The Same Ole ‘Hood’

“The solar deity who adores the moon?” Is this what Robin Hood was to Maid Marion? Better still are Robin and Marion based on the Indian mythological aspects Ramayana and Sita? These are but a few of the questions posed by Philip Gardiner’s documentary on Robin Hood. Just who was this man? And if he existed, how then did he come to be representative of taking from the rich and giving to the poor?

The beginning of this DVD breaks down the several possibilities as to who Robin Hood may be. It then goes into who Marion represents and the surrounding Celtic and pagan myths that they have been infused with. Initially audiences have been led to believe that it matters whether or not they are real figures in history and “not metaphors for something entirely different.”

In actuality, what this documentary suggests is that the Robin Hood myth has been utilized to propagate values and defy them simultaneously. When he is associated with pagan mythology such as Beltane or as an aspect of a sun god, then he is relegated to fictional status. However, he is real when his legend could be used as a political pawn.

What is interesting about this documentary is the connection it makes to Egyptian and Indian myths. It’s in a sense what Joseph Campbell would discuss with Bill Moyers in their talks about the purpose of myth in people’s everyday lives.

We also come to know that there are actual scholars on Robin Hood, and whether or not he is a real person or a social construct.

On the other hand, this is a documentary in the sense that it is a dry rendition of who Robin Hood may be. There is no swashbuckling here, or actual footage of past film and television series of this character and his merry men. Instead we are met with narration and actors milling around scenes. Bows and arrows are drawn, but never seem to be shot. The most eventful part is when maid Marion is abducted. It is also extremely brief.

With the exception of the different mythological connections there is nothing here that you have not thought of before. If you want to get a sense of what you want Robin Hood to be, then rent Errol Flynn’s version. There hasn’t been a better film made before or since that can stand up to it.