The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Archery—an activity requiring precision as well as strength—is the favorite sport of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and the bow and arrow serve as a symbol of their way of life. They suggest Robin’s freedom and a life devoted to fun and physical prowess. Archery is present throughout the book, both as a means of hunting and as a sport that tests skill. The first time we see Robin, he is on his way to an archery contest. He later takes part in archery matches in Nottingham (Part 1, Chapter 2) and London before the king and queen (Part 7, Chapter 1). Robin often entertains his guests in Sherwood Forest with a show of archery (Part 2, Chapter 1, Page 63). Robin’s skill with bow in arrow is, in fact, the thing that most contributes to his fame aside from his outlawry. He bests nearly everybody he comes up against, except for a rare misfire while shooting before King Richard (Part 8, Chapter 2, Page 309-310). Thus, archery stands for Robin’s uniqueness and the qualities that make people respect and love him. In a sense, the bow and arrow are an extension of him.

As he lies dying, Robin shoots one last arrow with Little John’s assistance. The arrow symbolizes his spirit and energy which are now spent: “…but something had sped from that body, even as the winged arrow sped from the bow” (326). Yet, the fact that the arrow travels far suggests that Robin’s spirit and fame will live on and spread far and wide.