Robin of Sherwood is a British television series that aired from 1984 to 1986. Created by Richard Carpenter, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential and atmospheric adaptations of the Robin Hood legend. The show blended historical drama with fantasy, mysticism, and pagan mythology, making it unique among Robin Hood adaptations.
Plot Summary
The series follows Robin of Loxley, a Saxon peasant chosen by the mystical god Herne the Hunter to become the protector of the oppressed and the champion of the people against the tyranny of the Norman overlords. Alongside his band of outlaws, including Little John, Will Scarlet, and Much, Robin fights against the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham and his enforcer, Sir Guy of Gisburne.
After the second season, the series took a bold turn when Robin of Loxley (played by Michael Praed) dies, and his mantle is taken up by Robert of Huntingdon (played by Jason Connery), a nobleman who continues Robin’s fight.
Main Cast
Robin of Loxley Arc (Seasons 1–2)
- Michael Praed – Robin of Loxley (Robin Hood)
- Judi Trott – Lady Marion
- Nickolas Grace – Sheriff of Nottingham
- Robert Addie – Sir Guy of Gisburne
- Clive Mantle – Little John
- Ray Winstone – Will Scarlet
- Peter Llewellyn Williams – Much, the Miller’s Son
- Phil Rose – Friar Tuck
- John Abineri – Herne the Hunter
Robert of Huntingdon Arc (Season 3)
- Jason Connery – Robert of Huntingdon (Robin Hood)
- Returning cast members included Judi Trott, Nickolas Grace, Ray Winstone, Clive Mantle, and others.
Episode Guide
Season 1 (1984)
- Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (Parts 1 & 2) – Robin becomes the Hooded Man under Herne’s guidance.
- The Witch of Elsdon – The outlaws encounter a woman accused of witchcraft.
- Seven Poor Knights from Acre – Crusaders seek vengeance against the outlaws.
- Alan a Dale – Robin helps a minstrel and his lover escape forced marriage.
- The King’s Fool – King Richard returns, testing Robin’s loyalty.
Season 2 (1985)
- The Prophecy – A dangerous new enemy, Gulnar, appears.
- The Children of Israel – The Sheriff targets Jewish moneylenders.
- Lord of the Trees – A rival band challenges Robin’s leadership.
- The Enchantment – Marion falls under a sorcerer’s spell.
- The Swords of Wayland (Parts 1 & 2) – Robin fights the demonic Knights Templar.
- The Greatest Enemy – Robin of Loxley is killed by the Sheriff’s forces.
Season 3 (1986)
- Herne’s Son (Parts 1 & 2) – Robert of Huntingdon becomes the new Robin Hood.
- The Power of Albion – Robert must prove himself worthy of Robin’s sword.
- The Inheritance – Marion is kidnapped by a vengeful nobleman.
- The Sheriff of Nottingham – The Sheriff is temporarily replaced.
- The Cross of St. Ciricus – The outlaws battle a fanatical monk.
- Rutterkin – A pagan healer is accused of witchcraft.
- The Time of the Wolf (Parts 1 & 2) – Gulnar’s dark magic threatens all of England.
Main Themes
- Mysticism & Paganism – The show introduced Herne the Hunter, a spiritual force guiding Robin Hood, which added a mystical element never before seen in Robin Hood adaptations.
- Class Struggle & Social Justice – The Saxons are oppressed by the Norman elite, and Robin and his outlaws represent rebellion against tyranny.
- Heroism & Sacrifice – Robin of Loxley’s death was a groundbreaking moment, emphasizing that legends can be passed on.
- Brotherhood & Loyalty – The bonds between the Merry Men are a crucial aspect of the show.
- Love & Loss – Robin and Marion’s love story, as well as Marion’s grief after Robin of Loxley’s death, are key emotional elements.
Legacy
- Influence on Later Adaptations – The series heavily inspired later Robin Hood films and TV shows, including BBC’s Robin Hood (2006–2009).
- The Soundtrack by Clannad – The haunting Celtic-inspired music, especially the theme song “Robin (The Hooded Man)”, remains iconic.
- Fantasy Elements in Robin Hood Lore – Introduced elements such as Herne the Hunter, magic, and prophecy, which influenced modern interpretations of the legend.
- Cult Following – Despite ending abruptly after three seasons, it remains one of the most beloved adaptations.
- Historical Accuracy & Authenticity – It featured realistic medieval settings, costumes, and weapons.
Memorable quotes from Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986)
Robin of Loxley (Michael Praed)
- “Nothing’s forgotten. Nothing is ever forgotten.” (A recurring phrase throughout the series, symbolizing Robin’s legacy.)
- “Rise up and be free.” (Encouraging the oppressed Saxons to fight back.)
- “We are free men. Free to live, free to die.” (A defiant statement about the outlaws’ way of life.)
- “The poor, the dispossessed, the helpless, they have Herne’s protection. They have mine.”
Robert of Huntingdon (Jason Connery)
- “I’m not him! I’m not Loxley!” (Struggling to step into the role of Robin Hood.)
