The Real Robinhood
Did Robinhood really exist?
4.4 (11)
54 mins
Explore Robin Hood’s historical roots as Robert Hood of Wakefield and his forest skills. Discover how early ballads depict him punishing corrupt officials and aiding local communities. Learn about the evolution of his legend from ruthless outlaw to noble hero.
Ep 1:
Unmasking the Man Behind the Myth
We tear apart six centuries of legend to ask: was there ever a real Robin Hood, and why does medieval name-lore hold the key to finding him?
Ep 2:
Two Robins, One Legend
Meet two startlingly different historical Robins—a Yorkshire rebel who vanished into the forest, and a royal servant on the king's own payroll.
Ep 3:
Forests, Faith, and Fair Game
From Barnsdale's hidden paths to the wealthy abbeys of York, we explore why geography and greed made the perfect outlaw's playground.
Ep 4:
Small Band, Hard Truths
Forget the jolly troupe of Sherwood—real outlaw bands were small, seasonal, and built on survival skills, not sing-alongs.
Ep 5:
Ink, Blood, and Beheadings
A 1600s manuscript and brutally violent early ballads reveal a Robin Hood far more ruthless than the folklore we know today.
Ep 6:
From Outlaw to Icon
We trace Robin Hood's makeover from violent yeoman to noble hero, then deliver our final verdict on who—or what—he really was.
Discussions (12)
Henry
Level 8 · 9 mo agoIt’s twisted to claim a man who decapitated people is a symbol of hope. It’s just sanitizing brutality because people are desperate for a hero.
Austin
Level 10 · 9 mo agofinding out robin hood might have been on the king’s payroll is hilarious. dude was basically a fed the whole time while we thought he was a rebel lol
Graham
Level 2 · 10 mo agoWakefield lad? Always knew he was proper northern.
