Robin Hood and the Monk (Summary)

 

Robin Hood is a legendary character in Medieval England's folklore. "Robin Hood and The Monk" is found in the collection "A Lytell Geste of Robin Hode," published in 1489. It is as one of the earliest surviving ballads detailing the exploits of this legendary outlaw.

The ballad begins with Robin expressing his devoutness to the Virgin Mary, desiring to attend a mass in Nottingham. One of his trusted men, advises him to bring twelve companions for safety, but Robin, displaying his characteristic confidence, opts for only one companion, Little John. As they journey, a friendly bet arises between Robin and Little John. Despite Robin's defeat, he stubbornly rejects the agreed-upon payout, provoking Little John's anger, leading him to part ways with Robin. Upon reaching St. Mary's in Nottingham, Robin, unaware of the monk's presence whom he had previously robbed, engages in fervent prayer. The past deeds of robbing have left a mark on the monk's memory. This sets the stage for a tale that intertwines Robin Hood's piety, camaraderie, and the repercussions of his earlier exploits.

Swiftly, the monk reports Robin's presence to the sheriff, setting in motion a series of events that would test the loyalty and cunning of Robin and his band of outlaws. In a bid to rescue Robin, Little John, the sole keeper of Robin's whereabouts, organizes a daring mission with Much and the rest of the men. They successfully capture the monk and his young companion. Little John dispatches the monk, and Much eliminates the page, leaving no witnesses to their covert operation. Disguised as the monk's companion, Little John and Much approach the King, presenting the monk's letters detailing his untimely demise. The King, in gratitude for their supposed loyalty, reciprocates with gifts and instructions to bring Robin Hood before him.

Executing their plan, Little John delivers the King's letter to the sheriff, spinning a tale of the monk's promotion to abbot as the reason for his absence. Infiltrating the prison, they eliminate the jailer and liberate Robin. The successful rescue prompts Robin to acknowledge Little John's unwavering loyalty, leading him to offer leadership of the group to Little John. However, Little John declines, expressing his desire for Robin to remain as the leader. Meanwhile, the King, though angered by the incompetence of his men, admires Little John's loyalty. Realizing they had all been deceived, he chooses to overlook the situation, allowing Robin and his band to continue their exploits. In the end, Robin acknowledges his debt to Little John, recognizing the profound loyalty that transcended their earlier dispute over the wager.