Chapter-1
Robin Hood was an exceptionally skilled archer who lived in the Sherwood Forest with his band of outlaws called ‘Merry Men’. He had a heart of gold. He always respected the poor and hated the rich people who unleashed tyranny on the downtrodden, the helpless and the unfortunate. He robbed the rich people and gave their money to the poor people.
In fact, the word ‘Robin Hood’ has become synonymous with a person who takes or steals money from the rich and gives it to the poor.
Let us read about Robin’s exploits and adventures.
Robin would spend most of his time in the Sherwood Forest. One morning, he returned from the forest after spending some time there. At the top of his voice Robin the small lad yelled, “Mother, where are you? Is lunch ready? I am feeling awfully hungry.”
His mother who was inside the kitchen shouted from there, “Yes, my dear. Lunch is ready. Go to the washroom and wash your hands and feet.”
Robin did as he was told to do. In a few minutes, Robin’s mother placed the lunch on a wooden table and called Robin to eat it. Robin walked into the kitchen. He took a chair and sat on it. Then he started taking the lunch that was laid on the table.
While eating the lunch he said to his mother, “Lunch is really delicious. Mother! Tell me one thing. Do you know Sir Guy of Coventry? I have heard that he was your uncle. Was he a brave man? If I am not mistaken, he killed a wild boar all by himself.”
Mother nodded in the affirmative having listened to the words of his son. After a pause, she observed, “Robin, you are very much true. Sir Guy of Coventry was my uncle. He was extraordinarily brave and courageous. Yes, he killed a wild boar all by himself.”
Robin felt excited having heard of the words of his mother. He said, “Mother, please tell me something about him.”
Robin’s mother drew up a low chair and got ready to narrate her son the story of Sir Guy’s brave act.
Robin was all ears. Robin’s mother started thus:
“A wild boar blue in colour had unleashed terror in the Sherwood Forest. Whosoever passed through the forest was attacked and killed by the boar. The news reached the ears of Sir Guy who could not stop himself. He himself went alone into the forest. He had a long knife and noose in his hands. After a struggle of two hours or so he entrapped the boar in the noose and put an end to the deadly beast with his long knife. All the people welcomed him and garlanded him. After killing the beast he brought home the beast’s head as a trophy. Such was the bravery of my uncle.”
Having listened to the story with rapt attention Robin made Sir Guy his idol in bravery. He too wanted to kill wild boars in the Sherwood Forest.
After taking his lunch he said to his mother, “Dear Mother, are there still wild boars in the Sherwood Forest?
Robin’s mother looked into his eyes and said, “Why are you asking me this question? Never try to kill a wild boar. It is quite dangerous and can attack you terribly.”
“No, no mother. I am just asking to know whether the Sherwood Forest is home to wild boars or not.”
“Yes, it is home to the wild boars,” said his mother.
By now Robin had made up his mind to go into the Sherwood Forest.
After his mother had gone to do some household chores Robin stealthily walked down the grassy path that led from the cottage where he lived. From there he made his way to the Sherwood Forest all alone.
The entire afternoon passed. Even tea time passed. But there was no sign of Robin. Soon evening fell. Old oil lamps lighted the cottage. But Robin had not come back from the Sherwood Forest as yet.
Robin’s father asked Robin’s mother about his whereabouts. But she too had no idea as to where Robin had gone.
Robin’s father grew pale and tense. He took an oil lamp in his hand and got ready to search for Robin. No sooner did he step out of the cottage than he saw a figure at some distance coming towards him. It was none other than Robin who had returned from the Sherwood Forest.
Seeing Robin his father got angry and said, “Don’t you know what time it is? Where have you been for so long? We have been searching for you for a long time.”
Hearing of the words of his father Robin got terrified. Somehow he gathered courage and muttered in a slow voice, “Father, I had gone into the Sherwood Forest to see whether wild boars still lived there or not. I too wanted to put an end to a wild boar as Sir Guy did.”
Robin’s father thanked the Almighty God because Robin had returned home safe and sound. He observed, “Dear Robin, you must be thankful to God for not sighting any wild boar. Had you been face to face with a wild boar you would not have been alive today.”
Saying these words he led Robin inside the house. Once inside the house Robin started narrating his adventure.
He said, “It was a really wonderful trip to the forest. I came across a group of people who asked me how I had reached there. I made friends with them. They offered me something to eat and told me that I might live with them there in the Sherwood Forest.”
Hearing of the words of Robin his mother denounced his visit and said, “They are outlaws. Never seek their company. They are bad people.”
Saying these words she went into the kitchen and brought him some food to eat.
After eating his meal, Robin talked to himself, ‘How wonderful it would be in the Sherwood Forest! Sleeping in the forest and living under the open sky all day long! It would really be fun and frolic to lead a life of freedom and adventure. I would be in the lap of Nature all the time.’
