Into the Greenwood: A Podcast About Robin Hood

02/09/2024

The new episode is out, but for the next week will only be available to backers at patreon dot com /intogreenwood!

31/08/2024

Let's play another round of "Name the Obscure Robin Hood Film"!!! 🏹📽️🍿

28/08/2024

On the Robin Hood Discord server we've been playing a game where we draft members of the Merry Men from a wide range of film & television Robin Hood adaptations to form unique versions of the infamous outlaws. So far we have drafted versions of Friar Tuck, Little John, Alan-a-Dale. & Much the Miller's Son.

The adaptations we've used have ranged from the 1922 silent film starring Douglas Fairbanks to 2023's "Robyn Hood" television series and includes both beloved favorites and some obscure gems from the past 101 years of Robin Hood adaptations.

Next week we'll round out our merry bands with versions of Will Scarlet, Maid Marian, Robin Hood, and a bonus surprise round!

(All of the background photos are ones I've taken in Sherwood Forest.)

22/08/2024

What the heck is that rope attached to?

Are those arrows going to catch fire?

How does Don Burnett rank against other Robin Hoods?

What movie even is this?

Will we answer any of these burning questions in the next SplittingArrows episode of 'Into the Greenwood'?

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don't miss it!

22/08/2024

This brings me so much joy! 💚

Cool pic with a little outlaw from Widnes from last Saturday's Town Tour. His family I chewed the fat at Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem after and made sure they knew about the other attractions like in , where his dreams could come true.

Next public tour 31 Aug 🏹Private tours available 🎯

! 🍻

20/08/2024

One of my favorite aspects of the Robin Hood legends and adaptations is how he brings with him a whole cast of colorful and interesting personalities who all form a fellowship in the greenwood together.

Some, like Little John, Much the Miller's Son, and Will Scathlok/Scarlet are present in the earliest known Robin Hood ballads.

Who is your favorite member of the Merry Men?

19/08/2024

In Episode 43 of the Into the Greenwood podcast I mention this young oak tree in Sherwood Forest. At first glance it appears to have been struck by lightning, but a closer look reveals that the scoring marks are from a chainsaw. This is part of the "veteranisation" process to promote ecological diversity.

Subscribe and listen to learn more!

17/08/2024

At the end of every episode of the podcast we rank the Robin Hood against those who have gone before!

How would you rank these Robins?

And who is the actor that shows up twice in this collage and why?

16/08/2024

I hope everyone heading to Sherwood Forest for week three of the Robin Hood Festival enjoys the "Inspiring Wildlife" weekend with a dozen different universities and conservation groups on site!

You can learn more about the festival from my interview with Rob James of the RSPB on the latest episode of the podcast!

16/08/2024

With thanks to

16/08/2024

Sadly the past several centuries brought massive devastation to the woodlands of Britain as trees were felled by the thousands to meet the demands for the likes of ship timbers.

Because oak trees will eventually begin rotting from the inside, the truly old ones (600+ years or so) are basically useless for construction and were more likely to be spared from England's appetite for lumber to fuel its industry and naval might.

Although a tiny fraction of it's former size, the Sherwood Forest of today still plays home to many of these ancient oak trees, some, like the Major Oak, believed to be at least 1,000 years old.

The combination of internal rot and long centuries of growth and weathering give each of these giants of the forest rather distinctive looks and features that has led to them receiving individual names that they're known by. Trees pictured here include "Medusa", "Stumpy", and "Rotten Roger".

I like to think of outlaws or forester in the middle ages using these distinctive oaks as their "trysting" trees or meeting places.

You can hear more about the fantastic oak trees and the wildlife of Sherwood Forest in episodes 43 and 15 of the Into the Greenwood podcast!

15/08/2024

Earlier this month I had the good fortune to be able to visit the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. I had an absolutely fantastic time seeing the shows, learning from the reenactors of Ferrers Household, and spending time on the forest trails.

