Tag: bagaudae

When Robin Hood was real

“Remove justice and what are states but gangs of bandits on a large scale? And what

are bandit gangs but kingdoms in miniature?”


 – Augustine

  Hollywood has treated us to yet another over-produced Robin Hood movie. At least this time it won’t have Kevin Costner miscast as the lead.

  While watching the trailer I couldn’t help but noting how Robin Hood’s character has been slowly transformed over the years.

  The early Robin Hood was a yeoman, a commoner, fighting against a corrupt establishment in 14th Century sonnets. It wasn’t until several centuries later that Robin Hood transformed into a wronged aristocrat, loyal to King Richard, and fighting to restore the status quo.

  The whole “class war” thing was just forgotten.