Words of Wisdom from SharLeigh
ROBIN HOOD - MAN OR MYTH?
During the 12th century, England was ruled by King Richard the Lionheart – a warrior king – and in the same era was a loyal subject known as Robin Hood. Both of these names have passed down through English history and folklore. King Richard was a real man, but Robin Hood is shrouded in mystery and myth. Many say Robin was a myth about a man of high birth forced into the life of an outlaw to survive – stealing from the rich and giving to the poor! Others believe he was a person. It is reported that Robin’s birth place was in Loxley, Sheffield in South Yorkshire and his grave is at Kirklees Priory, Mirfield in West Yorkshire. Robin’s fame was as an archer. During those times, the English long bow was the deadliest and most feared weapon of the English military. This bow was so powerful that it took an effective archer many years of training to reach the strength to draw the bow with accuracy. The estimated range of the arrow was 180 to 270 yards. The archer was expected to accurately shoot ten arrows per minute. A good bowman was a hero to all, so the legend of Robin Hood was a compliment to all archers. What is it that makes this man so special? Is it the romance of the archer/outlaw who falls under the charm of Maid Marion, or a man fallen from grace with a powerful need to help the underprivileged? Either way, Robin Hood has been a literary figure throughout history and, in modern times, portrayed in many television shows and movies. Robin has been played by actors such as Douglas Fairbanks (1922), Errol Flynn (1938) and Kevin Costner (1991). Well, once more, Hollywood has recreated the legend! Yes, Robin Hood (played by Russell Crowe) is coming to the big screen on May 14, 2010. With plenty of adventure and a dash of romance, this timeless story comes to life again. So, take your friends and family, and escape for a few hours to Sherwood Forest, and enjoy this rousing good tale!