I had the further good fortune of being able to interview Rob James who works to help organize and promote the festival as the Communications Officer for Visit Sherwood Forest and the RSPB
Episode 43 of the podcast is our discussion of the festival, including its themed weekends and practical advice for anyone thinking to attend. We also get into the importance of this long-running event for the local communities of Nottinghamshire as well as the unique opportunities that come with holding the festival within what remains of the ancient oak woodlands known as Sherwood Forest.

14/08/2024

What do archers, historians, film makers, playwrights, actors, novelists, conservationists, game designers, and archaeologists all have in common?

They’re amongst the diverse range of fascinating guests that have been interviewed on the Into the Greenwood podcast! 🌳🎙️🌳

13/08/2024

The second Into the Greenwood episode for August will be released a week early as it relates to the currently running Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest.

The Robin Hood Festival is back! Join us in Sherwood Forest this summer for four weekends of entertainment from 3rd to 26th August, celebrating the legend that makes Sherwood famous across the globe. UPDATE: Free festival bus travel from Nottingham. Find out more. What is the Robin Hood Festival? Th...

12/08/2024

In every Splitting Arrows episode of the podcast, we rate the latest Robin Hood compared to the ones that have come before.

The rankings are influenced by the actor's performance, but also how that particular version of Robin is written and how well he embodies what we want to see in our presentations of the legendary hero.

So just how does Sean Connery, our first real box office star in quite some time hold up compared his outlaw forebears?

You can find out in our most recent episode. I promise that some people will not thrilled with our final decision, though...

12/08/2024

Because Robin Hood was a part of plays and games during May Day celebrations, which also sometimes utilize the Jack-in-the-Green, and he lived in the forest, Robin Hood has become associated with spirits of nature and rebirth.
While this is not textually supported, some link Robin with the figure of the Green Man and the Green Knight.

10/08/2024

The costume designer for 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' MUST have been doing a deliberate callback to 'Robin and Marian', right? Right??

10/08/2024

Released in 1976, 'Robin and Marian' is first Robin Hood film since 1938 to truly boast of a star-studded cast. The talent of actors like Audrey Hepburn (making her return to film after eight years away) and Robert Shaw (fresh from his success as Quint in Jaws) really shine through the film.

The script by James Goldman also provides a fascinating look at how we, as a society, interpret our legendary figures, but also how we, as individuals, buy into the stories that we tell ourselves.

Amongst the many Robin Hood films that exist, it is a truly singular movie with a lot to communicate to its audience.
However, there are some serious ways in which the film can be considered to be something of a flawed communicator in its messaging.

For episode 42 of the podcast, Rick and I were joined by Robin Hood scholar Will Hoff (follow his on Instagram) and Maid Marian expert Emily Rich, to discuss this rich and complicated film.

08/08/2024

I stumbled upon a teaser trailer today for 'The King & Thief' from Anikey Studios

It looks to be a loose adaptation of the poem 'Karel ende Elegast' about King Charlemagne and Elegast the nobleman/thief/elf.

Elegast has some interesting Robin Hood parallels.
Most obviously: "He lived in the forest, thief to the rich people and kind to poor people." (from the wikipedia article on the poem)

But I'm also intrigued by the similarities in regards to his relationship with Charlemagne. Even though he's a "thief to the rich people", he's still a loyal vassal to the king & doesn't rob him. He is rewarded for his loyalty and brought back to court by the king.
This bears a striking resemblance to what happens with Robin & King Edward in 'A Gest of Robyn Hode'. However, there is the notable difference that Elegast is an exiled nobleman & has a pre-existing relationship with the king. In the first ballads Robin is explicitly a yeoman.
However, during the Tudor period, Robin started becoming depicted as a nobleman forced into outlawry. A notion which Hollywood has done much to reinforce. Sometimes he is also given a pre-existing relationships with King Richard I. (It was a major component of the Douglas Fairbanks Robin Hood film.)

