Evergreen global appeal of our beloved outlaw
LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD STILL DRAWS VISITORS TO CITY FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
THE story of Robin Hood, the outlaw who robbed from the rich to give to the poor, is one that is known all around the world.
And despite being more than 800 years old, Nottingham’s beloved folk hero never seems to go out of fashion.
The Robin Hood statue in Nottingham is a big draw for international visitors, their imaginations fired by the folklore surrounding the local legend.
Meanwhile more than 5,000 miles away in Arizona, a US filmmaker is working on a fresh take on the classic tale.
Among those posing alongside the iconic outlaw and his bow and arrow outside Nottingham Castle are Colombian-born Enrique Vraldes and his fiancee Patricia Quintero, who are visiting Nottingham from their home in Spain.
Family friend Steven Martinez, of Derby, translated as they said: “We learnt about him as kids in Colombia. He was the hero of the town and lived in the woods.”
Norwegian journalism students Emily Ceesay and Maja Løken are currently visiting the county to research their final year project.
The duo, from Oslo Metropolitan University, are investigating the economic impact of Robin Hood on cultural tourism.
Their visit has taken them to Sherwood Forest, Nottingham and Yorkshire. They have carried out research into the origin of the legendary hero and looked into the impact on tourism through interviews.
Maja, 24, said:
“We could pick climate, tourism, war or other topics related to globalisation. We have interviewed people and it seems a really common opinion that Robin Hood should be focused more on.”
Both have known about Robin Hood from a young age.
Emily said: “We watched the Disney version of Robin Hood with the fox. It’s really interesting to research it now as an adult looking deeper into it.”
Maja said that in Norway they have the trolls but few parts of the world can say they’ve got a global attraction as big as Robin Hood. Bob White, the Nottingham-based chairman of the World Wide Robin Hood Society, said: “Robin Hood is the world’s favourite outlaw, a global legend that has been interpreted and told in thousands of ways. In books, film and online. “He is a champion of justice whose story embraces adventure, romance and a memorable assortment of characters that have been easily adapted into different time frames from its medieval origins to science fiction. “There always seems to be a Robin Hood story circulating somewhere in the world.”
Cue James Maynard, from Tucson, Arizona. He is working on an animated short film, The Wizard and the Scholar (or, a Rapscallion runs Amok in Rye) which he says brings a fresh twist to the tale of Robin Hood with two women, each struggling, in her own way, to find home.
Elara, a wizard without magic, and Adelaide - a scholar in search of truth in all things - must join together with the most famous thief of all time, Robin Hood, to solve a terrifying murder and save the city of Rye against an existential threat.
James said: “At the heart of the Robin Hood story is a timeless struggle against economic inequality, social injustice, and political corruption - issues that remain as relevant now as they were in medieval times.
“Our modern retelling of Robin’s tale furthers his quest for justice to supporting rights for women and people of all races and nationalities. Through our film, we hope to spark conversations and inspire change, while also entertaining audiences with a very human tale of heroism and adventure.
“I hope this film will honour this legacy, born of Nottingham, while also appealing to a global audience, demonstrating the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of this beloved hero.
“The legend of Robin Hood has captivated audiences for centuries with tales of bravery, generosity, and championing the rights of the common people, set in a time of feudal lords and serfs.
“These ancient legends justly continue to resonate with people in our current age of unprecedented financial inequalities and rising unmasked prejudice. The people need a hero.”
Jack Woolley, a spokesman for Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “Robin Hood continues to play a central role in promoting Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s tourism offer.
“Whenever we’re speaking to the international media, travel providers and visitors, Robin Hood is always the first thing people want to know about.
“Whilst our local visitor economy is about so much more than Robin Hood, he provides a great hook for international visitors, writers and travel providers alike. We’re incredibly lucky to have such an instantly recognisable global brand.”
There always seems to be a Robin Hood story circulating somewhere in the world
Bob White