Furthermore, the criminal behaviour of Robin Hood and his men indicates that criminals in medieval England often operated in gangs and informs us of the composition of such groups. The iconic duo of Robin Hood and Little John often set out to commit crimes together, a relationship which is still familiar to modern day audiences. However, they do not always operate together. For example, it is Little John and Much the Miller’s son who behead the monk in Robin Hood and the Monk, which is partly because they are on route to free Robin from prison. However, there is little mention in the rhymes of Robin Hood and his men operating in groups larger than two. This is similar to the reality of medieval England, as two member bands were most common, making up forty-one percent of crimes, followed by gangs of three making up twenty-two percent and four member gangs making up twelve percent of crimes. Therefore, Robin Hood’s criminal activity helps us to understand how gangs operated in medieval England, largely in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries over disputes over game. This comparison can also help us to understand how prominent gangs such as Folvilles and Coterels operated. The medieval tradition of Robin Hood doesn’t suggest or inform us of the involvement of clergy in criminal gangs, which was the case in medieval …show more content…
The sheriff is presented as being the physical representation of the current state of corruption in medieval society. As a result of this, the sheriff’s eventual death appears justifiable. The rhymes portray Robin and his men as heroes as they are metaphorically eradicating the corruption in society, through getting rid of the individual who personifies it. Robin Hood and his men attack the sheriff unexpectedly and continue to beat him whilst he is lying on the floor and leave him for dead:
“Lye thou there, thou proude