The Rymes of Robyn Hood: An Introduction to the English Outlaw

by R.B. Dobson (Editor), John Taylor

Leading scholars use 13 of the earliest known ballads about Robin Hood to explore the development of the myth from hjs medieval portrayal as a common criminal to his Victorian idealization as a rustic hero.

Genres: Poetry, Medieval, Mythology, Fiction

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Richard Barrie Dobson, medieval historian, specialised in church and clergy of later medieval England. He taught at St.Andrews, York and Cambridge universities.

Reviews

[Sean Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gest of Robin Hood (12.3.2025)

[Joseph F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robin Hood is known to many from the work of Howard Pyle. I never read it, but when I decided to learn about the legend I wanted to read the early literature about this outlaw. This book has everything one would need for that purpose. After a lengthy introduction the book presents the oldest rymes or ballads, as they are sometimes called. The oldest and best known is A Gest of Robin Hood, Robin Hood and the Monk, and Robin Hood and the Potter. The book then gives us samples of plays featuring Robin Hood. The final section features some stories of other outlaws.
The reason I gave this fine book only 3 stars is a matter of taste. I felt the stories were entertaining, but they did not move me as much as I thought they would. I suppose after years of reading romance literature such as the legends of King Arthur or Charlemagne, these tales did not have the same level of grandness. They are fun, simple, and humorous. Perhaps to someone that grew up reading about Robin Hood as a child could probably appreciate these stories more. I never acquainted myself much with him until now.
Also, the English is late medieval/early modern. So there are many words that are no longer used. Sure, the authors were kind enough to translate these words at the bottom of the page, but I had to look down so often that my concentration was broken. Oftentimes I had to reread the ballads to get the point.
I did not care for the section on the plays. They were mainly only portions of surviving works and would only appeal to those who would want a more rounded picture of this type of literature.
I can now see why Robin hood is so beloved to many. Even though he was a thief, he stole from those who were greedy and who lied about how much money he carried on his person. He never stole from the poor and he always helped a friend. He worked at outsmarting the sheriff of Nottingham, and when he lost a fight or contest, which he did more that you think, he would take it well and invite the person to join his merry band.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful book to accompany, say, a research project on Robin Hood. It runs on the assumption that the reader is already familiar with the Robin Hood ballads as presented in collections such as Ritson's or Child's. In the introduction it traces the history and development of the Robin Hood legend from its genesis to the mid 1970's and then lists with some commentary the major Robin Hood ballads and dramas. The only thing I would have added would be some of the 'stranger' ballads such as 'Robin Hood and the Prince Aragon'; commentary about those would have interesting (and entertaining) to read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great compilation of the Rymes of Robin Hood, especially the old medieval ones which may take awhile to get used to but well worth it