- “You can’t kill a legend, my lord.” (Reminding the Sheriff that Robin Hood will always live on.)
- “Herne called me, as he called Loxley before me. He asks, and we follow.”
Herne the Hunter (John Abineri)
- “The Hooded Man shall return.” (Prophecy that Robin Hood’s spirit will always live on.)
- “You are the Hooded Man. You are my son.” (Confirming Robin’s mystical destiny.)
- “The powers of light and darkness are engaged in a great struggle. You are chosen to fight for the light.”
Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace)
- “I want him alive! No, dead! No, alive!” (Flustered as Robin continually outwits him.)
- “Kill them! Kill them all!” (His ruthless nature on full display.)
- “I shall have his head on a spike before the week is out!” (One of many threats against Robin.)
- “I don’t care how you do it, Gisburne, just bring me Robin Hood!”
Sir Guy of Gisburne (Robert Addie)
- “He is just a man, not some supernatural being!” (Refusing to believe Robin has mystical protection.)
- “I’ll have him, my lord. I swear it!” (Determined to capture Robin, but always failing.)
- “The outlaws are in Sherwood, my lord.” (His predictable reporting to the Sheriff.)
Will Scarlet (Ray Winstone)
- “I say we kill them now!” (Will’s hot-tempered nature shining through.)
- “I’ve no time for prophecy or fate. I make my own destiny.” (A contrast to Robin’s belief in Herne’s guidance.)
- “If we’re to die, let’s die like men.” (His defiance in the face of danger.)
Friar Tuck (Phil Rose)
- “God helps those who help themselves.” (Tuck’s practical take on faith and survival.)
- “A little less talking and a little more praying, my son.” (Trying to keep the outlaws in line.)
Lady Marion (Judi Trott)
- “I loved Robin of Loxley, but I will stand with Robin Hood.” (Honoring both Robins.)
- “The people need hope. You are that hope.” (Encouraging Robin of Huntingdon to take up the mantle.)
Robin of Sherwood: Swords, Sorcery, and the Art of Combat
Swords & Fight Choreography: A Dance of Steel and Symbolism
Robin of Sherwood distinguished itself not only through its mystical storytelling but also through its meticulous attention to historical weaponry and dynamic fight sequences. The series blended authentic medieval combat with a touch of theatrical flair, creating battles that felt both visceral and mythic.
Weaponry: Blades of Legend and Lore
The show’s armoury reflected its commitment to historical authenticity, with weapons rooted in 12th- and 13th-century England:
- Robin’s Sword: A cruciform arming sword, typical of the period, symbolising his role as a Saxon champion. Its simple, functional design contrasted with the ornate weapons of Norman elites.
- The Swords of Wayland: Central to Season 2’s two-part episode, these mythical blades were forged by the Saxon smith-god Wayland. Though not overtly magical on screen, their gleaming, otherworldly appearance (achieved through lighting and prop detailing) hinted at divine power.
- Norman Arms: The Sheriff’s soldiers wielded broadswords and falchions, reflecting their status as oppressors. Sir Guy of Gisburne often brandished a sleek, polished blade, underscoring his vanity and ruthlessness.
- Merry Men’s Arsenal: Little John’s quarterstaff, Will Scarlet’s dagger, and Much’s sling added diversity to skirmishes, showcasing guerrilla tactics against Norman forces.
Fight Choreography: Realism Meets Ritual
Choreographed by Anthony De Longis (a renowned Hollywood swordsman), the combat scenes balanced historical fencing techniques with dramatic storytelling:
- Character-Driven Styles: Robin of Loxley (Michael Praed) fought with agile, fluid movements, embodying Herne’s “spirit of the forest.” In contrast, Robert of Huntingdon (Jason Connery) adopted a more refined, nobleman’s stance, reflecting his aristocratic upbringing.
- Group Battles: Scenes like the ambush in The Greatest Enemy emphasised chaotic, close-quarters clashes, with outlaws using terrain to their advantage.
- Symbolic Duels: The showdown between Robin and the Sheriff in The King’s Fool blended swordplay with psychological tension, framing combat as a battle of ideologies.
- Training & Precision: Actors underwent rigorous training to handle weapons safely. Clive Mantle (Little John) mastered the quarterstaff’s sweeping strikes, while Ray Winstone (Will Scarlet) brought raw intensity to knife fights.
Fantasy Meets Fencing
The series’ mystical elements occasionally seeped into its combat:
- In The Swords of Wayland, duels against the Knights Templar featured slow-motion sequences and eerie sound design, heightening the otherworldly threat.
- Herne’s influence was implied through Robin’s preternatural reflexes, as if the forest god guided his blade.
Legacy of Combat
Robin of Sherwood’s fight choreography influenced later adaptations like the BBC’s Robin Hood (2006), which echoed its mix of historical grit and stylised action. The show proved that medieval combat could be both authentic and artistically expressive, leaving a legacy as sharp as the blades it showcased.
“Nothing’s forgotten. Nothing is ever forgotten.”
