How Did Robin Hood Die?

It is impossible to say with any certainty how Robin Hood died, since Robin Hood is fictional and folk tales have a way of changing with many retellings through the years.

There are claims that Robin Hood died in West Yorkshire. Of course, there is no way to authenticate this. It is possible that the legend of Robin Hood was based on a real person, but, again, that cannot be proven.

Some accounts of Robin Hood’s death say he was killed by a close friend or in a battle. One story, that shows up more than once, tells of Robin becoming ill and being done in by an evil nun. She pretends to be taking care of him, but instead, she lets the wounds bleed. Little John rescues him from her, but he is too late, and Robin Hood continues to weaken and dies. 

Robin Hood's Story

Robin Hood has been known by other names which include: Robert Earl of Huntington, Roberd Hude, Robin Wood, Robert Hood, and others.

The name “Robin Hood” could be a shortened version of “Robbing Hood” since he “robbed” the rich. The “Hood” probably came from the wearing of one, as is told in some of the tales.

Robin Hood’s claim to fame is the fact that he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

He was an outlaw, a very skilled archer, was superb with a sword, and lived in England. He hung out with a group of “Merry Men” who were also outlaws. In some accounts, he wore red clothes, which may have been the reason for his name, Robin. He is usually depicted, however, with green outfits.

His story began around the 13th or 14th century and continues even today. In the early years of his story, it was said that he was a commoner, but later, he was depicted as being wealthy until his lands were taken from him by the sheriff and he turned into an outlaw. Perhaps this change came about to make better drama and to make people feel he was justified in his actions.

Many early ballads put Robin and his Merry Men living in Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire. Other ballads suggest he was out of the Barnsdale area, which is close to Nottinghamshire. Other accounts say he was born in Loxley, Sheffield, which is in South Yorkshire, which may be accurate, as “Robin Hood’s Well” has been there since 1422.   

Fact or Fiction?

Is Robin Hood a character in a folk tale or did he really exist?

If he was a real person, or imaginary, there is still no proof as to his life or death.  The only place to get the real story is in ballads, and there is no way to tell if they are real, are based on a real person, or are totally made up.

Ballads from the 15th century include Will Scarlet, Little John, and Much the Miller's Son in his band of outlaws. Toward the end of the century, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian made their appearances.

The earliest ballads mention King Edward, and refer to Robin as neither a knight nor a peasant. That makes him a commoner, or yeoman.

It will never be known if Robin Hood existed or not. Those who believe he did exist, claim that it cannot be proven. One reason for this is he may have used a nickname or alias because he was an outlaw. Also, there are actual records of the name “Robinhood” and “Rabunhod” from the 13th century. But he does live on in countless stories, films, and books, and is an endearing legend of right conquering wrong, that will never die.