Robin Hood

Robin Hood is England's most celebrated legendary hero. Supremely brave, resourceful and loyal, he stands for the retribution of wrong in a corrupt society. For 600 years he has inspired ballads and epic tales of adventure; and, in the 20th century, he is the illustrious subject of many major films. But who was he? Magnus Magnusson examines the early printed ballads for clues and finds that the place names mentioned exist today: villages, forests and highways in England are undeniably associated with his name. Could such a strong presence in English folk culture be purely fictional? Can we make the real Robin Hood stand up?