Hidden History: Lost Civilizations, Secret Knowledge, and Ancient Mysteries by Brian Haughton (beginner reading books for adults txt) 📕

of Robin's escapades in the ballads, and in some tales Robin Hood's father was said to be a forester called Adam. The name Matilda was also Maid Marian's real name in two Elizabethan plays. In 1317, Robert Hode disappeared after failing to report for military service. Although there are certainly some similarities between this Robin of Wakefield and the Robin Hood of legend, the fact that stories surrounding the Robin Hood name were already in circulation during his lifetime would suggest he is a little too late to qualify. In fact, by this time court records show that Robinhood had become an epithet for an outlaw, and before 1300, there were at least eight people who either assumed the name or were given it.

This point is illustrated by the case of William de Fevre, of Enborne in Berkshire, who in 1261 is shown as an outlaw in court records from Reading. A year later at Easter, 1262, a royal document renamed him William Robehood. If this is not a clerical error, then it is significant in that at the early date of 1262, the Robin Hood legend appears to have been well known enough for other outlaws to be named after him. If this is the case, it would mean that any real Robin Hood cannot be dated later than 1261 or 1262. Alternatively, it might also be evidence that it was the Robin Hood nickname given to outlaws at the time that inspired the legend, so it cannot be taken as definite proof of such an early date for the existence of Robin Hood.

A fascinating theory was put forward by Tony Molyneux-Smith in a 1998 book, entitled Robin Hood and the Lords of Wellow, which suggests that

Robin Hood was not one single man, but a pseudonym taken by descendants of Sir Robert Foliot, who held the Lordship of Wellow, close to Sherwood Forest, up until the late 14th century. This is intriguing, but further research into this family and their origins is clearly needed to positively identify the Foliot family as the origin of the famous outlaw tale.

Of course, Robin Hood was not the first or the only medieval outlaw tale. The daring escapes, rescues, and disguises of his legend have almost certainly been influenced by actual and mythical exploits of real-life outlaws. One example is the mercenary and pirate Eustace the Monk (c. 1170-1217). His deeds are related in a 13th century romance and also by contemporary historian Matthew Paris, in the Chronica Majora (Main Chronicle). Another historical model for the Robin Hood legend is Hereward (the Wake). This 11th century outlaw leader led the English resistance against William the Conquerer and held the Isle of Ely, in the swampy fenland of south Lincolnshire, against the invading Normans. Hereward became a folk hero only a short time after his death, and within 100 years his exploits were being celebrated in song in taverns. The legendary Hereward was already established by the time of the Estorie des Engles of Geoffrey Gaimar written around 1140, and Gesta Herewardii Saxonis (Deeds of Hereward the Saxon) from the same period. Many aspects of the outlaw hero later associated with Robin Hood are found in the tales of Hereward. He was courageous, courteous, quick-witted, an expert at disguise, and always alert, as can be understood from his name, the Wake, meaning the watchful.

Another hero of the era was Fulk FitzWarin. A tale belonging to the start of the 12th century tells how Fulk, as a young nobleman, is sent to King John of England. Eventually, the king becomes his enemy and confiscates his family's land, so Fulk takes to the woods and lives as an outlaw. Included in the story are incidents particularly reminiscent of episodes in the Robin Hood legend. For example, Fulk tests the honesty of rich travelers he waylays, and tricks King John into the forest to be captured by his outlaw gang. There is, however, a strong element of myth (giants, dragons, epic journeys) in the tale of Fulk FitzWarin (and in all the early heroic tales from England), which we do not find in the Robin Hood legend.

A completely different interpretation of Robin Hood that has been put forward is based on his role in English folklore. Pagan themes such as the Green Man (or Robin Goodfellow) and the Wild Man of the Woods may have influenced the growth of the Robin Hood legend, and his character and story was certainly incorporated into the May Games, a celebration of nature

and the coming of spring, by the 16th century. But the idea that Robin Hood is only a legend that originated from these celebrations is unlikely, especially as his story appears to have been well-known prior to any association with the May Games.

If Robin Hood existed at all, the most convincing evidence places him somewhere in the 13th century, though it is more likely that he represents a typical outlaw hero, composed in part from historical characters, but not possessing an individual historical identity. The Robin Hood tale has been built up gradually for more than 700 years, usually to meet the needs and desires of his audience. In fact, it is still developing today, as is evident from the newest myths added to the story, presented in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. Here, not only is Robin placed at the end of the 12th Century as a returning Crusader, but he is also depicted fighting fierce painted Celtic warriors in the forests, more than 1,000 years after they existed in reality. Without doubt, the tale will continue to develop and change in the future as it has done in the past; this is part of myth-history that is Robin Hood.

the Amazons: Warrior Women A the Edge of Civilization

Map of supposed Amazon homeland, produced in London, c. 1770.

For perhaps 3,000 years, the idea of a tribe of fierce warrior-women inhabiting the edge of the known world has captured