Day’s passed by followed by months and years. As Robin grew up, he did not forget his first visit to Sherwood Forest. He always thought of the Forest and its adventure.
With the other boys of his age he learnt to fight with big poles called quarterstaffs. He never wasted his spare time. Among other co-curricular activities, he mastered the art of riding a horse and wielding a sword. He learnt the finer points of wrestling as well. Of all the sports he loved archery the most.
Robin was broad and muscular. He had a strong and powerful build. He had good sense of humour. Due to his high-spiritedness and joviality he was popular among his playing mates and other friends. Apart from these traits, he was quite handsome.
Both his parents loved him very much. In fact, he was the apple of his mother’s eye. On the part of his father, he was very much worried about Robin because of his high-spirited nature. Robin’s mother was soft-spoken. She had only one brother whose name was Squire Gamwell. He lived in the faraway city of Nottingham. It was a long time since she met her brother. It was her earnest wish that Robin should meet his maternal uncle.
One morning, she said to her husband, “O dear, would you fulfil my one wish?”
Robin’s father replied, “O my beloved, what do you seek? Demand without any hesitation.”
Robin’s mother spoke thus, “I have not met my brother for a long time. I want to meet him. So, I would like to visit Nottingham in order to see him. If you permit, I shall go.”
Robin’s father paused for some time and then observed, “But dear, I won’t let you go alone on the roads leading to Nottingham. These roads are not safe for women. Some robbers may attack you in transit. You had better postpone your visit.”
But Robin’s mother said, “Can’t you accompany me to Nottingham? We won’t stay there for long.
Robin’s father replied, “Dear, you know it is harvest time. I have to cut and gather crops and sell them in the market. So, I can’t go along at any cost.”
After thinking for a while Robin’s mother observed, “Can’t I take Robin along? He too has not seen his maternal uncle for a long time. Besides, he has grown powerful and sturdy. He has the strength to protect me from any danger. I am dead sure I shall be absolutely safe with him. He won’t let any tragedy touch me.”
Hearing of the words of his wife Robin’s father burst out laughing. He observed, “I have understood everything. I know why you are interested in taking Robin along. Tell me the truth. You want to show off your son’s extraordinary bravery and courage. You want to show your brother that your son has grown up into a handsome brave boy. Anyhow, take him along, my dear. The trip may be of some use to him.”
Hearing of the words of her husband her happiness knew no bounds. She was on cloud nine. She at once called Robin who was playing outside.
When Robin came up to his mother, she said, “My dear, we are going to Nottingham where your maternal uncle lives. The visit will be full of fun and frolic.”
Robin felt excited having listened to the words of his mother. He too had a mind to meet his maternal uncle.
Before setting out on a long journey preparations were a must. A horse was arranged. They ensured that there was enough food and drink for the journey. New sets of clothes for Robin and his mother had to be purchased. The shoes of the horse were examined carefully. The saddle on which they were to sit was made as comfortable as possible.
When everything was made ready, Robin’s mother filled the water bottles. At last, the horse was loaded with all the things required during the course of journey. Both Robin and his mother were dressed in their best fineries.
Robin’s father had purchased Robin a sword which Robin wore with great pride and honours. He also let a dagger hang from his belt. As the horse arrived at the entrance to the cottage, Robin, as he was well versed in horse riding, sprang lightly onto the saddle. Wherever his mother was made to sit on the seat behind him. As the horse got ready to march forward, Robin’s father said, “Good luck to you! Bon Voyage! Take care of your mother, Robin.”
Thus both Robin and his mother set forth on the forty-mile long journey. Passing through the great lonely Forest both Robin and his mother rode slowly but steadily. By now they had covered much distance. All of a sudden, they sighted two men approaching them. Taking them to be some robbers Robin, as brave he was, at once jumped off the horse and caught hold of the reins in his left hand. With his right hand, he drew out the sword from the sheath. Then he stood still like a mountain. But the two men proved to be peaceful travellers who went past them with a friendly gesture.
After braving all hurdles and the inclement weather the two at last reached their destination, i.e. Nottingham. It was a short ride from the town to Gamwell Hall. When they reached Gamwell Hall, Robin’s maternal uncle reached there to receive them. He felt very pleased to see his sister and his nephew. He took them home.
When they seated themselves comfortably, Robin’s maternal uncle said, “Come here, Will! Meet your cousin Robin. Look he is well built and intelligent.”
Will was Robin’s cousin who was fair-complexioned. He was tall and the same age as Robin. The two soon became fast friends as they liked each other’s company. They had the same likes and dislikes.
One night when all of them were sitting on the dining table, Robin’s maternal uncle said, “There will be great fun and frolic tomorrow. Allow us to see what stuff you are made of, Robin.”