There's also the mystic woodland spirit element to Elegast, which doesn't exist in an overt form with Robin in the middle ages. (I argue that he still serves a similar story function, even if there isn't anything otherworldly) But later writers give Robin those sorts of mystic qualities or link him to magical figures, like Robin Goodfellow or Herne the Hunter.

All of which to say, the teaser for 'The King & the Thief' caught my eye and, being who I am, I couldn't help but make the comparisons between Elegast and Robin Hood. I look forward to learning more about the poem and watching the film when it is released.

08/08/2024

Thanks to a generous gift, I was able to visit the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest last weekend. There were wonderful entertainments & learning opportunities, but the absolute best moment was watching a young child wearing a Robin Hood hat running through Sherwood shouting "I am Robin Hood!"

08/08/2024

One more tease for the next Splitting Arrows episode of the podcast...

For the film there was a conflict that directly relates to the latest episode of 99% Invisible
It was resolved in a similar, but not quite identical, method as Laverne & Shirley. (And both came out the same year.)

There’s a rumor about the 1987 film Outrageous Fortune, a rumor that has dogged producer Jacob Reed since his days in film school. The comedy, starring Bette Midler and Shelley Long, is mostly forgotten. But a feud between the two stars was legendary, a fact referenced on TV by Middler a year late...

06/08/2024

Painting of the day: "The Passing of Robin Hood" (1917) by N. C. Wyeth.
Whats your favorite N.C. Wyeth Painting?

Full Story Behind The Painting:

Painted in 1917, "The Passing of Robin Hood" by N.C. Wyeth is a captivating portrayal of the final moments of the legendary English folk hero, Robin Hood. This artwork is part of Wyeth's illustrations for the classic tale of Robin Hood, capturing the essence of bravery, loyalty, and the end of an era.

The Story Behind "The Passing of Robin Hood":
"The Passing of Robin Hood" is inspired by the climactic end of the Robin Hood legend, where the hero, gravely wounded and realizing his end is near, shoots one last arrow and asks to be buried where it lands. Leaning heavily on Little John, Robin Hood's final act symbolizes his enduring spirit and the bond with his loyal companions. Wyeth's painting vividly brings this poignant moment to life, highlighting the dramatic and emotional farewell of the beloved outlaw​​.

Hidden Details:
Wyeth's masterful use of color and composition is evident in this painting. The somber tones and the intricate details of the characters' expressions and attire add depth to the scene. The background, filled with the dense greenery of Sherwood Forest, contrasts with the pale, weakened figure of Robin Hood, emphasizing his fading life force. Little John's supportive presence, with his sorrowful yet resolute demeanor, underscores the themes of friendship and loyalty that are central to the Robin Hood saga​​.

Why It Matters:
This painting is significant not only for its artistic quality but also for its cultural and historical impact. N.C. Wyeth, a prominent American illustrator, brought a unique romanticism to his works, making the legendary tales accessible and visually compelling to a wide audience. "The Passing of Robin Hood" serves as a timeless tribute to the enduring legend of Robin Hood, celebrating themes of justice, camaraderie, and heroism that continue to resonate today​.

Where to See It:
"The Passing of Robin Hood" is part of the extensive collection of N.C. Wyeth's works that have been exhibited in various galleries and museums. The painting is currently housed at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, which holds a significant collection of Wyeth's art, offering a comprehensive look at his contributions to American illustration and storytelling.

05/08/2024

This is my extremely subtle, but I assure you, quite clever, reference to the next Robin Hood movie to be covered on the podcast.

04/08/2024

Today I found this glade in Sherwood Forest with a magnificent ancient oak tree still flourishing despite being completely hollow in the center.

Anyway, I've moved into this tree now and will be living out my boyhood Robin Hood/My Side of the Mountain aspirations.

04/08/2024

Currently on editing the next episode while on the Sherwood Arrow bus line from Nottingham.

03/08/2024

On my way to the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest!

02/08/2024

The 7ft tall bronze effigy of Nottinghamshire's legendary outlaw was unveiled on 24 July 1952.