The Bottom Line
In this mythic biography, Stephen Knight traces the origins of the legend, providing invaluable insights into why Robin Hood is still such an essential legend in our culture and literature.
Pros
- Discusses the complete history of Robin Hood.
- Explains the mythic beginnings & evolution.
- Explores the possible reality, with the fallacies.
Cons
- N/A
Description
- by Stephen Knight.
- Publisher: Cornell University Press.
- ISBN: 0801438853
Guide Review - Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography
"To study Robin Hood," as Knight explains, "is to study over five hundred years of the development of modern concepts of heroism, art, politics, and the self. It is an exciting and enthralling domain of study, that can in itself become a guide to the changing patterns and dynamics of society and culture over an enormous period."
Robin Hood is a constant presence in our history and literature, even as we change his name and appearance. Archetypal in form, he can represent Nature, a Folk-Hero, and a Trickster (although these elements of his character often intertwine and coalesce into what could be named the Robin Hood archetypal figure).
What Robin Hood offers is a whisper in the ear, a mythic reminder.
