their good work of helping the poor. Why it’s important: This is the happy ending to their adventurous reunion, showing their commitment to each other and their shared mission. Theme and Moral of the Story
Theme: Justice and Helping the Poor The main theme of “Robin Hood and Maid Marian” is justice for the common people and the importance of helping those in need. Robin Hood and his merry men, and later Marian, dedicate their lives to correcting wrongs and ensuring that the poor and defenseless are not exploited by powerful, unfair people like the Sheriff of Nottingham. They show that sometimes, true justice means standing up to corrupt authority. Moral: Courage to Do What’s Right The moral of the story is that it takes courage and bravery to do what is right, especially when it is difficult or goes against unfair rules. Both Robin and Marian are incredibly brave: Robin for becoming an outlaw to help others, and Marian for daring to find him and proving her strength. The story teaches us that kindness and compassion are valuable qualities, and that working together for a good cause can bring happiness and positive change. Author Spotlight
You might be wondering who wrote “Robin Hood and Maid Marian.” Well, here’s a fun fact about folk tales: they usually don’t have just one author! “Robin Hood and Maid Marian” is a folk tale, meaning it grew and changed over many, many years as people told and retold the story. Imagine a story being whispered from one person to another, then from generation to generation – each person might add a little bit or change a small detail!
Robin Hood himself is a legendary figure, meaning he’s a hero from old stories and myths, not a real person we can find in history books. His adventures, including his love for Maid Marian, have been told in countless ballads, poems, and stories for over 800 years in England. So, the “author” of this story is really everyone who has ever loved and shared the tale of the kindhearted outlaw of Sherwood Forest!
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