Outlaw

Today was about taking from the rich, and giving to those in need. And no, I'm not talking about Labour's manifesto launch this week.

Running into Sherwood Forest away from Guy of Gisbourne

I'm talking about the Legend of Robin Hood.

We began by learning a little about the difference between myths and legends; primarily that myths have magic and monsters in them, and that legends are, at least partly, based upon reality. Having really enjoyed learning about Guy Fawkes at school, and also about Charles II's escape from the Roundheads, we also looked a bit at the historical figures who feature at the time of Robin Hood like Richard the Lionheart and his evil brother John.

On our way to Sherwood Forest, we listened to Outlaw, Michael Morpurgo's gripping re-telling of the legend of Robin Hood. Approaching Edwinstowe we reached a compelling bit in the tale where a pursued Robin Hood and his blind father, who he has rescued from the Sheriff of Nottingham, are fleeing over open fields and into the forest on horseback. I actually had to slow the car down and reassure myself and Ferdy and Gil that the Sheriff's men weren't really after us.

tl clockwise: Shooting arrows like Robin Hood; Major Oak; selecting arrows; balancing;
reading about Major Oak; hiding for an ambush

The woodland is much smaller than it would have been in the 12th century, but it still has many of the ancient oak trees, most famously the legendary 1,000 year old Major Oak. We learnt that these gorgeously gnarled hollow oak trees were often used as hiding places for Robin Hood and his mens' rations and sometimes themselves.

Of course we then had to play at being outlaws, ambushing the rich and giving money and food to the poor. We also had to select our arrows, practice hiding, collect firewood, forage for food and get married (Gil was Robin, Ferdy was Maid Marian).

Ready for an ambush

I did have to end the game which involved both boys jumping in front of unsuspecting dog walkers and (after a lengthy debate with each other about whether they were rich or poor - you can tell by their clothes apparently), demanding half their money.

Back at home I had written Ferdy some comprehension questions about the Legend of Robin Hood. What could be more succinct than his answer to the question about messages or morals we can take from the legend:

Sage words indeed. I know who I'm going to be voting for on December 12th.