William Gwynne's Reviews > The Gest of Robyn Hood

The University reading list is beginning... and the history side is kicking off with The Ballads of Robin Hood. First up, possibly the most important in this story, The Gest of Robyn Hood......

To my knowledge the longest of the early Robin Hood ballads, it is fascinating to see what is clearly the tale we know, with many of the same characters, similar themes and same swashbuckling core. Equally, what is missing is as intriguing. Robin is a yeomen, and not the noble Robin of Locksley, there is no Maid Marian and, whilst Robin does have a moral code, he robs from the rich but does not give so much to the poor.... but he is still generous! Whilst much of the Middle English this is written in looks alien to the eye, I read this out loud and you can see the pronunciations of the majority of there ballad is the same as if it was written now.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the other ballads!