Soon each of them retired to bed.
Robin told his mother, “Mother dear, I am getting excited as to what will take place tomorrow. I hope something exciting is going to take place. I won’t be able to sleep in peace.”
Next morning, Robin was the first member to wake up early. At the breakfast table Robin met his cousin Will. He said, “Good morning, Will.”
Will with a smile on his lips said, “Very good morning, Robin. But morning does not seem to be good for you. Here is a bad news for you.”
“Bad news!” exclaimed Robin, “What bad news are you talking about?”
Will then observed, “Robin, one of my cousins is coming to stay with us for a whole week.”
“What bad is there in it? There will be a lot of fun and excitement,” said Robin.
“But listen to me carefully,” interrupted Will, “My cousin is female. Her likes and dislikes are totally different from ours.”
“Oh, I see. You are absolutely right. Girls are totally different; they have different choices as compared to boys. They like to play silly boring games,” said Robin.
Next morning, Maid Marian, cousin of Will, arrived at the house of Will. In spite of all her weaknesses Robin liked her very much. Soon he grew fond of her.
Maid Marian was quite pretty and refined. But she was not so as described by Will, her cousin. She was quite interested in taking part in all the boy’s games. Above all she ran very fast and was a good shot. She shot arrows from the bow with great confidence and expertise.
One day, Squire Gamwell, maternal uncle of Robin, threw a grand party at Gamwell Hall to honour his guests. He gave invitation cards to all his near and dear ones, friends, dignitaries, acquaintances and the neighbouring villages.
A lot of food was prepared keeping in mind the long list of invitees. The food was laid out on a long table that had been placed around Gamwell Hall. Everybody present in the party ate to his/her heart’s content. The food was really delicious.
After the meal was over, there was an arrangement of sports that were being held in the lawn. Squire Gamwell invited all his guests to come and watch the sports. All the guests were witnessing the different sports with keen interest. Among the spectators one of them all of a sudden cried, “A Queen of ceremonies is a must here. We need her urgently.”
Maid Marian was the most beautiful lady present in the august assembly of spectators. She was matchless in beauty. So, none but she had to be crowned the Queen of ceremonies.
As she was crowned Queen, she said, “I feel really elated to be crowned Queen. It is my command that young boys should compete with one another in true sportsmanship.”
Hearing of the words of Maid Marian Robin felt very excited. He had been practising hard various sports since childhood. Now it was a golden opportunity for Robin to display his exploits and feats to the pretty Queen, i.e. Maid Marian.
The other young people who took part in the competition were also well versed in the art of wielding swords. But Robin at each time outwitted his opponent in every game, be it was the game of swords or wrestling. He also outshone his opponent in the quarterstaff. All in all, Robin displayed great spectacular feats and won the applause of everybody.
Maid Marian was especially very happy at the manner Robin adopted in defeating his opponents. She could not hold back her excitement and yelled at the top of her voice, “Hurrah! That is great. You have played every move well. You are perfect and splendid. Hats off to you!”
Now the bow and arrow contest was to take place. Maid Marian was more than sure that Robin would make his opponents lick dust in this game as well. On the other hand, Squire Gamwell was not so sure of Robin’s success as he knew that the other participants were also skilled archers.
He said to Robin’s mother, “Look sister, the bow and arrow contest is totally different. It does not need strength of body. It needs strength of mind. One needs a good eyesight and a correct aim. That is all.”
At last the bow and arrow contest got under way. When some boys had performed, Robin’s turn came. He was very enthusiastic. The bow and arrow had been his favourite sport. When he shot the arrows, all of them hit their targets. But two other boys had also scored a bull’s eye. How could it be decided who the winner was?
Robin struck an idea. He at once rushed towards Maid Marian and whispered something in her ear.
Hearing of the words of Robin Maid Marian felt very happy. She said to Robin, “That is a fine idea. You are really great.”
Then she turned to the spectators and said, “Listen to me carefully. A fine thin rod of willow will be placed on the ground. Anyone who hits it with his arrow from forty places shall be the ultimate winner of this bow and arrow contest.”
Everybody applauded the Queen’s ready wit. Some of the boys laughed at the Queen’s strange condition. They talked to one another, “It is altogether impossible. How can a person hit a slender rod with his arrow from forty places? It is quite absurd.”
Robin who was standing close to the boys said, “Would it be really impossible to hit the target?” All the boys nodded in the affirmative. Robin retorted, “Then watch me with rapt attention. I show you how a target is hit however difficult it is.”
Saying these words Robin placed an arrow on the bow and stretched the string to his ear. Taking a careful aim of the target he let the arrow go in the direction of the target. Lo and behold! The willow rod was split in two as it had been pierced by Robin’s arrow.
