The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

The author emphasizes that this book will be innocent, carefree, and entertaining, with an idyllic and fantasy-like setting and serious historical personages portrayed in a lighthearted guise. 

The story opens in England during the reign of King Henry II (reigned 1154-1189). Robin Hood is a “famous outlaw” and skilled archer who lives in Sherwood Forest near the town of Nottingham with his “merry men”—a band of 140 yeomen who live a carefree life apart from society playing games of archery, engaging in cudgel play, and hunting and eating the deer (venison) that roam on the King’s property. Although a criminal in the eyes of the law, Robin Hood is beloved by the country folk because he helps them and gives them money in times of need.

The Prologue recounts how Robin Hood came to be an outlaw. At the age of 18, he decides to take part in an archery match organized by the Sheriff of Nottingham. While walking to the match, he meets a group of foresters who mock his youth and ambitions. The argument escalates, and Robin Hood bets one of the men that he can shoot a distant deer with his