A True Hero In Disney's Robin Hood

Graham Seal, a modern author, looks at the history of vigilante heroes in an article entitled The Robin Hood Principle: Folklore, History, and the Social Bandit. Through his research of individuals both fictional and non-fictional, he argues that “outlaw heroes arise in historical circumstances in which one or more social, cultural, ethnic, or religious groups believe themselves to be oppressed and unjustly treated” by those with power (Seal 70). It is out of these situations that a hero is spurred to action, and Disney’s Robin Hood narrative follows this pattern exactly. To be categorized as a true hero, however, Seal sets aside key elements that must be met. Robin Hood, while “forced to defy the law – or what passes for it,” never kills his

His actions are not anarchic or designed to incite mobs and riots; rather, they are rooted in a greater respect for the law. It is important to first establish that Robin Hood’s actions aren’t blindly against the royal family. In classic Disney style, this point is made clear by the romantic storyline between the outlaw and Maid Marian, the royal niece of King Richard. Unlike Prince John, Maid Marian has a heart for the poor and takes care of the town’s children. In one scene, the local kids get lost in her courtyard, only to be adored over by the royal niece and her attendant (Robin Hood). Through her relationship with Robin Hood, the viewer sees that the outlaw’s actions are not blind to logic; instead, they are carefully aimed at those rulers blatantly hurting the poor. The next distinguishing factor, and likely the most important in analyzing Robin Hood’s relationship to the law, is what happens when King Richard returns from the Crusades. “Good King Richard’s” triumphant entrance at the end of the film sends the tyrannical prince to jail and abruptly ends Robin Hood’s illegal actions (Robin Hood). As order is restored to Nottingham, there remains no need for him to continue stealing from the rich because the moral government of King Richard retakes the duty of caring for the poor. By helping keep the citizens alive until balance is restored, Robin Hood’s actions are

On one hand, it is clear that the innocent citizens of Nottingham consider him to be a hero. Mother Rabbit fondly tells Robin Hood that he is the only thing that keeps the peoples’ hopes alive through trying times. When Robin Hood calls himself an outlaw, Friar Tuck responds, saying, “You’re no outlaw, someday you’ll be called a great hero” (Robin Hood). In these cases, his actions of vigilante justice are showered with gratitude from the people who he helps. However, the less clear answer arises out of the broader possible repercussions. While we have established that Robin Hood has a moral standing to take action against corruption and that he has a respect for the law when rulers are just, we have not yet eased Lincoln’s concerns that these lawbreakers are actually setting a dangerous precedent. Robin Hood’s actions can only be considered compatible with the law if they do not perpetuate a strenuous relationship between citizens and civic