Everyone present there applauded the display of Robin who felt proud. Robin’s mother took great pride in the spectacular display of his son. She hugged him to her bosom.
As for Maid Marian, she was even more excited and thrilled to see the great exploit of Robin. Now she had got a new brave friend in the company of Robin. Robin became hero among his friends.
In the days ahead, he was elected leader of the boys who lived in and around Gamwell Hall. All the boys held Robin in high esteem. They along with Robin would play all the day and were up to one mischief or the other. Maid Marian too enjoyed playing in the company of boys.
A fair was going to be held at Nottingham. When Robin heard about the fair, he made up his mind to visit it. He told his boys, “Get ready for the fair; we have to establish ourselves there.”
But Will Gamwell interrupted, “Robin, it is not so easy as it seems to be. You will not be welcomed with warmth. The foolish people of Nottingham always hate the villagers and create one trouble or the other for us.”
“Don’t worry, my dear cousin. This year we shall create trouble for them,” said Robin with an emphatic voice. All the boys present there supported the decision of Robin.
At the stipulated time Robin accompanied by some boys and Maid Marian was on his way to the fair. When they reached there, the fair was in full swing. All the traders behind their beautifully coloured stalls took no notice of them. But there was a group of city boys who took notice of them and started hurling abuses at Robin and his party.
It was the very first time when Robin had visited a fair. So, he was more keen to see what was going on than to pay attention to the abuses being hurled on him. For some time he avoided the insult. In the meantime the townsfolk too joined the group of city boys. Now they all started making fun of Robin and his party in one way or the other.
How could Robin withstand all these insults? He lost his temper and was mad in rage. He said to his friends, “We had better teach them a bitter lesson. Let us overturn their stalls. It will be great fun.”
Saying these words Robin along with his boys went ahead and turned their stalls over. Seeing it the townsfolk were beside themselves with anger. They started shouting for help. When none came to the their rescue, they attacked Robin and his boys with the sticks.
But Robin’s boys were more than a match for them. They fought against the townsfolk black and blue. The townsfolk started running hither and thither to save their lives.
All of a sudden the fighting came to a standstill. The Sheriff of Nottingham had arrived at the fair. He had come over there at the head of a strong force of guards.
Seeing the Sheriff and his guards one of the boys from the Robin’s camp shouted, “Robin, let us run away. The Sheriff has arrived. We shall be caught. But Robin paid no attention to it. He was busy fighting against a townsman.
As Robin thrashed that man to the ground the Sheriff roared at the top of his voice, “He seems to be the real culprit.”
Getting the orders from the Sheriff some burly guards marched towards Robin to catch hold of him. Robin fought against them too bravely. As they were many in number, they overpowered Robin and brought him before the Sheriff.”
“You have put an end to a man. You have committed a grave crime. You have taken the law in you hands. Your will be punished for your irresponsible attitude,” said the Sheriff in a high voice.
Then he ordered his guards to take him away and throw him into prison. As directed and instructed by the Sheriff Robin was put behind bars. He was kept in the town prison inside a dark dungeon.
In the dark dungeon Robin thought of Maid Marian, ‘I doubt if she escaped.’ Then he looked around. The dungeon was in the shape of a square. It was eight feet in measurement. Like all the prisons of that time it too was made of wood. It had a small opening near the roof to let the ray of light enter.
All of a sudden, Robin sighted many holes in the ceiling of the dungeon. From there he could see the roof thatched with straws. He said to himself, ‘There is a means of escape from here. But I have to wait till evening falls.’
When it became utterly dark, Robin somehow climbed to the ceiling of the dungeon and forced his way through the straw-thatched roof. Now he was on the roof. It was a child’s play for him to slide down to the ground.
The news of the escape of Robin from the dungeon reached the ears of the Sheriff. He flew into a rage. He called his guards there and then and ordered, “Catch hold of Robin, dead or alive. Otherwise you will be hanged to death.”
High alert was sounded throughout the town. The guards fanned in all directions to get hold of Robin.
After escaping from the dungeon Robin reached his maternal uncle’s house.
Bidding goodbye to Maid Marian, his maternal uncle and Will, he took his mother and rode a swift horse. The horse ran with the speed of wind. The Sheriff’s guards were seeking Robin like a lion on the prowl.
After reaching home Robin explained everything to his father who was very co-operative and supportive. But Robin knew that the Sheriff’s guards would reach there too, so he decided to leave home. He didn’t want his father to get into any sort of trouble.
He said to his parents, “I am going to live in the Sherwood Forest. From now onwards it will be my refuge. The Sheriff is bent upon capturing and killing me. If I live here I won’t be able to fight against him.”
There were tears in Robin’s eyes. Taking blessings of his parents Robin went into the deepest part of the Sherwood Forest. Now he had been declared as an outlaw by the Sheriff.
