Blending Myth and Rebellion
Robin of Sherwood (1984–1986) redefined the Robin Hood legend by weaving pagan mysticism, Arthurian echoes, and Saxon folklore into its narrative tapestry. Nowhere is this fusion more potent than in the two-part episode “The Swords of Wayland”, which aired on 17 November 1984. Written by creator Richard Carpenter and directed by Robert Young, this instalment remains a cornerstone of the series, celebrated for its daring embrace of the supernatural and its haunting exploration of power’s corrupting allure.
Episode Overview: A Descent into Darkness
Plot Synopsis
A sinister convent led by the enigmatic Morgwyn of Ravenscar (Rula Lenska) masquerades as a pious order while secretly plotting to summon Lucifer. Their weapon? The Seven Swords of Wayland, forged by the legendary Saxon smith Wayland (or Völundr in Norse myth). Each sword is inscribed with a demonic sigil, their combined power capable of unleashing apocalyptic chaos. Robin Hood (Michael Praed) and his outlaws must navigate a labyrinth of dark magic, betrayal, and moral ambiguity to thwart Morgwyn’s ritual.
Key Themes
- Power and Corruption: The swords symbolise unchecked power, their “blind” magic reflecting humanity’s capacity for both creation and destruction.
- Faith vs. Heresy: The nuns’ perversion of religious devotion critiques institutional hypocrisy.
- Fate and Free Will: Herne the Hunter’s cryptic warnings underscore the episode’s tension between predestination and choice.
Production Details: Crafting the Arcane
Episode Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Robin of Sherwood (Season 2, Episodes 5 & 6) |
| Titles | “The Swords of Wayland: Part 1” & “Part 2” |
| Original Air Date | 17 November 1984 |
| Writer | Richard Carpenter |
| Director | Robert Young |
| Filming Locations | Ashdown Forest (Sussex), Puzzlewood (Forest of Dean), and Alton Castle (Staffordshire) |
Cast
- Michael Praed as Robin of Loxley
- Rula Lenska as Morgwyn of Ravenscar
- John Abineri as Herne the Hunter
- Mark Ryan as Nasir (notable as TV’s first Muslim/Moorish Merry Man)
Mythological Roots and Symbolism
The Swords’ Demonic Names
The swords’ names, Morax, Solas, Orias, Albion, Elidor, Beleth, and Flauros, are drawn from The Lesser Key of Solomon, a 17th-century grimoire. Each corresponds to a demonic entity:
| Sword | Associated Demon | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Albion | N/A (name references ancient Britain) | England’s primordial soul; Robin’s moral anchor |
| Flauros | Demon of destruction and prophecy | Embodies the ritual’s catastrophic potential |
Wayland the Smith’s Legacy
Wayland, a figure from Norse and Anglo-Saxon mythology, epitomises the artisan-avenger archetype. His swords, like the mythical Gram (used by Sigurd to slay Fafnir), blur the line between tool and talisman.
Watch The Swords of Wayland Part One:
Watch The Swords of Wayland Part Two:
Legacy and Critical Acclaim
Cultural Impact
- Genre Influence: “The Swords of Wayland” pioneered the fusion of historical drama and supernatural horror, later echoed in shows like Merlin (2008) and Britannia (2018).
- Fandom Resurgence: The episode remains a fan favourite, with replica swords and convent robes showcased at conventions like London Film & Comic Con.
Critical Reception
- 1984 Reviews: Critics praised its audacious tone, with The Guardian noting, “Carpenter’s script elevates Robin Hood from outlaw to mythic guardian.”
- Retrospective Analysis: In 2019, Den of Geek ranked it among the “25 Most Groundbreaking TV Episodes of the 1980s”, highlighting Lenska’s “mesmerisingly malevolent” performance.
Awards and Nominations
- 1985 BAFTA Nomination: Best Costume Design (evident in the nuns’ crimson-and-black ceremonial garb).
- Cult Status: Voted “Best Robin of Sherwood Episode” in a 2005 fan poll by Spirit of Sherwood magazine.
Memorable Quotes
- Herne the Hunter: “Nothing we make is good or evil until we use it. The power in Wayland’s swords was blind. There lay the danger.”
- Morgwyn of Ravenscar: “The Light has had its time. Now comes the Darkness.”
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Arcane
- Prop Swords: Commissioned from Birmingham metalworkers, the blades were aluminium for lightweight duelling, with occult sigils etched by hand.
- Morgwyn’s Ritual: The climactic summoning scene used dyed dry ice and inverted Latin chants to evoke unease.
Conclusion: A Timeless Clash of Light and Shadow
“The Swords of Wayland” endures as a masterclass in mythic storytelling, its themes of power and morality resonating decades later. By daring to meld Robin Hood’s earthy rebellion with occult grandeur, it cemented Robin of Sherwood as a trailblazer, one that dared to ask, What price would humanity pay for a taste of divinity?
“It wasn’t just a television episode; it was a pagan incantation.” , Richard Carpenter, 1999 retrospective interview.
