Robin Hood

Robin Hood’s historicity is a complex mess of conflicting scholarly material—as it turns out, both Robert and Hood were very common medieval names. But whether the name “Robin Hood” belonged to a real person or was simply a stock alias used by thieves, the legend of Robin Hood paints a rather clear picture: a benevolent archer-turned-robber, aided by merry men, who takes from the rich and gives to the poor. The basic elements stay the same, but the name jumps from culture to culture, costume to costume, outlaw to outlaw. Sometimes he’s a cowboy in the American west, others he’s a wild-man from deep within the forest, but always he’s aiding the downtrodden. Join us as we listen to a variety of Robin Hood tales from across the world! On today’s episode, enjoy the following: Radio Family Journal: Moving Elephants Daily Mix: Gene Nelson discusses “New Kid” Story Spotlight: “Iron John and the Little Drummer Boy” by Willy Claflin (as Maynard Moose) (10:05) Storytime: “Old Cap Moore” by John McCutcheon (1:53) “Sam Bass, the Texas Robin Hood” by Donna Ingham (4:48) “The Death of Robin Hood” by Dan Keding (4:11) “Robin Hood” by Castle Valley Acting Company (8:38) “Pretty Boy Floyd” by John McCutcheon (2:52)