The_Legend_of_Robin_Hood

Robin hood, the Ultimate hero of English Folklore is world renowned for his charismatic behavior, daring feats, skill with weaponry and most significantly for his dedication to serve the oppressed people of medieval England. The story of the English hero has been manifested a countless number of times into popular culture. These interpretations are usually about an individual who has a habit of committing crimes that benefit or conform to societies resentment towards a corrupt authority. The legend of Robin Hood has been assimilated into popular culture through the recent comical production, “ Robin Hood: Men in tights” directed by Mel Brooks. This contemporary film has brought the medieval legend to a new audience by including humorous features that modern audiences would be able to relate to. Even though these features are added in the film make it more accessible to a modern audience, it still manages to successfully capture the fundamental nature of the original legend by still including the significant themes, which have kept the legend alive for so many years. This theme about a glorified outlaw is present within the recently released movie, “Public Enemies,” directed by Michael Mann. This masterpiece contains all the correct ingredients to transform the film into a successful Hollywood Blockbuster including widely recognized and accredited actors, a steamy romance, dramatic action sequences and a bank robbery or two. However behind the blazing guns of 1930s organized crime is a hero who is supported openly in public for crimes against an already despised authority. The crimes of these heroes are seen as miniscule in comparison to the corrupt conduct of those in positions of Authority, even though they may include murder and robbery. The individual and their small band of loyal followers are isolated and labeled as criminals. The general public supports the actions of the outlaws as they achieve a positive outcome in their life. This is all notably summarized in Robin Hoods most famous quote, “ Steal from the rich, and give to the poor.” Even though theft is a crime, the protagonist is working for the greater good of the general public Public Enemies, is a more loosely based manifestation of the original legend. The movie centers on the infamous outlaw of the 1930s great depression era, John Dillinger. The legend of Robin Hood has successfully passed the test of time. The inspirational story still exists today in popular culture. Through comedic movies depicting actual events or more loosely based movies that have subtle references to the original, many of the cultural values that originated from medieval times have endured. If anything, these interpretations have made the legend more accessible and appealing to a modern audience. This in turn will help the timeless legend to prosper in the future.